Tennis player Jean-Julien Roger (40) won the men’s doubles at Roland Garros with partner Marcelo Arévalo of El Salvador. He defeated Croatian pair Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajesek of the United States in three sets in the final in Paris, 6-7 (4) 7-6 (5) 6-3.
Roger thanked his family, who came from Curaçao, for their support. He realized that it was unique to win a Grand Slam tournament at his age. “I’m glad I got to experience this. I also know I’m getting old and don’t know how long I can play these great tournaments. It’s special.”
Arevalo agreed. “It was a great match with a little difference in strength. Maybe the luckiest one won. It’s great that we were too. We are very happy with it.”
After a nearly even match, the Dutchman and his teammate had to make the decision with a break in the third company, and they are the only ones. They did not give up the lead after that. After about three hours, they decided to match using the first match point. They settled three match points in the second set.
In the men’s doubles, Roger also won titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, albeit with a different partner. In Paris he was already the strongest in mixed doubles.
