2023-06-11 18:24:29
From our special correspondent Porte d’Auteuil – Novak Djokovic beat Casper Ruud on Sunday in the Roland-Garros final (7-6, 6-3, 7-5). A third victory at Porte d’Auteuil but above all a 23rd Grand Slam title, an absolute record for men, ahead of Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20).
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The debate about the best tennis player of all time will never find a definitive answer. But, no offense to fans of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic has just added a new argument to his long list of applicants: he won his 23rd Grand Slam title on Sunday, June 11, an absolute record for the men, by swallowing the Norwegian Casper Ruud in three sets (7-6, 6-3, 7-5) in the Roland-Garros final.
At the top of the male pantheon
Besides this 23e Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic also recovered a multitude of records in passing : it became, at 36 years and 20 days, the oldest French Open winner, eclipsing Rafael Nadal’s record last year. He also became the first man to win every Grand Slam three times, a performance that only Margaret Court, Stefanie Graaf and Serena Williams had achieved so far.
Many congrats on this amazing achievement @DjokerNole
23 is a number that just a few years back was imposible to think about, and you made it!
Enjoy it with your family and team! ????????— Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 11, 2023
Casper Ruud had however started his final perfectly. He inflicts a shutout on his serve to his opponent then hangs Djokovic for a long time on his face-off. After more than 11 minutes, it is even he who offers himself the first break of the match. He confirms in stride and flies away (3-0).
The Serb’s revival begins on his next serve. Djokovic regains its verve by easily inflicting a shutout on Ruud. If the Norwegian manages to maintain his advantage on his next serve, Djokovic cracks him in the face-off that follows. He breaks after an incredible exchange of 28 shots, concluded by a foul in the net. The Philippe-Chatrier is jubilant with great reinforcements from “Nole ! Absent ! Absent !”
Casper Ruud bends but does not break. Fighting on every point, he takes the world number 3 to the tie-break. It’s easy to forget that the Serb is the absolute master of the exercise : sn the 469 decisive games he has played since his arrival on the circuit, Djoko has won 307. He adds a 308th – his sixth of the tournament without having conceded one – not even giving Casper Ruud the opportunity to win. ‘to hope.
Novak Djokovic takes control of the match and does not let go. He makes the entry break against his opponent. Then, the Serb is content to manage his set against a helpless Casper Ruud before concluding with a shutout (6-3).
Novak Djokovic now seems untouchable on his face-off. Casper Ruud does not score any points on the first two services of “Nole”. And even when he is in danger, the ball falls on the right side of the net (4-4). The old fox bides his time, takes a break at the best moment and concludes without trembling.
The emotion nails him to the ground for a few moments, before celebrating this 23rd major title with his family. The Serb had prepared the moment meticulously, as evidenced by his “23” flocked jacket that he exhibits for the delivery and the start of the speech in French. On the other hand, he did not know that in addition to the Coupe des Mousquetaires awarded by Yannick Noah, the last French male winner to date (1983), the FFT had prepared a replica of the Cup for him engraved with all the dates of his tournaments won.
“Thank you for this special atmosphere today. It is not a coincidence to win this 23rd title here because it has always been the most difficult tournament for me to win. I am very proud and very happy to be here” , said Novak Djokovic on the podium. “It’s a lot of emotions.”
Other records to look for
Novak Djokovic does not intend to stop there. There is still to the one who becomes world number 1 for the 388th week – another record which he improves – some records to seek. Now tied with Serena Williams in terms of Grand Slam tournaments won, Novak Djokovic is aiming for the absolute record in this area : that of Margaret Court and her 24 victories.
Already a winner at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic could also take advantage of this year to try to win all the Majors in a calendar year. A feat that only Rod Laver succeeded in the Open era (since 1968), in 1969 and where Djokovic’s hand trembled in 2021 at the last moment.
For these two exploits, Novak Djokovic is already giving an appointment next July at Wimbledon.
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