Novak Djokovic wins 23rd Grand Slam title to become greatest tennis player of all time

Novak Djokovic landed a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title by winning the French Open, to become the greatest tennis player of all time.

The already legendary Serb cemented his place in the tennis history books this Sunday, June 11, by overtaking the Spanish giant, Rafael Nadal, as the player with the most men’s singles titles ever.

Djob done ✅#RolandGarros

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023

He overpowered Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 7-5, to break the 22-each deadlock he had with the Spaniard. As a result, Djokovic once again sits at the top of the ATP world rankings. He will increase the record that he already held as the player with the most weeks at No. 1.

Flying to the top of the history books 💪#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/pyiBBz6ZQs

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023

It would seem highly unlikely that his achievement will be beaten, at least not in the near future. Rafa Nadal is currently out injured and has suggested that he might not return, or if he did, only for one more season. Roger Federer has already retired.

Today’s victory at Roland Garros was his third one at the Paris tournament. That secured another place in history as the first player in the Open era to win three titles at each of the four majors.

Casper Ruud suffered the heartbreak of losing in two consecutive French finals, having lost to Nadal in 2022. However, in fairness to the Norwegian, the indestructible Serbian star looked untouchable this afternoon.

Looming on the horizon is the stunning talent of 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, but even he could not live with Djokovic when the pair met in the semi-final yesterday, Saturday 10. The Spaniard told after the match how his nerves got the better of him at encountering such a legend of the game.

Alcaraz was one of the first players to tweet congratulating Djokovic on his incredible feat:

Many congrats for the 🏆 and for the new record! 🫶🏻 @DjokerNole https://t.co/Yuyvg5YNtB

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) June 11, 2023

Rafa Nadal also took to Twitter to congratulate the Serb:

Many congrats on this amazing achievement @DjokerNole
23 is a number that just a few years back was imposible to think about, and you made it!
Enjoy it with your family and team! 👏🏻

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 11, 2023