Novak Djokovic clinches third French Open title, lifts record 23rd Grand Slam

The Serb cruised past Casper Ruud in straight sets.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic defeated fourth seed Casper Ruud (7-6, 6-3, 7-5) to clinch the coveted French Open 2023 title in men's singles on Sunday (June 11th). With this victory, Djokovic has 23 Grand Slam titles the most by a male in the history of tennis (followed by Rafael Nadal at 22). The Serbian also becomes the first tennis men's player to win all the four grand slam titles thrice. This is Djokovic's third Rolland Garros title with Casper Ruud losing the final for the second consecutive time.

Casper Ruud started the final on a positive note, breaking early and had a three game advantage (3-0). As always Djokovic fought back exceedingly well taking the opening game to the decider. It was all one way traffic with Nole decimating Ruud (7-1) to take the set. Both players had chances in the start and missed easy overheads leaving many amazed. The 35-year-old carried the momentum onto the second game as well and did not have to fight hard winning (6-2).

The Norwegian had one final chance to fight back and came out all guns blazing. The score was tied 4-4 with the set evenly poised. Novak Djokovic required just one game to bring back things on his side and at (5-5) the Serbian broke Ruud's serve and shifted gears. In the end after a long battle fought over 3hrs Novak Djokovic emerged victorious winning his 23rd grand slam title. Novak Djokovic has almost won all titles on offer and has many achievements to his name and it would be fair for him to win a calendar slam sometime soon. Also he is close to breaking the record of Margaret Court, who had won 24 grand slams.

On the other hand, Casper Ruud had a excellent run en route to the final. As mentioned earlier he started the proceedings well but couldnt hold on to the momentum. This is 24-year-old's third loss in a grand slam final ( French Open 2022 and US Open 2022). He has progressed well in the past year and will now have his eyes on the Wimbledon Championships scheduled next month.

Novak Djokovic's performance at the French Open 2023

R1 - beats Kovacevic (6-3, 6-2, 7-6)

R2 - beats Fucsovics (7-6, 6-0, 6-3)

R3 - Davidovich Fokina (7-6, 7-6, 6-2)

R4 - beats Juan Pablo Varillas (6-3, 6-2, 6-2)

Quarter-finals - beats Karen Kachanov (4-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4)

Semi-finals - beats Carlos Alcaraz (6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1)

Final - beats Casper Ruud (7-6, 6-3, 7-5)