Novak Djokovic won a record 23rd career Grand Slam title after defeating Casper Ruud in straight sets 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 7-5 in the French Open final on Sunday.
The 36-year-old Serbian was put to the test in the first set as he lost his serve in the second game before breaking Ruud’s serve in the seventh game and breezed past the Norwegian in the tie break after 1 hour and 23 minutes of play.
Djokovic dominated the second set by breaking Ruud in the second game and saw out the set in 53 minutes.
The final set was a nervy one with both players holding serve until the 11th game when Djokovic saved three break points to serve for the championship which he did with ease.
ROLAND-GARROS CHAMPIOOOOON ????????????#RolandGarros @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/gDEgIdLRci
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023
Djokovic now moves above Rafael Nadal (22) as the outright player with most Grand Slams in men’s tennis. He also becomes the first man to win all four majors at least three times.
Djokovic’s victory at Roland Garros also moved him level with Serena Williams (23) for most Grand Slam titles in the open era for either gender.
New level unlocked ????@DjokerNole is back on top of the men’s leaderboard.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/83t4CXrw75
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023
Djokovic will now be targeting equalling Margaret Court, the tennis player of any gender with most Grand Slams in history (24) when he participates in Wimbledon next month.
Djokovic’s French Open triumph will also return him to the top of the ATP World rankings, displacing Carlos Alcaraz who he defeated in four sets in the semi-finals.
