NOVAK Djokovic has become the player with the most men’s singles Grand Slam titles in tennis history following his victory in the final of the French Open in Paris today.
The 36-year-old Serb defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets of 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the final at Roland Garros to win the unprecedented 23rd major title.
Djokovic has now surpassed Rafael Nadal, who has 22, and the retired Roger Federer, who has 21 Grand Slam titles.
The new French Open champion is also the first player in the Open Era with at least three men’s singles tournament victories at each of the four Grand Slams: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
Djokovic has equalled Serena Williams’ Grand Slam tally and is now just one behind all-time record-holder in both men’s and women’s tennis, Margaret Court.
At 36 years and 20 days, Djokovic has also become the oldest Roland-Garros men’s champion ever.
In front of a star-studded audience that included American football legend Tom Brady – who was in Djokovic’s box – Kylian Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hugh Grant and Olivier Giroud, the Serbian record-breaker picked up a fifth win over Ruud in as many meetings and ensured his return to the top of the world rankings.
After Djokovic won the first two sets in today’s final, he and Ruud were neck and neck in the third as the 24-year-old Norwegian made a valiant attempt to stay in the contest.
However, a crucial break in the 11th game gave the much more experienced Djokovic the advantage he needed and he never looked back, cementing his name further in the history books.
“Many congrats on this amazing achievement, Novak Djokovic,
23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about, and you made it! Enjoy it with your family and team!” Nadal tweeted moments after the game to congratulate his rival.
Comments are closed.