Novak Djokovic has enjoyed numerous wonderful moments throughout his incredible career. The 24-time Major winner recently spoke about his most significant achievements and mentioned last year’s Roland Garros as one of the highlights of his outstanding tennis journey.
Novak was a player to beat at Majors last year, winning three titles from four finals and cementing the GOAT race. Djokovic matched Rafael Nadal’s Major titles at the Australian Open and claimed the record-breaking one at Roland Garros.
The Serb lifted his third trophy on Court Philippe-Chatrier and became the first player with 23 Major crowns. The 36-year-old became the oldest Roland Garros champion and the only player to collect three titles at all four Majors.
Novak did not like his form ahead of Roland Garros, scoring only five wins at three clay-court events. However, as many times before, the legend presented his best tennis at the most notable scene, delivering the 23rd trophy at his 70th Major in a career!
Novak’s numbers en route to the record-breaking Major crown
Remembering the tournament, Novak praised his level against Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, toppling two young rivals and lifting a trophy. Djokovic outplayed seven rivals during the fortnight and presented incredible numbers. The Serb dropped two sets in seven encounters.
He clinched 184 points more than his opponents, producing more efficient numbers behind the first and second serve. Novak stole 55,8% of the return points and turned them into 39 breaks from 82 opportunities. His rivals could not follow that pace.
They converted 16 of 54 break points, which was enough only for two sets claimed by Karen Khachanov and Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic wrapped up the tournament with 400 winners, 227 from the field and 173 from his initial shot!
He stayed under 200 unforced errors and welcomed 247 from the other side of the net. Also, the rivals drew 107 mistakes from the legend, who responded with 153, attacking and keeping the pressure away. Novak provided 21 holds at love, which generated an additional boost of confidence.
The Serb stood strong in the shortest allies up to four strokes, building a 427-316 advantage. He dominated the mid-range exchanges and forged a 67-50 lead in the most extended ones to wrap up the title in style.
Novak defeated Aleksandar Kovacevic and Marton Fucsovics at the beginning of the tournament. The veteran claimed a tie break in each match and sealed the deal in straight sets for a place in round three. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina pushed Djokovic to the limits in the opening two sets.
The Serb faced no issues against Juan Pablo Varillas, booking a place in his 17th Roland Garros quarter-final! Novak dropped 18 points in his games and suffered one break. He stole half of the return points and provided six breaks that carried him over the top.
Novak tops Khachanov, Alcaraz and Ruud en route to the trophy
The Serb played against Karen Khachanov in the quarter-final and experienced a tough battle. The Russian claimed the opener and reached a tie break of the second set before Djokovic prevailed 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 in three hours and 38 minutes.
Novak accumulated his 45th Major semi-final and entered the last four in Paris for the 12th time. Karen faced no break points in the opening two sets. He stole the legends’s serve once in the opener and stood close to a massive advantage.
However, Djokovic claimed the tie break of the second set 7-0 and leveled the overall score. The Serb outplayed the Russian in the third set and grabbed two breaks in the fourth to move over the top. Novak arranged the ultimate semi-final clash with world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. 
Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2023© Stream screenshot
Two great rivals shared the opening two sets before the young gun cracked under pressure. Carlos felt cramps in his entire body since the beginning of the third set. He took only two games in the last two sets, propelling the legend over the top.
Alcaraz challenged Djokovic for over two hours in the first two sets. However, he faced from the court after that, allowing Novak to clinch 12 of the final 13 games and move into his 34th Major final. The Serb secured a place in the title clash in Paris for the seventh time, leaving Bjorn Borg on six.
Djokovic chased the record-breaking 23rd Major title versus Casper Ruud and ousted the Norwegian 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 in three hours and 13 minutes. Thus, Novak left Rafael Nadal for good and became the first player with three titles at all four Majors.
A year after falling to Rafael Nadal, Ruud booked a place in another Roland Garros final. He gave everything against the legend, especially in sets one and three, only to fall in the pivotal moments and pick the runner-up trophy. The veteran served well and lost serve once.
Djokovic generated ten break chances and seized three, doing enough to seal the deal in straight sets. Novak fired up his forehand and closed the encounter with 68 winners and 44 mistakes! Casper could not follow that pace, embracing a 45-50 ratio and failing to take a set.
Nothing separated them in the mid-range and most advanced exchanges. Djokovic stepped in and dominated the shortest rallies up to four strokes, building a 64-34 lead and earning the title in that segment. They traded breaks in the opening set.
Novak raised his level in the tie break and closed it 7-1 for a massive boost. The veteran dropped five points on serve in the second set, facing no break points and keeping the pressure on the other side. He seized one of six break points, taking the set 6-3 and moving closer to the finish line.
Djokovic gave away four points in his games in the third set and waited for break chances. He wasted the first in the third game and earned more at 5-5. The Serb secured a break at love with a backhand winner, moving 6-5 up and serving for the title.
Novak held at 15 in the 12th game, welcoming Casper’s forehand mistake and celebrating one of the most emotional titles of his career.
“Clinching the 23rd Major title in Paris last year was one of the most important moments of my career. I did not play at my best on clay ahead of Paris. However, I knew I had always played my best clay-court tennis at Roland Garros, which gave me confidence ahead of another Parisian run. I raised my level and played well at Roland Garros, especially against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final. I had a clear vision of what to do and how to approach the match. I played well in the final against Casper as well. I collapsed on the court when he missed that last forehand. My children, wife and family were in the stands, and it was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever experienced,” Novak Djokovic said.
