Novak Djokovic captured his record-setting 23rd Grand Slam title Sunday with a 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 victory over Casper Ruud in the French Open final in Paris.
The third-seeded Serbian broke a tie with Spanish rival Rafael Nadal for the most major singles championships by a men’s player and tied Serena Williams for the most by any player in the Open Era.
“Four biggest tournaments that we have in the history in our sport of tennis,” Djokovic said. “Every single player dreams of being in this stage and winning the trophy at least once in their career. I am beyond fortunate in my life to win 23 times, Grand Slams. It’s an incredible feeling.”
At the age of 36 years and 20 days, Djokovic also eclipsed Nadal as the oldest French Open champion with his third victory at Roland Garros (2016, 2021). He also became the first man to win all four Grand Slam tournaments at least three times.
Nadal, who is out for the season after hip surgery, tipped his cap to Djokovic on social media.
“Many congrats on this amazing achievement,” Nadal tweeted. “23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about, and you made it! Enjoy it with your family and team!”
With the win, Djokovic also reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in the world from Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic overcame 5-4 deficits in both the first and third sets against the fourth-seeded Ruud before eliminating the 24-year-old Norwegian in 3 hours and 13 minutes and celebrating with a backward fall onto the red clay.
Djokovic, who won his first Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open, improved to 5-0 against Ruud. He struck 11 aces and won 80 percent (59 of 74) of the points behind his first serve and saved three of four break points.
Djokovic rallied from a 4-1 hole in the opening-set tiebreak. In six tiebreaks during the fortnight, he outscored his opponents 42-13 and made zero unforced errors.
Djokovic outhit Ruud with 52 winners and 32 unforced errors. Ruud, still looking for his first Grand Slam title, had 31 winners and the same number of unforced errors. He saved seven of 10 break points while losing in the final at Roland Garros for the second straight year.
“I think we should start with Novak. Another day, another record for you, and another day you rewrite tennis history,” Ruud told Djokovic during his on-court interview.
“It’s tough to explain how incredible it is and how good you are. What an inspiration you are to so many people around the world. Congratulations to you, to your team, and I know this probably tastes the best out of all. So congrats.”
One G.O.A.T. cheered on another Sunday, with NFL legend Tom Brady among those in the crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier.
–Field Level Media
