Novak Djoković defeated the Norwegian Casper Ruud in the Roland Garros final and thus won a record 23rd Grand Slam title in his career.
The Serbian ace entered the history of “White Sport” and strengthened his status as the best tennis player of all time, overtaking Rafael Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles to his name.
After the match, Novak received a special award, a miniature cup with the names of all the Grand Slams he won.
“Thank you, thank you once again for this atmosphere, this is an incredible moment in my career, very special and one of the greatest. Maybe it’s a coincidence that I won the 23rd Grand Slam title right here in Paris, this tournament has always been the hardest for me and that’s why I’m so emotional. A lot happened on and off the field. Thank you for your support, I am honored to be here”, Novak said.
Djokovic quite routinely beat Rudo 3:0 in sets (7:6, 6:3, 7:3).
“Kasper, thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it, you are one of the best people on the Tour, all the players and coaches appreciate and love you, that’s for a good reason. In today’s world it means a lot when someone has human values, your team, family and coaches are wonderful to me and you deserve a lot of respect and applause. I’m sorry about the result today, not the best way to end the tournament, but you’ve had an amazing couple of years and you’re one of the most consistent players in the world. I wish you all the best and that you beat everyone except me”, Djokovic joked.
He also spoke to one of the best tennis players of all time, Yannick Noah.
“It is a great honor that we have Yannick Noah here today – 40 years since you won the title. I was very young when you left tennis, but I watched your videos with great enthusiasm. It is great that you are here”.
Of course, Djokovic had a special message for the most important people in the stands.
“My team, my family, wife and children are here, I love them very much. I don’t know what to tell you, you know what we’ve been through, you know how awkward and difficult I can be and thank you for your tolerance and patience, I know I’ve been torturing you. Thank you for your support – I really appreciate it”, Djoković was emotional after the victory.
He brought back the movie Djoković, remembered his beginnings and then sent a great message for young people around the world.
“I’ve talked a lot, but I’ll just say a little more… My children are here, so I want to say something else, I like to say some things from which they can also learn some things, I would send a message to every young person, whatever you chase and whatever you strive for, you must not give up. I was seven years old when I started to dream, but when I realized that I am the creator of my destiny, I gave every cell of myself to achieve what I am. If you want a better future, take matters into your own hands and create it.”
Finally, he thanked the sports stars in the audience.
Let us remind you that Djoković will chase his third Grand Slam title of the year next month, when he defends the Wimbledon trophy.
