Novak Djokovic powered to the title in Paris to claim a record 23rd major crown and eclipse his great rival Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam titles race. It was a groundbreaking moment to follow a championship match that had an all-too-familiar feel to it, as Djokovic ground down Casper Ruud in typically classy fashion on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“Every single player dreams of being on this stage and winning the trophy at least once in their career,” said Novak Djokovic on Sunday evening at Roland Garros. “I’m beyond fortunate in my life to win 23 times, it’s an incredible feeling.”
“I knew that going into the tournament, going into the match especially today, that there was history on the line,” Djokovic said after his 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 victory. “But I tried to focus my attention and my thoughts into preparing for this match in the best way possible to win like any other match.”
With his third Roland Garros triumph, Djokovic simultaneously guaranteed his return to No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, rose to first place in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin and became the first man to win all four Grand Slam events at least three times. Ominously for his rivals, the oldest champion in Roland Garros history (at 36 years and 20 days) is nowhere near done.
“The journey is still not over,” Djokovic said. “I feel if I’m winning Slams, why even think about ending the career that already has been going on for 20 years. I still feel motivated. I still feel inspired to play the best tennis on these tournaments the most… I look forward already to Wimbledon.”
Photo/Novak Djokovic/X
ATP Tour contributed to this recap
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