Novak Djokovic makes history – 23rd Grand Slam!

Serbian Novak Djokovic seals his place in history this week by winning his 23^rd Grand Slam title in straight sets over the Norwegian Casper Ruud in the French Open. 

Djokovic’s 7-6 (1) 6-3 7-5 victory over Ruud draws him level with Serena Williams and her 23 Grand Slam titles in the “Open Era”, and he could equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 single Slams by winning at Wimbledon next month.

Furthermore, the Serb became the first man to have won all three grand slams at least 3 times and will now resume his position as world number 1 according to the ATP Official Peperstone rankings. 

However, it was not an easy win for Djokovic as his temper flared in the first set; the Serb arguing with the umpire. The world number 3 accused the official of rushing him during what had already been a long first set against Casper Ruud. Djokovic raged during the final games of the set as both of his service games kicked off to a love thirty (0-30) start. 

After serving to stay in the set for the second time, Novak claimed that the umpire (Damien Dumusois) wasn’t giving him enough time. 

“Wait for us to sit down and then call the score. Can you call the score when we come down or not?”

“We’re playing one hour and 10 minutes for one set, best-of-five Grand Slam on clay. I mean, you’re rushing the score. There’s 10 seconds left,” the angry Djokovic told the umpire.

The umpire replied: “You can see that I’m really trying to understand.” Djokovic cut him off and clarified that he was talking about the changeover instead of the serve clock (time allowed between points.)

Despite the angry crowd booing him, Ruud had reason to complain, as after the incident the umpire then proceeded to ignore the fact that Djokovic had exceeded the serve clock multiple times! 

Putting all the time controversy aside, the 36-year-old Djokovic took the first set tiebreaker 7-1 and didn’t hit a single unforced error, finally bringing the first set to an end after an hour and 21 minutes. The second two sets were a breeze for Novak, holding all but one of his service games before going to deuce! Djokovic won the slam in straight sets 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5. 

Despite a valiant effort, Ruud has still never won a set against Djokovic – also losing all four of their previous meetings in straight sets.

On a positive note, Ruud has been in back-to-back finals in Paris, losing last year to another legend, Rafa Nadal, 3-6 3-6 0-6.

The tennis world waits with anticipation to see how the next grand slam at Wimbledon plays out. Are you rooting for a 24^th title for Djokovic, or perhaps it’s time for another player to lift the coveted cup? 

Personally, I want Ruud… 

By Charlie, Yr8

Carre’s Grammar, Sleaford