Novak Djokovic stands alone at the pinnacle of men’s tennis after defeating Casper Ruud to win his 23rd grand slam title at the French Open.
Since claiming his first at the Australian Open in 2008, Djokovic has been pursuing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal through the history books but now he has surpassed both having broken the record he jointly held with Nadal.
Djokovic’s 7-6 (1) 6-3 7-5 victory over Ruud draws him level with Serena Williams and he could equal Margaret Court’s all-time singles mark at Wimbledon next month.
The Serbian, meanwhile, also becomes the first man ever to win at least three slam titles at all the major tournaments – a measure of his all-round greatness.
Ruud had impressed in making it back to the final, where he won only six games against Nadal last year, and was looking for his first title in his third final having also lost to Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.
He had failed to win a set in four previous matches against Djokovic, though, and missed his chance here in an 81-minute opener before the Serbian pulled away for his 21st consecutive slam victory.
Ruud came out sharp but it was only a question of time before Djokovic made his move and it came at 5-5, a series of superlative groundstrokes earning him the break, and moments later his moment of history.
Djokovic, who has played in the Paris final seven times, told a cheering crowd on court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday evening that the French Open was always the hardest slam for him to win.
“A lot of emotions here on this court, also off the court,” he said, after lifting the trophy aloft.
The 36-year-old won the title without Nadal in the tournament, with the Spaniard missing the grand slam due to an injury and surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the year.
“I am being fortunate in my life to win 23 grand slams. It is an incredible feeling,” Djokovic said.
After collecting his runners-up plate, Ruud congratulated Djokovic.
“Another day, another record for you and another day you write rewrite tennis history,” said the fourth seed. “It’s tough to explain how incredible it is and how good you are.”
The Serbian returned the praise: “Casper, thank you for your nice words. You are one of the best persons on the tour. I really feel that in today’s world it’s important to note when someone has the right life values. You deserve great respect.
“I’m sorry for the result today. For sure it’s not the best way to finish for you but you’ve had an incredible couple of years here. I wish you to win against anybody except me.”
Record 23 grand slams
Djokovic’s win took him past Rafael Nadal, with whom he had previously shared the record on 22.
TITLES:
Australian Open – 10 (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
French Open – 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)
Wimbledon – 7 (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
US Open – 3 (2011, 2015, 2018)
LIST OF MOST PROLIFIC MEN’S GRAND SLAM SINGLES WINNERS
Novak Djokovic 23
Rafael Nadal 22
Roger Federer 20
Pete Sampras 14
*Serena Williams finished her career last year, also with 23 majors, the most for a woman in the Open era.
*Djokovic has also won 11 titles since the age of 30. Serena Williams is the only other player to win 10 majors in her 30s.
* Those most recent 11 wins have come in 21 grand slam events – four Australian Opens, four Wimbledons, two French Opens and a US Open.
* The Serbian appears to be improving with age, having lifted 12 of a possible 40 major trophies in his 20s.
—AAP with PA
