Novak Djokovic wins record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title with 2023 French Open victory

Novak Djokovic etched his name in history on Sunday on the clay courts in Paris, claiming a record 23^rd Grand Slam title to cement his status as the undisputed leader in men’s tennis. The Serbian breezed past Casper Ruud in the 2023 French Open Final, beating the Norwegian 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 at Roland Garros to become the most successful men’s singles player in history, breaking his tie with Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slam titles and clinching a record 23^rd Majors crown.

With this win on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the Serb regains his world number one ranking for a record-extending 388th week while also making him the first and only man to win each Grand Slam title three times, adding to his soon-to-be undeniable legacy as the greatest of all time.

Having conquered world number one Carlos Alcaraz in a gruelling semi-final, Djokovic got off to a slow start in the title showdown against Casper Ruud on Sunday. The Norwegian, who was blown away by Rafael Nadal in straight sets in last year’s French Open Final, produced a much-improved showing against Djokovic, grabbing an early break.

However, it didn’t take the 36-year-old too long to get up to full speed. The Serbian rallied from 4-2 behind in the first set, securing a break of his own after Ruud struck the net with an overhead smash. Djokovic raised his level as the match wore on, dominating the tie-break by preying on Ruud’s backhand to take the first set. The Serb has now won each of his six tie-breaks at the 2023 French Open, winning 42 of the 55 points on offer without a single unforced error.

It was business as usual by the time the second set commenced, with the veteran dictating the pace from the baseline and racing away to a 3-0 lead before comfortably wrapping up a 6-3 win in under 50 minutes.

Ruud showed signs of a comeback to leave the third set hanging in the balance. But there was no stopping Novak, who delivered a pair of stunning cross-court winners to secure a break at 5-5 before serving out for the championship in the next game to complete his date with destiny.

The Serb fell to the floor as Ruud sprayed his final forehand wide, handing Djokovic his third consecutive Grand Slam victory in tournaments he has participated in and the record-breaking 23rd title.