The tremendous Novak Djokovic played the tennis of the Gods in 2015. He had a clear goal of winning all four Grand Slams, and he was a whisker away from doing just that. Stan Wawrinka, though, was happy to spoil the party for the Serbian.

While the 2015 Roland Garros was unsuccessful by his unreal standards, Djokovic got the love of the crowd after his heartbreaking defeat.

Djokovic arrived in Paris in 2015 with one sole aim- to win Roland Garros and finally complete his long wait for a Career Grand Slam. He could not have arrived at the event in better form. He had won his fifth Australian Open title at the start of the season. In fact, Novak was unbeaten until his final against Wawrinka.

It looked like destiny that Novak would lift the only missing Major that year. He had passed all the tests, even hammering the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, in the quarter-finals. Wawrinka and Djokovic had met earlier in the year at the Australian Open as well. Djokovic beat the Swiss defending champion in a compelling match, taking the final set 6-0.

An emotional ovation for Novak Djokovic

Most people had their money on the Serb to beat Stan again and take the crown in Paris. And that was before the match even started.

Once it did start, those expectations grew even stronger. Novak was dominating and controlling the match. He took the first set, but then Wawrinka came alive. He played the match of his life to obliterate the World No.1 and win his second Grand Slam trophy.

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As thrilled as the fans were for Wawrinka, they were just as heartbroken for Novak. He had no option but to wait another 12 months before he could complete his Career Grand Slam.

It was a rare sight to see Novak lose, especially after taking control of a match. Actually, the Serb was on a 28-match win streak when he stepped on the court for the final.

As Novak trudged up to collect his runners-up trophy, the fans decided to give him a different gift.

The emotionally charged round of applause lasted about two whole minutes. You could see the emotion surface in the Serbian as he acknowledged the crowd’s appreciation. The love of the crowd hit him deep and hard, and he was visibly moved by the gesture.

He may not have won the title, but he got something better than even the runners-up trophy. It certainly is one of the most heartfelt moments in the sport’s history.

Djokovic returned 12 months later to finally win the trophy. Maybe that show of love by the crowd spurred him further to win it once and for all.