Djokovic hails French winner Wawrinka

NOVAK Djokovic admits he was simply beaten by the better player as Stan Wawrinka stunned the Serb with a four-set victory in the French Open final.

Djokovic entered Philippe Chatrier as strong favourite to win his first title at Roland Garros and complete a career grand slam but Switzerland’s Wawrinka turned the formbook upside-down with a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory.

The loss brings an end to Djokovic’s 28-match unbeaten streak and means the eight-time major champion’s winless run in Paris extends to 11 attempts.

“Obviously it was not easy to stand there as a runner-up again but I lost to a better player who played some courageous tennis and deserved to win,” he said. “I probably could have played better in some moments, more aggressive.

“It wasn’t easy conditions but still, he took his chances whenever they were presented.

“He just played some really good tactical tennis and also very aggressive shots in some break points, like at four-all in the fourth, the winner passing shot down the line.

“All I can do is to say, ‘well done’. He deserves it.”

Djokovic looked to have come through his toughest tests in the tournament, having beaten nine-time champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals and then Britain’s third seed Andy Murray in the last four.

“I don’t want to come up with excuses, saying these two matches took a lot out of me,” Djokovic added.

“I don’t think that’s fair to Stan. I don’t think that’s fair to sit here and whine about now what has happened.

“Certainly those two matches were very big in terms of physical demand and mental, emotional, as well.

“But, still, I was feeling pretty fresh as much as I could. I was ready to go out and fight, and I have done so.”