The seesaw battle between Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud in the French Open final on Sunday is on the cards. All odds are in favour of Novak Djokovic, who has been chasing his 23rd Grand Slam title. However, history favours the Serbs, as he is a clear favourite. But a sport is not free from uncertainty.
Today’s match would be the seventh championship match for the 36-year-old charismatic Serb. If Djokovic emerges champion today, he will become the most prolific Grand Slam winner as well as the only player to lift all four major titles at least three times.
This record is in the kitty of three tennis legends in the women’s section: Margaret Court, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams.
“The only thing I can say is that I’m very focused. History is always something that hovers over me,” said Djokovic, the 2016 and 2021 winners in Paris and now the oldest finalist in 93 years.
This would be Djokovic’s 34th Grand Slam final, and he is looking to regain the number one spot after winning today’s grand finale. He will be replaced by Carlos Alcaraz, the man he overpowered in the semis.
Victory on Sunday would give the Serb a chance to win all four Grand Slam titles in a calendar year. This unique record was achieved by Australian legend Rod Laver. He accomplished this feat twice, in 1962 and 1969.
Rudd has never defeated Djokovic in four meetings and has yet to win a set.