Novak Djokovic ‘Plays the Hits’ to Claim Another French Open Title

The 36-year-old star deployed his usual tactics to defeat Casper Ruud and take the lead in the all-time men’s majors race over Rafael Nadal.

It came sliding and swaying. But history graced Roland Garros today. Novak Djokovic won the 2023 French Open men’s singles title this afternoon, withstanding Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-6, 6-3, 7-5. And with that, Djokovic claimed his 23rd career major singles title, taking the lead—perhaps for good—in the all-time men’s race.

It didn’t come easy. Facing both a game opponent and the weight of the occasion, Djokovic was broken the first time he served, and played for 23 minutes before winning his first game.

But then, this imposter, this cover band departed, and the genuine performer arrived. And he played the hits. Djokovic won doing what he does. Discharging his duties with precision and durability. Toggling between defense and offense. Giving no quarter on his return games. Elevating his tennis when the match tightened. Breaking his opponent’s serve and then his spirit.

At 36 years old, Djokovic became the oldest man to win Roland Garros :: Thibault Camus/AP

Djokovic also brought his fitness to bear. Two days ago, it was the Spanish thunderbolt Carlos Alcaraz—Djokovic’s junior by 16 years—who wilted and cramped and faded away in their much-anticipated semifinal. Today against Ruud, who at 24 is a dozen years younger, Djokovic managed the humidity just fine and looked fresher of the two.

On the threshold of tennis history, Djokovic rode deep. He allegedly invited more than 50 friends and family to today’s match. Though he went through the security gates unrecognized, Tom Brady was among those in the Djokovic box. And this is fitting. Not only was this the NFL GOAT watching his tennis playing analog button up his GOAT credentials, but there are real substantive similarities here. Was Brady the NFL’s best athlete, possessor of the strongest arm, the most aesthetically pleasing quarterback? He was not. But he maximized every possible advantage, (micro)managed his body, and simply summoned his best when it mattered most. Same for Djokovic.

Consider:

• At this event, Djokovic played 55 points in tiebreakers, the set-deciding interregnums. He committed zero unforced errors.
• Djokovic has now won 15 of the last 18 major finals he has reached.
• He is the first man to win the “Triple Slam,” taking each major at least three times, testament to his versatility.
• He is now the oldest man ever to win Roland Garros, besting Rafael Nadal, who won last year the same week he turned 36.

Yes Djokovic is old. Thirty-six was once considered decrepit, the dog years of men’s tennis. But, like Brady, he is having his way with time, much as he has his way with his opponents. He’s won the first two majors of 2023, halfway to the Grand Slam. Wimbledon is next. He will be the top seed. And he is the defending champ.

While 23 makes history, it doesn’t appear we are close to pencils up.