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Novak Djokovic’s third French Open title also saw him rise to No. 1 in ATP rankings
NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic basks in the glory of his solitary view from the top after emerging victorious against Casper Ruud to claim a record-breaking 23rd major title at the Roland-Garros on Sunday.
Although underdogs have occasionally denied the Serbian tennis maestro a place in history, Ruud’s early momentum faded, failing to join the select few who have halted Djokovic’s indomitable ascent.
Djokovic’s 7-6(1), 6-2, 7-5 victory makes him the first man in the sport’s history to secure at least three titles at each of the four major tournaments. With this feat, he matches Serena Williams’ haul and could equal Margaret Court’s record with an eighth Wimbledon crown next month.
“I am delighted to be here at this very specific moment in my career,” Djokovic expressed on the court. “It is no coincidence that I won my 23rd Grand Slam here in Paris. This tournament has always been the hardest for me to win, so I am very emotional right now. This means a lot. I have experienced a lot of emotions on this court, and I’m really proud and honoured to share them on this special court.”
Djokovic’s victory propels him beyond his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal, for the most major titles, reclaiming the world No.1 ranking in the process. Impressively, eleven of his Grand Slam trophies have been won in his 30s, a feat unmatched by any other player in that age bracket.
🇷🇸 HISTORY 🇷🇸#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/5d4r8keSE6
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023
“The four biggest tournaments we have in our sport, and every single player dreams of being on this stage and winning at least once in their career,” Djokovic reflected. “I’ve been fortunate to win 23 times. I’d like to send a message to every young person out there – tennis, sports, or anything else.”
“I was a seven-year-old dreaming about winning Wimbledon. I’m beyond grateful to be standing here. I had the power to create my own destiny. I visualise everything in my life and feel it with every cell in my body. Forget about what happened in the past, and if you want a better future, you create it,” the Serbian added.
Many congrats on this amazing achievement @DjokerNole
23 is a number that just a few years back was imposible to think about, and you made it!
Enjoy it with your family and team! 👏🏻— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 11, 2023
Ruud, the gracious runner-up, was the first to acknowledge Djokovic’s greatness. Despite falling short for the second consecutive year in his pursuit of delivering Norway its first major champion, he recognised that he had succumbed to the best.
“Another day, another record for you,” Ruud acknowledged. “Another day you rewrite tennis history. It’s tough to explain how incredible it is, how good you are, what an inspiration you are to so many around the world,” he added.
Tough to make any numbers based argument against @DjokerNole being the best ! If you’re making an argument against, it’s likely based on feelings and not record. Congrats on 23! Crazy to even think that’s possible
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) June 11, 2023
Throughout this tournament, Ruud had worked his way into contention, although he had never taken a set off Djokovic in their previous four encounters.
He made an impressive start as dark clouds loomed above, costing Djokovic his opening service game with an overcooked overhead. Soon, the Serbian found himself trailing the free-swinging fourth seed 1-4.
This is what Novak Djokovic looked like when I first watched him play against Andy when they were 11. What an incredible career he has gone on to have. Record breaking 23 Grand Slam titles ….. 🐐 ⭐️ 🇷🇸 👏👏👏👏👏@rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/wvfH0wlFFw
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) June 11, 2023
Ruud demonstrated his venomous forehand and fearlessness at the net, arguably producing his highest-level set in three major finals. With Djokovic serving to stay in the set, another cautious overhead shot proved costly as he failed to handle Ruud’s tweener shot. However, all was not lost.
In a near-perfect tiebreak delivered in the 82nd minute, Djokovic dealt a significant blow. While he had a formidable 14-3 record after winning the first set in a Grand Slam final, two of those losses occurred on the same court. If Ruud was to become the third player to defeat Djokovic in Paris, he needed to shake off his disappointment swiftly.
Congratulations on winning 23 majors @DjokerNole and cementing your legacy in another command performance at Roland Garros. Your skill and unwavering mental fortitude on all surfaces is astonishing. Kudos to Casper Ruud, who valiantly pushed this great champion all the way. 🚀 https://t.co/vY003Jj6Iu
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) June 11, 2023
The Serbian quickly seized a 3-0 lead in the second set, and although Ruud saved a pair of set points on his serve, a love hold soon secured a two-set advantage for Djokovic. From this point on, Ruud faced a monumental task.
Sensing his opportunity, Djokovic broke Ruud’s serve to love in the 11th game of the third set, ultimately sealing victory in three hours and 13 minutes.
At 36 years and 20 days old, he became the oldest men’s champion in the history of Roland-Garros, and for the third time in his career, he finds himself halfway to the elusive calendar Grand Slam.
