Casper Ruud: Tough to explain how incredible Novak Djokovic is

Jonhenry Wilson
Casper Ruud participates in 2023 French Open final
Casper Ruud wipes sweat during 2023 French Open final

Defeated finalist Casper Ruud praised 2023 French Open champion Novak Djokovic after Sunday’s straight-sets win at Roland Garros.

Djokovic beat Ruud 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 to become the first man to win 23 Grand Slam Open titles. Spaniard Rafael Nadal held the previous record with 22.

“Another day, another record for Novak. Another day you rewrite tennis history, again. It’s tough to explain how incredible it is and how good you are. You are an inspiration to so many people around the world. I’m happy to be the first to congratulate you. Go and enjoy it all now,” said Ruud.

This is Djokovic’s third French Open title. He also has three US Open, seven Wimbledon and 10 Australian Open titles. He will have the opportunity to win all four Grand Slams in a year at Wimbledon and at the US Open.

“I’m really delighted to be here to share this special moment in my career with you. A coincidence that I’ve won my 23rd Grand Slam here in Paris – this tournament has always been the hardest to win for me, so I’m very emotional right now, it means a lot to me,” said Djokovic.

“I’ve experienced a lot of things on the court and off the court. I’m really honoured to be here on this special court. Thanks for your energy today and throughout the tournament.

“I am beyond fortunate in my life to win 23 Grand Slams – it’s an incredible feeling. I would like to use the moment – my kids are here and I always try to convey some values, some messages, something they can learn from and draw some inspiration.

“I would just like to send a message to every young person out there – whatever you are persuading whether it is tennis, sports, anything else. I was a seven-year-old dreaming I could win Wimbledon and become number one in the world.

“As I said, I’m beyond blessed that I can be standing here with so many incredible achievements but one thing is for sure – I believed I could have the power to create my own destiny.

“I could visualise every single thing in my life, not only believe it but really feel it with every cell of my body. Stay in the present, let go of the past, the future is just going to happen but if you want a better future, take the means in your hands, believe it, create it.”

Polish star Iga Swiatek won the French Open women’s singles title on Saturday. She beat unseeded Czech player Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. This is Swiatek’s third French Open singles title, too.

READ MORE: Iga Swiatek ‘not setting any crazy goals’ despite Rafael Nadal similarities

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