Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis sensation, secured his 23rd Grand Slam title by defeating Casper Ruud in the highly anticipated French Open final. This remarkable victory propels Djokovic ahead of his tennis contemporaries, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, solidifying his status as the most successful male player in terms of major championships won.
The French Open final started with Djokovic facing a few initial challenges, struggling to find his rhythm in the humid conditions and under foreboding clouds. However, it didn’t take long for the Serbian star to assert his dominance. From that point forward, Ruud, his opponent on Court Philippe Chatrier, faced an uphill battle and had little chance of overturning the match in his favor.
With a 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 victory over Ruud, Djokovic now holds the record for the most men’s Grand Slam singles titles, surpassing the previous tie with Nadal and moving three titles ahead of the retired Federer. This victory adds to Djokovic’s previous French Open titles in 2016 and 2021, making him the sole male player to have won at least three championships in each major tournament.
The significance of this win extends beyond the record books. Djokovic is now halfway to achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Rod Laver in 1969. In 2021, Djokovic came tantalizingly close to achieving this milestone but fell short in the U.S. Open final against Daniil Medvedev. The Serbian star will continue his pursuit of the Grand Slam at Wimbledon, which commences on July 3rd.
At the age of 36, Djokovic also became the oldest singles champion at Roland Garros, a testament to his enduring excellence and remarkable fitness. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as the French Open is considered the most physically demanding major due to the lengthy, grinding points on the slow red clay surface.
Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of excellence has been evident throughout his career. Starting with a single Grand Slam title in 2008, he has now amassed a total of 10 Australian Open trophies, seven Wimbledon championships, and three U.S. Open victories. His dominance is further exemplified by his impressive performance in recent years, winning 11 out of the last 20 Grand Slam titles.
With his 23rd Grand Slam title, Djokovic not only sets a new record for men but also equals Serena Williams’ remarkable achievement as the most successful player in the Open era. The 34-year-old Serbian superstar now stands alongside Williams, both holding 23 major titles each, surpassing the previous record set by Steffi Graf.
Djokovic’s triumph at the French Open also marks his return to the world No. 1 ranking in the ATP rankings, surpassing Carlos Alcaraz. This achievement further solidifies Djokovic’s position as the player with the most weeks spent at the top spot in the history of computerized tennis rankings.
Novak Djokovic’s victory at the French Open and his 23rd Grand Slam title have etched his name in the annals of tennis history. With an unmatched combination of skill, determination, and longevity, Djokovic continues to elevate the sport and leaves no doubt about his place among the all-time greats. As the tennis world eagerly awaits the upcoming Wimbledon tournament, Djokovic’s pursuit of a calendar-year Grand Slam adds even more excitement to the season.