Novak Djokovic has won the 2023 French Open trophy by defeating Casper Ruud 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 6-5 in the final, and he has now made Grand Slam history. The Serbian star has reached 23 major titles, passing Rafael Nadal for the men’s record.
The 36-year-old drew level with Rafa Nadal on 22 by bagging the Australian Open crown in January and he leapfrogged the injured King of Clay in his backyard to claim his third Roland Garros title after triumphs in 2016 and 2021.
The Serbian had tied Nadal on the Grand Slam list earlier this year after winning his 10th Australian Open. He is now tied with Serena Williams among men and women and is just one shy of the overall record of 24 Grand Slam titles set by Margaret Court.
Djokovic also eclipsed Nadal as the oldest champion in Paris after a tough fortnight where he shrugged off a heated political row following his comments on Kosovo and saw off the challenge of ailing top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.
The Victory meant Djokovic has won the first two Grand Slams in a year for a third time after similar runs in 2016 and 2021.
Soccer superstars Kylian Mbappe and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were among a host of celebrities in a packed stadium to watch the final.
Mustapha Hadji – Ahotor Sports Desk
