Novak Djokovic has won the French Open for the third time and overall, an incredible and record 23 Grand Slams, the most men’s Grand Slam titles ever.
Djokovic overcame a sluggish start in the final in Paris, Sunday, to beat Norwegian No.4 Casper Ruud in three straight sets 7-6 6-3 7-5.
The Serbian is now the only male player to have won each of the four Grand Slams – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open – at least three times.
Fourth seed Ruud, playing in his third major final after Roland Garros and the U.S. Open, got off to the better start with an early break.
Djokovic, however, rallied back to win the tiebreak, then cruised through the second set and tightened his grip when it mattered in the third.
The 36-year-old third seed after three hours and 13 minutes, sealed an emphatic win when Ruud sent a forehand wide on the second match point.
“Obviously a Grand Slam is a Grand Slam,” said Djokovic at the trophy ceremony.
“The four biggest tournaments that we have in our sport. Every single player dreams of being on this stage and winning the trophy at least once in their career. I’m beyond fortunate in my life to win 23 times, it’s an incredible feeling.”
What Roland Garros means to Djokovic:
With his win, the three-time Roland Garros titlist Djokovic also reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings from Carlos Alcaraz.
He also eclipsed Rafael Nadal as the oldest Roland Garros champion at the age of 36 years and 20 days and became the first man to win all four Grand Slam events at least three times.
After nullifying Ruud’s early charge, Djokovic barely looked back on the way to extending his lead in the pair’s ATP Head2Head series to 5-0.
The Serbian outhit the fourth seed by 52 winners to 31 while winning 80 per cent (59/74) of points behind his first serve, reported ATP Tour.
Playing in his third championship match in the past five major tournaments, Ruud battled well but was unable to maintain his scintillating start.
The 24-year-old, who also reached finals at Roland Garros and the US Open in 2022, did not win more than two points in a return game after 4-3 in the first set as Djokovic ruthlessly shut down his opponent’s efforts to rally.
“Another day, another record for you,” said Ruud, when addressing Djokovic at the trophy ceremony.
“And another day you rewrite tennis history. It’s tough to explain how incredible it is and how good you are, and what an inspiration you are to so many people around the world.
“Congratulations to you and your team. I know this tastes probably the best out of all [of your major titles]… I’m happy I’m the first one to congratulate you here, from this stage.”