- AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias
VIVA – Novak Djokovic made history on Sunday when he reached a record-breaking 23rd grand slam title with a third French Open victory. Because of this, he is crowned the greatest player of all time.
Djokovic, 36, successfully defeated Casper Ruud of Norway 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 7-5, and snap the tie of 22 grand slams he shared with career-long rival Rafael Nadal.
"It's a pleasure to win the 23rd Grand Slam title. I am so grateful and feel blessed to stand here with so many great achievements," Djokovic expressed.
Victory for the third time at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, after 2016 and 2021, adds to his 10 Australian Open titles, seven at Wimbledon and three at the United States Open.
Petenis asal Serbia, Novak Djokovic.
- AP Photo/Stas Filippov
Djokovic is the first man to win all four majors at least three times and is once again halfway to the first calendar grand slam since Rod Laver in 1969.
Only Margaret Court and Serena Williams in women’s tennis have managed to rack up 23 grand slam titles. Court’s all-time mark of 24 will now be in his sights at Wimbledon next month.
There is little sign of Djokovic slowing down. He is now the oldest French Open champion but 11 of his Slam trophies have now been won after he turned 30.
On Monday, he will reclaim the world number one ranking and start his 388th week in the top spot.
