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The Sun

Novak Djokovic has overtaken rival Rafael Nadal to win a record 23rd Grand Slam title after beating Casper Ruud in the French Open final.

The 36-year-old triumphed in straight sets over his Norwegian opponent to claim his third championship at Roland-Garros.

Djokovic beat Ruud in straight sets to win the French Open
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Djokovic beat Ruud in straight sets to win the French OpenCredit: Getty
The Serbian has now won a record 23 Grand Slam titles
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The Serbian has now won a record 23 Grand Slam titlesCredit: Getty
He was quick to give wife Jelena a kiss after his historic victory
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He was quick to give wife Jelena a kiss after his historic victoryCredit: Getty
As for Ruud, he has lost in all three of his Grand Slam final appearances
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As for Ruud, he has lost in all three of his Grand Slam final appearancesCredit: AFP

A star-studded crowd including Tom Brady, Kylian Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Olivier Giroud and Hugh Grant were all in attendance at Court Philippe Chatrier to witness Djokovic create history.

A close-fought first set saw Djokovic recover from 3-0 down to win 7-1 in the tiebreak.

And Ruud, who has now lost in each of his three Grand Slam finals, never seemed to recover, as he lost 6-3, 7-5 in the final two sets.

Djokovic has now won both Grand Slams this year after he claimed his tenth Australian Open crown at the start of 2023.

He will now be looking to defend his Wimbledon title next month having won at SW19 in each of the last four editions.

The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, who will now return to the top of the world rankings, is the first player to win each Grand Slam on at least three occasions.

Nadal was quick to take to social media to congratulate Djokovic on his historic victory, as he tweeted: "Many congrats on this amazing achievement Novak Djokovic.

"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!"

Djokovic has won both Grand Slam titles in 2023
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Djokovic has won both Grand Slam titles in 2023Credit: Getty
He proved to be too good for Ruud, who led 3-0 in the opening set
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He proved to be too good for Ruud, who led 3-0 in the opening setCredit: AFP

A delighted Djokovic, who was booed after his semi-final win over Carlos Alcaraz, said after his victory: "Thank you for such a great atmosphere.

"I'm delighted to be here to share this special moment in my career with you.

"It's not a coincidence that I won my 23rd Grand Slam here. This tournament has been the hardest to win.

"I'm really proud and honoured to be here on this special court."

He added: "I was a seven-year-old dreaming of winning Wimbledon one day. I'm beyond grateful and blessed to be standing here with so many achievements.

"I felt I had the power to create my own destiny. I want to send a message out there to every young person. If you want a better future, you'll create it."

Djokovic is the first player to win each Grand Slam at least three times
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Djokovic is the first player to win each Grand Slam at least three timesCredit: AFP

Meanwhile Ruud, who lost to Nadal in last year's French Open final, remarked: "I think we should start with Novak. Another day, another record for you.

"And another day you rewrite tennis history once again.

"It's tough to explain how incredible it is, how good you are and what an inspiration you are to so many people around the world, so congratulations to you, to your team. I know this tastes the best of all."

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