After the victory, Djokovic was overcome by his emotions. © APA/afp / THOMAS SAMSON

Grand Slam record: Novak Djokovic makes himself immortal

Novak Djokovic is crowned the most successful tennis player in history. He celebrated his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open. Numerous sports superstars cheer in the stands.

June 11, 2023

From: dpa/det

Novak Djokovic fell to the floor, spread his arms and enjoyed the huge cheers of the spectators. The Serbian superstar crowned himself the sole record winner at the French Open with his 23rd Grand Slam title and once again made tennis history. In a high-class final on Sunday in Paris, the 36-year-old defeated Norwegian challenger Casper Ruud 3:13 (7:6), 7:1, 6:3 in 7:5 hours. With football icon Tom Brady and football greats like Kylian Mbappé as noble fans in the stands, he triumphed for the third time in his seventh final of the clay court classic.

Djokovic left the Spaniard Rafael Nadal behind in the Grand Slam title rankings. Among women, only the Australian Margaret Court (24) has won one of the four major tournaments more often.

Star parade in the stands

The fact that Djokovic was dealing with something historic was evident from the occupation of his box in the stands. Brady took a seat next to Djokovic's wife Jelena wearing sunglasses. The 45-year-old's status as the best professional football player in history is undisputed. Djokovic also wants to claim this tennis title ahead of Nadal and Roger Federer. World champion Mbappé had Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the official gallery, France's tennis favorite Yannick Noah, boxing legend Mike Tyson and actor Hugh Grant rounded off the line-up of stars.

Kylian Mbappe (left) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn't miss the match. © APA/afp / THOMAS SAMSON

The guests of honor initially saw a thrilling duel. The 24-year-old Ruud ended Alexander Zverev's dream of his first Grand Slam title with a clear victory in the semifinals. But now Djokovic fought his way back after a difficult start and demonstrated his extra class and strong nerves in the tie-break of the first set. He then put the experience to good use in his 34th Grand Slam final.

The oldest winner at the French Open

Djokovic is now also the oldest winner in the history of the French Open, ahead of 14-time Paris champion Nadal, who missed this year with an injury. From Monday onwards he will also take over the top of the world rankings again from the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, whom he had worn down in the semi-finals. It is his 388th week as leader - of course this is also a record.

Ruud, on the other hand, remains unfinished for the time being. The world number four also lost his third Grand Slam final and is still waiting for the first major title of his career.