(CNN) — Novak Djokovic made men’s tennis history on Sunday at Roland Garros.
The 36-year-old claimed his historic 23rd Grand Slam title after a 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 win over Casper Ruud to win the third French Open of his career.
Djokovic has overtaken Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam men’s titles and with this win, the Serbian superstar will return to the top of the world rankings and become the first male player to win every Grand Slam tournament at least three times. .
Serbian Novak Djokovic reacts by celebrating his victory. Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images
It was not an easy journey for Djokovic towards his record Grand Slam title.
Ruud got off to a great start, holding serve in the opener. Ruud would go up 4-1 in the first set before Djokovic rallied and eventually leveled the set at 4-4.
The 82-minute first set would end in a tiebreaker in which Djokovic would pull away and win 7-1.
Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Norwegian Casper Ruud after his victory. Credit: SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images
Djokovic had an easier time in second, but Ruud still showed some combat. Norway’s Ruud, 24, fended off two set points to force Djokovic to serve the set.
The third set proved difficult for Djokovic, with Ruud matching it in intensity and combat.
Djokovic and Ruud traded plays, but Djokovic took control to win the match.
Djokovic from Serbia hugs his parents Dijana Dokovic and Srdjan Djokovic after winning the championship. Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images
After winning the match, Djokovic fell to the ground in amazement and went to the net to shake Ruud’s hand. Djokovic took a knee for a minute as the crowd cheered. He then joined the crowd to celebrate with his family and coaches.
The match lasted three hours and 13 minutes.
Djokovic joins Serena Williams and Margaret Court with 23 Grand Slam titles.
Several stars went to Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris to watch this historic match.
Seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady was seen sitting next to Djokovic’s wife, Jelena. Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé and recently retired Zlatan Ibrahimović attended the match together. Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was also in attendance.
“A lot of congratulations for this amazing achievement,” Nadal tweeted after the match. “23 is a number that was impossible to think of a few years ago, and you did it! Enjoy it with your family and your team!”
Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Casper Ruud of Norway pose with their trophies during the Roland Garros final on June 11, 2023 in Paris, France. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Where Federer and Nadal define themselves, where their rivalry and friendship intertwine, Djokovic occupies a separate space, respected but perhaps not loved in the same way as the other two members of the ‘Big Three’.
The next big tennis event is Wimbledon, which kicks off on July 3 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
