[Result] Djokovic 3-0 Ruud

France's Novak Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 in the final of Roland Garros 2023 on June 11, thereby monopolizing the record of 23 Grand Slams.

15 years ago, Djokovic quietly entered the Grand Slam race for the greatest tennis players of all time, when he broke the nearly half-decade dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in major tournaments. Since then, the Serbian tennis player has always used the records and heights of fame of the remaining two players in the "Big 3" group as inspiration to push himself to new limits. Nole never doubted that one day, he would surpass all to conquer the most prestigious records. What many people thought impossible many years ago finally became inevitable. Djokovic won the 2023 Roland Garros after defeating Casper Ruud in three sets, to claim a record of 23 Grand Slams.

Djokovic lifted the Musketeer Cup at Roland Garros for the third year. Photo: AP

The historic victory on June 11 also helped Djokovic become the first male tennis player to win at least three Grand Slam titles, and the oldest to win at Roland Garros. He will return to the number one position on the ATP rankings, extending his record 388 weeks at the top of the world .

At 36, Djokovic still covers the court with more ease and agility than his physically fit opponent. Casper Ruud, coming off two Grand Slam final defeats, knows what level he needs to play against Djokovic in a big match. The Norwegian did so in the early games, but could not maintain that level throughout the match.

Nole's 13 unforced errors in just the first five games left him trailing Ruud 4-1. The Serbian seemed a little nervous as he stood before the chance to make history. But Nole quickly showed his mettle, winning the serve and continuing to save break-points to level the score at 4-4. From then until the end of the match, Ruud did not win more than two points in Djokovic's serve games.

Djokovic scored 52 winners and made 32 unforced errors in the final match. Photo: AP

When the first set went to a tiebreak, Ruud knew his chances of winning the set were slim. Djokovic, like in previous rounds, made no mistakes in the nerve-wracking match. He started the tiebreak with two convincing winners after a series of back-to-backs, before winning the set 7-1. "He can play tough defense or beautiful offense, but he absolutely does not make mistakes," Ruud said of Djokovic, who has won all six tiebreaks at the tournament. "Djokovic has many options, he can let you miss or he can score a winner himself."

Ruud's sense of helplessness intensified in the second set, when Djokovic's powerful and accurate forehand gave him complete control of the game. Nole almost nullified Ruud's serve, while constantly damaging the Norwegian's backhand. He quickly won the return game, then ended the set with a score of 6-3.

After saving a break point at the start of the third set, Ruud put some pressure on Djokovic in the pivotal service game. But Nole held the game successfully, leveling the score at 4-4 despite being down 0-30. After that game, the 36-year-old tennis player saw his chance in the third set when his junior appeared nervous. Djokovic unleashed his strength, attacking in the return games and successfully capitalizing on the break point to lead 6-5. He had little difficulty holding the deciding game, winning 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 after three hours and 15 minutes.

HL Nole - Ruud — Main events of the Djokovic - Ruud match on June 11.

After sharing the joy with his family and team, Djokovic sat crying in happiness. He became the greatest tennis player in history, indisputably. Ruud was also tearful, as he missed out on his first Grand Slam title for the third time. He had yet to win a set against Nole in five matches. The Norwegian accepted his defeat to his senior in a convincing manner. "Another record for you," Ruud told Djokovic on the podium. "You once again rewrote tennis history. It's hard to analyze how great that was, how great you are. You are an inspiration to so many people around the world."

In his victory speech, Djokovic talked about his childhood goal of winning Wimbledon and becoming world number one. What he has achieved has far exceeded that dream. The great era of Djokovic, Federer, Nadal and Serena Williams has completely changed the way people perceive success in tennis. Nowadays, when young players say their goals, they not only want to win Grand Slams, want to be world number one, but also want to be the best in history. But Djokovic's 23 Grand Slams is a very high standard, a record that will be very difficult to break.

Nhan Dat

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