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Novak Djokovic stands alone on the pinnacle of males’s tennis after defeating Casper Ruud to win his twenty third grand slam title on the French Open.
Since claiming his first on the Australian Open in 2008, Djokovic has been pursuing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal by way of the historical past books however now he has surpassed each having damaged the document he collectively held with Nadal.
Djokovic’s 7-6 (1) 6-3 7-5 victory over Ruud attracts him degree with Serena Williams and he may equal Margaret Courtroom’s all-time singles mark at Wimbledon subsequent month.
The Serbian, in the meantime, additionally turns into the primary man ever to win a minimum of three slam titles in any respect the foremost tournaments – a measure of his all-round greatness.
Ruud had impressed in making it again to the ultimate, the place he gained solely six video games towards Nadal final 12 months, and was in search of his first title in his third remaining having additionally misplaced to Carlos Alcaraz on the US Open.
He had did not win a set in 4 earlier matches towards Djokovic, although, and missed his probability right here in an 81-minute opener earlier than the Serbian pulled away for his twenty first consecutive slam victory.
Ruud got here out sharp but it surely was solely a query of time earlier than Djokovic made his transfer and it got here at 5-5, a collection of superlative groundstrokes incomes him the break, and moments later his second of historical past.
Djokovic, who has performed within the Paris remaining seven instances, instructed a cheering crowd on courtroom Philippe Chatrier on Sunday night that the French Open was all the time the toughest slam for him to win.
“Plenty of feelings right here on this courtroom, additionally off the courtroom,” he mentioned, after lifting the trophy aloft.
The 36-year-old gained the title with out Nadal within the match, with the Spaniard lacking the grand slam on account of an damage and surgical procedure that may sideline him for the remainder of the 12 months.
“I’m being lucky in my life to win 23 grand slams. It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Djokovic mentioned.
After amassing his runners-up plate, Ruud congratulated Djokovic.
“One other day, one other document for you and one other day you write rewrite tennis historical past,” mentioned the fourth seed. “It’s robust to elucidate how unbelievable it’s and the way good you might be.”
The Serbian returned the reward: “Casper, thanks to your good phrases. You might be top-of-the-line individuals on the tour. I actually really feel that in at this time’s world it’s essential to notice when somebody has the proper life values. You deserve nice respect.
“I’m sorry for the consequence at this time. For certain it’s not one of the best ways to complete for you however you’ve had an unbelievable couple of years right here. I want you to win towards anyone besides me.”
Document 23 grand slams
Djokovic’s win took him previous Rafael Nadal, with whom he had beforehand shared the document on 22.
TITLES:
Australian Open – 10 (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
French Open – 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)
Wimbledon – 7 (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
US Open – 3 (2011, 2015, 2018)
LIST OF MOST PROLIFIC MEN’S GRAND SLAM SINGLES WINNERS
Novak Djokovic 23
Rafael Nadal 22
Roger Federer 20
Pete Sampras 14
*Serena Williams completed her profession final 12 months, additionally with 23 majors, essentially the most for a lady within the Open period.
*Djokovic has additionally gained 11 titles because the age of 30. Serena Williams is the one different participant to win 10 majors in her 30s.
* These most up-to-date 11 wins have are available in 21 grand slam occasions – 4 Australian Opens, 4 Wimbledons, two French Opens and a US Open.
* The Serbian seems to be bettering with age, having lifted 12 of a attainable 40 main trophies in his 20s.
—AAP with PA