23 in 2023.
Novak Djokovic stands alone in men's tennis after his record-setting title triumph on Sunday at Roland Garros. The Serbian broke a tie with Rafael Nadal for most Grand Slam singles crowns with victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier. With trophy No. 23, Djokovic now stands level with Serena Williams for the most major singles titles in the Open era.
“Obviously a Grand Slam is a Grand Slam. The four biggest tournaments that we have in our sport," said the Serbian, who sealed a return to world No. 1 with his 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 win against Casper Ruud.
"Every single player dreams of being on this stage and winning the trophy at least once in their career. I am beyond fortunate in my life to win 23 times. It's incredible, an incredible feeling."
The 36-year-old is now the first man to win each Grand Slam three times, his three Paris titles matching his trophy haul at the US Open, in addition to 10 Australian Open victories (including this season) and seven Wimbledon wins. He is also now the oldest man to win the Roland Garros title at 36 years and 20 days.
If Djokovic can win a fifth straight Wimbledon title next month, he would return to the US Open with a chance for the calendar-year Grand Slam—a feat he came one match from achieving in 2021, when he was denied by Daniil Medvedev in the New York final.
With Tom Brady watching on from Djokovic's player box and soccer stars like Kylian Mbappe and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the stands, the Serbian overcame a fast start from Ruud to claim the opening set with his sixth tiebreak win of the tournament. In achieving a perfect 6-0 tiebreak record this fortnight, Djokovic did not make an unforced error—a statistic that further underlines his ability to excel in the clutch moments.
After recovering from 3-0 and 4-1 down to win the opening set, Djokovic did not face a break point in the final two stanzas. He dominated the second set behind an early break and finished the job in set three with a champion's charge, winning 11 straight points from 4-5 to move to bring up match points.
When he took his second championship point, Djokovic fell onto his back in what has become a trademark celebration, the enormity of the moment sinking in. He marked the momentous occasion by donning a zip-up with '23' emblazoned on the chest during the trophy ceremony. After a heartfelt and lengthy speech during which he praised Ruud and thanked his team, Djokovic concluded with an inspiring message to kids around the world.
"To every young person out there, whatever you're pursuing out there... I was a 7-year-old dreaming that I could win Wimbledon and become No. 1 in the world one day. I'm beyond grateful and blessed to be standing here with so many incredible achievements," he said.
"I feel that I had the power to create my own destiny. I tried to visualize every single thing in my life... really feel it with every cell in my body.
"Be in the present moment, forget about what happened in the past. The future is something that is just going to happen—but if you want a better future, you create it. Take the means in your hands. Believe it. Create it."
For Ruud, who was beaten in straight sets in the Roland Garros final for the second consecutive year (l. to Nadal in 2022), the search for a maiden major goes on. A finalist in three of the past five Grand Slams, the 24-year-old came closest to glory at last year's US Open, when he had two set points to take a two-sets-to-one lead against Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Classy in defeat, the Norwegian began his runner-up speech by congratulating Djokovic on his historic victory.
"It's tough to explain how incredible it is and how good you are and what an inspiration you are to so many people around the world," Ruud said. "Congratulations to you, your team. I know this probably tastes the best to you out of all.
"I'm happy I'm the first one to congratulate you from the stage. I'm sure you will have many other congratulations!"
