Novak Djokovic created history on Sunday as he became the first to win 23 Grand Slam titles in the Open Era. This was following his triumph over Norwegian Casper Ruud in the French Open men’s singles final. He outclassed Ruud 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 7-5 in just over three hours at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Djokovic’s triumph passed Nadal’s 22 to set a men’s singles tennis record. He is tied with Serena Williams for most majors won in the Open Era.
Djokovic, who played his 34th Grand Slam final, will also return to the top of the world rankings. He also became the first male player to win each grand slam tournament at least three times.
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Astonishingly, Djokovic shows no sign of slowing down as 10 of his 22 Slams have been won after 30.
The Serb is now the first man to win all four Slams three times.
He is also now the oldest champion at Roland Garros (36 years, 19 days), surpassing Nadal, who won at 35 years, 11 months 19 days last year.
Overall, he is third on the list after Ken Rosewall (37 years, 1 month, and 24 days during his 1972 Australian Open haul) and Federer (36 years, 5 months, and 7 days during his 2018 Australian Open win).
Novak Djokovic created history on Sunday when he captured a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title with a third French Open triumph, reinforcing his case to be crowned the greatest player of all time.
The 36-year-old Serb brushed off an early wobble to defeat Casper Ruud of Norway 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 7-5, and snap the tie of 22 Slams he shared with career-long rival Rafael Nadal.
Victory for the third time in Paris, after 2016 and 2021, adds to his 10 Australian Open titles, seven at Wimbledon and three at the US Open.
Djokovic is the first to win all four majors three times. He is halfway to the first calendar Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.
Only Margaret Court and Serena Williams have won 23 Grand Slam titles in women’s tennis. Court’s all-time 24 mark will now be in his sights at Wimbledon next month.
Djokovic is not slowing down. He is now the oldest French Open champion but 11 of his Slam trophies have been won since he turned 30.
On Monday, he will reclaim world number one and start his 388th week in the top spot.
Sunday’s occasion attracted sports A-listers.
