Rafael Nadal Congratulates Novak Djokovic on 23rd Grand Slam Win

The longtime rivals and friends previously were tied for the record.

Immediately after Novak Djokovic won the French Open to break the record for the most Grand Slam titles in men’s singles history with his 23rd major title, his longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal tweeted out a congratulatory message.

Nadal and Djokovic were tied for the record ahead of this year’s French Open with 22 major titles each. At last year’s French Open, the two players competed against each other in a semifinal match, with Nadal winning.

“Many congrats on this amazing achievement @DjokerNole,” Nadal wrote. “23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about, and you made it! Enjoy it with your family and team!”

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

Nadal hasn’t played since January’s Australian Open due to a hip injury. He isn’t expected back on the court anytime soon following his recent hip surgery. He most likely will miss Wimbledon and the U.S. Open during his recovery. The Spaniard announced that 2024 will “probably” be his last year in professional tennis. 

Djokovic will have a chance to add to his Grand Slam total next month at Wimbledon and again in September at the U.S. Open. He will be playing for a chance to break the all-time tennis record for Grand Slam victories, among men or women, currently held by Margaret Court with 24 titles.

Djokovic also could become the first man to win all four Grand Slams in the same calendar year since Rod Laver in 1969.