Novak Djokovic snatches a couple of records from Rafael Nadal, plus other cool stats

Shahida Jacobs 11 Jun 2023 5:45 PM

Novak Djokovic with 23rd Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic not only surpassed Rafael Nadal in terms of most Grand Slams won by a man on the back of his latest Roland Garros title, but he also eclipsed the Spaniard – as well as a few other tennis greats – in a few other areas.

The Serbian on Sunday became the first man to win 23 majors as he defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets in Paris to lift the La Coupe des Mousquetaires for a third time in his career.

His latest Grand Slam title means he is now one ahead of Nadal in the all-time Slam race for men while he has drawn level with fellow great Serena Williams for men and women with both now one behind Margaret Court – although only 11 of the Australian’s 24 titles were won in the Open Era.

Wimbledon – a place where Djokovic has won seven titles, including the last four – is up next and you would not put it past the 36-year-old to draw level with Court’s record come July 16.

All-Time Career Grand Slam Titles

Margaret Court – 24
Serena Williams – 23
Novak Djokovic – 23
Rafael Nadal – 22
Stefanie Graf – 22
Roger Federer – 20

Djokovic also snatched the record of oldest Roland Garros men’s singles champion from Nadal, who missed this year’s tournament due to injury. The Spaniard was 36 years and two days when he lifted his 14th title in Paris last year, but Djokovic eclipsed Nadal by a few days as he is 36 years and 20 days.

🇷🇸 HISTORY 🇷🇸#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/5d4r8keSE6

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023

Oldest Roland Garros Men’s Singles Champions

Novak Djokovic (2023) – 36 years, 20 days
Rafael Nadal (2022) – 36 years, 2 days
Andres Gimeno (1972) – 34 years, 10 months
Rafael Nadal (2020) – 34 years, 4 months
Novak Djokovic (2021) – 34 years, 22 days
Ken Rosewall (1968) – 33 years, 7 months

In terms of the oldest Grand Slam champions overall, Djokovic moves up to fourth place and if he plays another couple of seasons then you will likely spot his name at the top.

Oldest Grand Slam Tournament Champions in Open Era

Ken Rosewall 1972 Australian Open – 37 years, 2 months
Roger Federer 2018 Australian Open – 36 years, 6 months
Ken Rosewall 1971 Australian Open – 36 years, 4 months
Novak Djokovic 2023 French Open – 32 years, 20 days
Rafael Nadal 2022 Roland Garros – 36 years, 2 days
Roger Federer 2017 Wimbledon – 35 years, 11 months
Ken Rosewall 1970 US Open – 35 years, 10 months
Novak Djokovic 2023 Australian Open – 35 years, 8 months
Rafael Nadal 2022 Australian Open – 35 years, 7 months
Roger Federer 2017 Australian Open – 35 years, 6 months

Djokovic’s third Roland Garros title also means he is the first man to complete a Career Grand Slam, but the feat has been achieved by three women as Margaret Court, Stefanie Graf and Serena Williams have all won the four majors at least three times.

Rod Laver remains the only man to complete a Calendar Grand Slam in the Open Era in 1969, but Djokovic has a chance of emulating him as he also won the Australian Open at the start of the year.

Djokovic will also return to No 1 in the ATP Rankings on Monday and will start a record-extending 388th week at the top. Federer currently holds the record for oldest No 1 (36 years, 10 months), but it is another record within Djokovic’s grasp.