Serbian Novak Djokovic defeated Casper Rudd in straight sets to win the French Open 2023 and, in the process, created history by becoming the first male Tennis player ever to win record-breaking 23 Grand Slam titles. He is now the only player to win all Slams – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, at least three times.
The 36-year-old Novak beat Ruud 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 7-5 and went past Nadal – the Clay King, as the most successful male Tennis player in history. The veteran star won his third title Roland Garros after 2016 and 2021, in addition to winning ten Australian Open, seven Wimbledon and three US Open titles.
While Novak’s 23rd Slam title puts him ahead of every male Tennis athlete ever, he joins the legendary pair of Margaret Court and Serena Williams on the list of players with 23 or more Grand Slam wins. The Serb will aim for his 24th title at Wimbledon this year.
Upon winning the coveted trophy in Paris, France, the number three seeded at the event, Novak will reclaim his number one ranking on Monday, leapfrogging Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.
Meanwhile, playing his seventh French Open Final with a superb head-to-head record lead of 4-0 over Ruud, also without losing a set, Novak came with a mission. The Norwegian Ruud looked more composed at the start, taking a 3-0 lead. With the scorecard reading 4-1 at one stage, it looked like Ruud is up for a challenge and might break Novak’s unbeaten streak over him.
But as great players do, they make stunning comebacks, and so did the Serb star. After being down 1-4 at one stage, Novak pulled his socks and won the first set 7-6.
He took an early lead in the second set and made light work of his opponent, winning the second set 6-3. With only one set away from entering history books, Novak looked more determined than ever.
In the third and final set of the match, Novak and Ruud displayed their A-games, but with experience and will to win this high-octane clash, Novak had an edge over his opponent. Without much hassle, he overcame the challenge and beat Ruud to win his third French Open title – and overall 23rd Grand Slam title.
Moreover, some of the star players from other sports, like Kylian Mbappe and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, were present, alongside NFL legend Tom Brady and former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson were also there in attendance.
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