When You Win Roland Garros But Your Brain's Still Loading...

By Lewis Barnett 28 May, 2025 5 mins read 76 Views

I've watched thousands of tennis matches over the years, but Wednesday's scene at Court Suzanne Lenglen had me literally laughing out loud.

Damir Dzumhur just pulled off his biggest win in seven years - knocking out French crowd favorite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the French Open - and the guy had absolutely zero clue he'd actually won.

Picture this: 33-year-old Bosnian (all of 5'9") takes down this towering 6'8" French kid in front of a hostile Parisian crowd. Match point arrives. Mpetshi Perricard dumps a forehand long.

And Dzumhur? He casually hits the ball back over the net like it's his opponent's turn to serve.

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The Most Awkward Victory Celebration Ever

God, the secondhand embarrassment was real. You could see the exact moment reality hit him - this sheepish "oh crap" expression spreading across his face as he realized he'd just beaten the home favorite 7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

The poor guy then had to do this apologetic little jog to the net for the handshake, followed by the most tentative wave to a crowd that probably wanted to throw their croissants at him.

Dzumhur later admitted in his on-court interview: "I actually didn't know that I was serving for the match, so maybe it was better." Honestly? That's probably the most relatable thing any professional athlete has ever said.

From Death's Door to Roland Garros Magic

Here's what makes this win even more incredible.

Back in 2022, Dzumhur nearly died. Not being dramatic here - the man literally almost died from pancreatitis after a qualifying match at this same tournament. He told Clay Magazine he was "really close to dying," and doctors said someone older or in worse shape wouldn't have survived that kind of inflammation.

Three years later, he's back on the same courts, pulling off David vs. Goliath upsets and having senior moments during match point. Tennis is weird, man.

The guy peaked at No. 23 in the world seven years ago, made the third round here in 2015 and 2018, then basically fell off the map. Now he's having this random renaissance at 33, beating giants and forgetting he's won while doing it.

Reality Check: Alcaraz Awaits

Of course, Dzumhur's reward for this breakthrough moment? A third-round date with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

That's tennis for you - give you the highest high, then immediately schedule your execution. At least if Dzumhur loses in straight sets, he'll probably know the match is over this time.

Still, after watching him survive a literal life-threatening illness and come back to pull off wins like this... who knows? Maybe he'll surprise us again.

Just hopefully with a bit more situational awareness next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role has tennis icons played in the popularization of the sport?

Tennis icons have played an important role in popularizing tennis around the world. Throughout its history, charismatic and skilled players like Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer have captured the public's imagination. Their accomplishments on the court, and their personalities off the court have drawn not only fans to tennis but also inspired the younger generations to play the sport. Their legacies go beyond their titles. They shape the culture of tennis and its marketplace.

What are the roots of tennis in history?

The origins of tennis can be traced back to the 12th century France. In monastery courtyards, monks would use their hands in a sport called jeu de pâume to hit the ball. Over time, rackets were introduced, and the game evolved into what we recognize today as tennis. By the 16th century, the game became popular among the European nobility. Tennis has changed a lot since it was first invented, with the introduction in the 19th Century of lawn tennis and standardized rules.

Who is credited as standardizing the modern tennis game?

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield was largely responsible for standardizing the modern sport of tennis. In 1873 Wingfield invented a new version of tennis, called Sphairistike. The game was played on a grass hourglass court. Wingfield's version of the game included a simplified scoring system and the equipment that is similar to what is used today. This iteration laid the foundation for the rules of lawn tennis, and by 1877, the first Wimbledon Championships were held, cementing the game's rules and structure.

What are tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments?

The four Grand Slams or Majors are the highest-profile events in professional Tennis. They consist of the Australian Open in January, the French Open in May and June, Wimbledon in June and July, and the US Open in August and September. The tournaments are renowned for their level of competition, history, and significant prize money and ranking points. Winning a Grand Slam is considered one of the greatest achievements in tennis.

How has the scoring of tennis contributed to its uniqueness?

Tennis' scoring system is unique and adds to its appeal. The matches are split into sets and games. To win a set, players must win six games with a margin of at least two points. In games, scoring goes from love (0), to fifteen (30), and forty (40), before the winner is determined. If players tie (at forty), then they must win with two consecutive points. This system is unpredictable and creates tension.

Statistics

Professional tennis players can serve the ball at speeds exceeding 150 mph, with the fastest serve recorded at 163.7 mph by Australian player Sam Groth in 2012.
The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.
Lawn tennis, which evolved into the game we know today, adapted its point system from the jeu de paume, with theories suggesting its increments represent the face of a clock.
The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs over 200 nations, indicating the sport's vast international governance structure and participation rate.

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How To

What Tennis Racket is Right for You?

If you want to find the best tennis rackets, it is important to consider your style and level of expertise. Beginners may benefit from oversized rackets with a larger sweet spot, while intermediate players can opt for mid-plus rackets that offer a balance between power and control. Advanced players tend to choose mid-size or control rackets for precision. Assess the racket’s balance, weight and string pattern. You can improve your game by consulting with a coach, racket specialist or other tennis professionals.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/tennis/when-your-brain-goes-blank-at-the-worst-possible-moment