French Open win makes him the first man to win a record 23 grand slams

By Ed Emeanua

Novak Djokovic overpowered Casper Ruud in three straight sets in 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, and 7-5, in the French Open final to become the first man to win a record 23 grand slams.

Djokovic’s victory against the Norwegian on Sunday raises him a step above ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal in the all-time list of grand slam winners, in the absence of the Spaniard who missed the tournament through injury.

Few, before the match, considered Ruud as capable of carrying out the artful quest of stopping Djokovic from achieving his third French Open title.

Here, there, everywhere 🏃‍♂️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/VuWtw0fCN2

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023

The win against Ruud also makes the Serbian the first man to win each of the four grand slam tournaments at least three times.

The defeat cost the underdog the opportunity to capture his first grand slam and progress beyond his showing at last year’s Roland-Garros final, when he could only take six games away from Nadal.

After battling to take the first set 7-6, Djokovic started the second in ruthless mode. A vicious double-handed backhand across court leaves Ruud in no man’s land. The Norwegian answered back with just his second ace of the encounter to tie at 30 all and goes on to hold.

Djokovic then responded using power and angle with a forehand winner from Djokovic that sped across court, bringing his team on their feet applauding, 30-0.

Ruud slipped on edging a return at the next play and Djokovic was three set points up. Needing just one, the Serb drilled a backhand down the line. Now, the 36-year-old was one set away from history for the.

Ruud allows a forehand sitter to go astray to fall 15-30 behind and put undue pressure on himself. Djokovic then delivers a top-notch return right into Ruud’s feet that Norwegian fails to check and the Serb has two set points.

In the driver's seat 🏎#RolandGarros | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/AHRn3gT00T

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023

A Djokovic mistake allows Ruud to save one and then the second with a incredible forehand out wide. Ruud recoups his calmness to hold and make Djokovic to at least serve for the second set.

At this stage Ruud seems to be just hanging in there with his own serve, often looking miles off getting close to breaking Djokovic. But brilliant energy around the court propels him to 15-30 after some interesting mixes.

However, Djokovic is back on top through two unforced errors from Ruud and the Serb gets a hold. Djokovic is now one game away from a two-set lead.

The third set was only a routine walk through the park as the Serb closes down the game to make history.