Novak Djokovic showed his greatness once again by overcoming a sticky start to win a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title with victory over Norway's Casper Ruud in the French Open final.
Djokovic, 36, was far from his best in the initial stages but his quality in a first-set tie-break laid the platform for a 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 7-5 victory.
The Serb moves into the outright lead of men's majors ahead of Rafael Nadal.
He also becomes the first man to win all four majors at least three times.
Victory on the Paris clay moves Djokovic alongside Serena Williams in terms of Grand Slam titles, with only Margaret Court standing in front of him with 24 majors.
"I'm beyond fortunate to win 23 Grand Slams in my life, it is incredible," said Djokovic, who also won the French Open in 2016 and 2021.
"I was a seven-year-old dreaming I could win Wimbledon one day and become number one in the world. I'm beyond grateful and and blessed to be standing here.
"I feel I had the power to create my own destiny. I want to say to every young person if you want a better future, you can create it."
Minutes after Djokovic won, Nadal paid tribute to his long-time rival.
"Many congratulations on this amazing achievement, 23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about and you made it," the Spaniard wrote.
Djokovic will have the opportunity to tie Court's record at Wimbledon next month - a place where he has already won seven times and will be the favourite to equal Roger Federer's record tally of men's titles.
Latest Stories
-
Otumfuo’s words have been key – Kotoko forward Mukwala on team’s resurgence
26 seconds -
We created a room for Botsio to be comfortable – Azamati on running third leg
4 mins -
EC’s limited voter registration got off slowly due to inadequate publicity – Otokunor
6 mins -
T-bills: Government borrowed GH¢15.60bn in April 2024
23 mins -
Two busted for attempting to smuggle 130 bags of cocoa beans to Togo
29 mins -
April 2024 inflation declines marginally to 25 percent
36 mins -
Ian Gelder: Game of Thrones actor who played Kevan Lannister dies aged 74
42 mins -
Current players of Kotoko do not deserve to play for the club – Augustine Ahinful
49 mins -
2024 polls: Bawumia’s humility and policies good for Ghana – Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs President
54 mins -
Your policies are good for Ghana’s next generation – Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs to Bawumia
1 hour -
Ghanaian clubs need financial support to perform at continental stage – Coach Zito
1 hour -
‘Mahama will destroy your legacy of corruption and looting’ – Edudzi Tameklo to Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
Livestream: Supreme Court’s hearing of lawsuits against anti-LGBTQ bill
1 hour -
I have faith in Bawumia to continue my good works – Akufo-Addo to Ghanaians
1 hour -
Ghanaian midfielder Abu Francis extends Cercle Brugge contract until 2026
1 hour