Novak Djokovic Claims Record-Breaking 23rd Grand Slam Title in French Open Victory

PARIS (AP) — In a remarkable feat of achievement, Novak Djokovic claimed his long-standing goal of surpassing tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer by winning his 23rd Grand Slam title. The French Open final saw Djokovic face off against Casper Ruud, but after a slightly shaky start, Djokovic quickly asserted his dominance, leaving Ruud with little chance of victory.

Djokovic's impressive performance led to a 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 triumph over Ruud, solidifying his position as the player with the most Grand Slam singles championships in men's tennis history. With this victory, Djokovic adds to his French Open titles in 2016 and 2021, becoming the sole player to have won at least three titles in each major tournament. His first Grand Slam victory came at the 2008 Australian Open, and he now boasts a total of 10 trophies from that tournament, along with seven from Wimbledon and three from the U.S. Open.

While Djokovic celebrates his latest triumph, he also stands halfway towards achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam, a feat not accomplished since Rod Laver in 1969. Djokovic came close to achieving this remarkable milestone in 2021, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, and reaching the final of the U.S. Open.

Looking ahead, Djokovic's pursuit of a calendar-year Grand Slam will continue at Wimbledon, scheduled to begin on July 3 at the All England Club. His coach, Goran Ivanisevic, acknowledges Djokovic's exceptional mental strength and motivation, evident in his performance throughout the tournament.

Reflecting on Djokovic's journey, it is noteworthy to consider the Slam count at the start of the 2011 season: Federer had 16 titles, Nadal had 9, and Djokovic had only 1. Djokovic's remarkable ascent has seen him claim 11 out of the last 20 Slams, an extraordinary achievement, even more so when considering his absence from two tournaments due to his choice not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Djokovic's 23rd Grand Slam title not only sets the record for men's tennis but also equals Serena Williams' tally, the most by any player in the Open era. It is worth noting that Margaret Court won some of her 24 Slam trophies during the amateur era.

At the age of 36 and 20 days, Djokovic becomes the oldest singles champion at Roland Garros, widely regarded as the most physically demanding major due to the slow, grinding nature of play on the red clay surface.

Following the final, Nadal, who won his 22nd major title in Paris last year, congratulated Djokovic on his extraordinary achievement, recognizing the significant milestone that was once unimaginable.

Djokovic's victory ensures his return to the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, surpassing Carlos Alcaraz. Having spent more weeks at the No. 1 spot than any other player in tennis history, Djokovic's dominance is undeniable.

Djokovic's semifinal victory over Alcaraz further showcased his indomitable spirit, wearing down his opponent and securing a place in the final. Although Ruud reached his third Grand Slam final in five events, he remains winless, having lost to Nadal at the French Open last year and to Alcaraz at the U.S. Open in 2022.

In the French Open final, Djokovic initially struggled with his forehand shots, making uncharacteristic errors.

However, he quickly recalibrated and demonstrated his typical form, winning 12 of the last 13 points of the match. The crowd erupted with chants of "No-le! No-le! No-le!" as Djokovic claimed victory, falling to the court in celebration.

Ruud acknowledged Djokovic's ability to apply pressure and force opponents into taking risks, making it a challenging experience. Djokovic's defensive prowess and ability to hit winners without making mistakes were on full display, making it a formidable task for Ruud to mount a comeback.

The first set was particularly intense, lasting 1 hour and 21 minutes, filled with extended rallies and breathtaking points. Djokovic's mastery of tiebreakers was evident, as he dominated the first-to-7 segment with four winners and no unforced errors. Djokovic's success in tiebreakers throughout his career has been a key factor in his triumphs, boasting a winning percentage of .655.

Djokovic's triumph in the French Open final further fuels the ongoing debate about who deserves the title of the greatest tennis player of all time. While Djokovic remains humble and refrains from engaging in such discussions, he recognizes the significance of his latest victory as a testament to his exceptional tennis skills.
"Novak Djokovic Claims Record-Breaking 23rd Grand Slam Title in French Open Victory"
As Djokovic proudly holds the Coupes des Mousquetaires, he emphasizes that this trophy validates his ability to consistently produce high-quality tennis. His remarkable journey continues to captivate the tennis world, leaving spectators in awe of his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.