Novak makes history, once again!
With his third French Open title, the Serbian star becomes the most decorated Grand Slam champion!
With 23 majors, Nole can be considered the greatest male tennis player in history, the GOAT!
Novak Djokovic showed his greatness once again beating Casper Ruud in straight sets on Sunday, 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5, to win his third Roland Garros crown and a historic 23rd Grand Slam title, one clear of Spaniard Rafael Nadal on the all-time list.
Ruud broke first and consolidated it to move up 3-0, but Djokovic fought back to level and force a tiebreak, which he went on to win in convincing fashion 7-1.
Riding the wave of confidence, the third seed earned a break point in the second game of the second set. He capitalised on it and kept the advantage to grab a two sets to love lead.
The fourth-seeded Norwegian tried to disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm, but Novak maintained his stellar level throughout the contest. He made a crucial break in the 11th game of the third set and served it out for the magnificent victory.
“Thank you very much for such a special atmosphere. I am very happy to share such a special moment in my career with you,” said Djokovic at the trophy ceremony. “It’s no coincidence that my 23rd Grand Slam title has come here because it has been the hardest one for me to win in my career. I am very emotional right now and I am very, very proud to be here. Thank you for all your support and all the energy I have gained from you.”
Ruud congratulated Nole on “another day, another record”. He added: “And another day you rewrite tennis history. It is tough to explain how great you are and what an inspiration you are to so many people around the world, so congratulations to you, to your team. I know this tastes the best of all.”
Match statistics: aces (11-4), double faults (1-1), winners (52-31), unforced errors (32-31), total points won (118-89).
En-route to his 94th career title and third in 2023, Novak also beat Aleksandar Kovacevic (USA), Marton Fucsovics (HUN), Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP), Juan Pablo Varillas (ESP), Karen Khachanov (RUS) and Carlos Alcaraz (ESP).
Djokovic became the first man to win each Grand Slam event at least three times. He is also the oldest Roland Garros champion at the age of 36 years and 20 days.
With the triumph, the Belgrade native secured his return to No.1 in the ATP Rankings. He will start his 388th week at the summit of men’s professional tennis.
Photos: Profimedia
