In the end, it was a superior victory for Novak Djokovic against Casper Ruud. Djokovic had won all four matches against Ruud before Sunday’s match, without losing a single set. At the same time, it is “only” Djokovic’s third victory at Roland Garros. – I think we should start with Novak. A new day and a new record for you. Another day where you write tennis history again. It’s hard to describe how amazing it is and how good you are. What an inspiration you are to so many out in the world, says Ruud in his speech after the match. Those were words Djokovic appreciated. – It’s not because we’re standing here, but you’re one of the best people on the tour. Best personality. People around the tour, players, coaches, everyone respects, values and loves you. It is with good reason, says Djokovic. – I had to say it first, because I really feel it is important to note that in today’s world, when someone has real human values and the right life values. You, your support staff, your father, your coaches, your family – everyone has been very kind to me and the staff around me. You deserve a lot of respect and a big round of applause for that, Djokovic continues. The 36-year-old also apologized to Ruud for the result. – It wasn’t the best way to end for you, but you’ve had a couple of incredible years here, with the final last year and the final this year. You have played three Grand Slam finals out of the last five you have played. It shows the quality of your tennis and your consistency. I want you to win against everyone you play, except me, says Djokovic, to laughter from the crowd. GOOD MOOD: Casper Ruud visited Novak Djokovic early to congratulate him on his victory after the match. Photo: LISI NIESNER / Reuters Historic title for Djokovic There was also a win in straight sets in Paris on Sunday for Djokovic, who could thus celebrate his 23rd Grand Slam title – one more than the clay king Rafael Nadal. At the same time, it is “only” Djokovic’s third victory at Roland Garros. After the match, Nadal was quick to congratulate Djokovic on Twitter. – Congratulations on this fantastic achievement. 23 is a number that only a few years ago was impossible to think about, and you did it, writes Nadal on Twitter after the final. For Ruud, it is his third loss in a Grand Slam final, after last year he lost the finals of Roland Garros and the US Open, against Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz respectively. Ruud also thanked his own family and support staff after the loss. – Thank you for all the work you do. Thank you for always being with me, thank you for “pushing” me. Not just these two weeks, but my whole life since I was a little boy. It has been a long journey. I’m happy to be back in the final at Roland Garros after what happened last year. We will continue to work hard to get back to the finals once more. WINNER: Novak Djokovic fell to the ground after the match was decided. Photo: Beate Oma Dahle / NTB Shaken Djokovic initially Patrick Mouratoglou, who has coached Serena Williams to a number of Grand Slam triumphs, called it “the most difficult match of Novak’s career”. It could almost look like this. When 21 minutes had been played, it was 3-0 to Ruud on the scoreboard. “It’s not over yet, Novak,” shouted a French spectator to unison laughter from the stadium. He was absolutely right. Djokovic broke back and won the tiebreak in the first set. The task from there became enormous for Ruud: In the 98 previous matches in Grand Slam tournaments where the Serb has won the first set, he has also won the match, according to The Tennis Podcast. Men with most Grand Slam titles Novak Djokovic – 23 Rafael Nadal – 22 Roger Federer – 20 On the women’s side, Margaret Court has 24, while Serena Williams has 23. Williams and Djokovic are now the only two with 23 Grand Slam titles from what is termed as “The Open Era”. – If every point is like that, then I can’t bear it. The task should also prove to be too big for Ruud. The second set had the same entrance as the first set, but with the opposite man in the lead. Djokovic broke and went up to 3–0 before Ruud hit back. He controlled the rest of the set as he wanted to 6–3. – If every point is like that, then I can’t take it in the end, Ruud shouted to dad and coach Christian Ruud after an exchange of balls towards the end of the set. After Ruud pushed Djokovic on his physicality in the first set, it was Djokovic who pushed Ruud throughout the second set. With good rebounds and winner after winner, Ruud was sometimes without a chance. BRIEFLY: Casper Ruud. Photo: Beate Oma Dahle / NTB – For a tennis player. He shows himself from his very, very best corner throughout the match. He starts with a few more mistakes and Casper had to win the first set. When he didn’t do it, this class player is the best, says Discovery’s Ola Bentzen. The Norwegian spoke several times to his own box, in search of a solution to Djokovic’s good game. But they never found it. The third set was more even and the players followed each other up to 5–5. Then Djokovic broke Ruud’s serve cleanly and thus got the opportunity to serve home the tournament. He also managed that, and could thus celebrate title number 23. Winners of Roland-Garros in the 2000s 2022: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2021: Novak Djokovic, Serbia 2020: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2019: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2018: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2017: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2016: Novak Djokovic, Serbia 2015: Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland 2014: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2013: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2012: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2010: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2009: Roger Federer, Switzerland 2008: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2007: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2006: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2005: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2004: Gastón Gaudio, Argentina 2003: Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain 2002: Albert Costa, Spain 2001: Gustavo Kuerten, Brazil 2000: Gustavo Kuerten, Brazil
ttn-69
Rådvill Casper Ruud was crushed by historic Novak Djokovic in Roland Garros – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
