Stan Wawrinka was in awe of his own performance as he beat world No 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets in the French Open final.
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Wawrinka became the 30th man to win multiple grand slams in the Open Era when he added the French Open yesterday to his 2014 Australian Open title with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over Djokovic.
The Swiss also became the first since Albert Costa in 2002 to lose in the first round at Roland Garros then return 12 months later and win the tournament.
Last year after his shock opening round exit, he was at a McDonald’s with his coach Magnus Norman commiserating over a burger. This year, he leaves Paris on the last day – rather than on the first Sunday – as a two-time major champion.
“It’s quite strange when I tell myself that I have a gold medal in Davis Cup and I have two grand slams. Something quite amazing. I never expected to be that far in my career. Never expected to be that strong,” said Wawrinka.
“It is amazing, for sure. I still have a problem to really realise that I won the French Open. I’m still surprised the way I played, because I think I played amazing. I was really nervous, but I didn’t really choke. I was always going for my shots, always going for the right play. I’m really happy with the trophy tonight.”
Wawrinka had beaten Djokovic at a major before, en-route to winning the Australian Open last year, but had lost to him in Melbourne last January and on 16 other occasions.
With Djokovic gunning for the one major that has eluded him so far and running on a 28-match winning streak, Wawrinka knew what he was up against it.
“For me this one is really special for sure playing Novak in the final, the No 1 player,” added the 30-yearold. “He’s won almost everything since the beginning of the year. And especially the way I played and the way I finished the match, the way I was focused all the match, the way I changed the momentum.
“He’s such a tough player to play, especially in a final. I have a lot of respect to him and his team. He’s a great friend. I know he’s looking for that title. I hope he will get one, one day because he deserves one.”
Djokovic was clearly upset to suffer a third defeat in a Roland Garros final.
“Of course it hurts, especially because it was in the finals. I think I have played a great clay court season, a great Roland Garros. But he just found the solutions on the court. This is sport. That’s what happens on this level. You have to accept the loss,” said the world No 1.
The Serb, who was playing for a third straight day after his semifinal against Andy Murray had to be played over two days due to a storm, added: “I don’t want to come up with excuses. I don’t think that’s fair to Stan. To sit here and whine about what has happened.”
