French Open 2023 men's final result: Novak Djokovic wins record-breaking 23rd major and third Roland Garros title with victory over Casper Ruud

Novak Djokovic surpassed Rafael Nadal with his 23rd Grand Slam title – a men’s record – as he outclassed Casper Ruud to win a third Roland-Garros crown.

Read our full match report below.

History is made! Novak Djokovic wins a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title in men’s singles to break his tie with Rafael Nadal and become the first man ever to win each major at least three times.

He levels with Serena Williams (also 23) and is one shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record in the sport of 24 major singles titles.

The Serb will also return to World No.1 on Monday for a record-extending 388th week at the summit of the men’s singles rankings.

It was fitting that Djokovic served it out to 15 on his second match point in three hours and 13 minutes after Ruud had given everything to try and avoid another defeat in what was his third major final.

Wow! As Tim Henman states on Eurosport Comms, that’s ‘unplayable’ from the Serb as he unleashes a venomous crosscourt forehand to snare triple break point.

The No.3 seed then seals the break to love with a crosscourt backhand winner and he will now serve for his third RG title and a record-breaking 23rd major.

‘Scoreboard pressure? What’s that?’ asks Nole.

The Serb thunders down aces 10 before wrapping up a clean hold with as good a crosscourt forehand winner as you’ll see.

Ruud sizzles a stunning forehand that clips the back edge of the baseline and it proves to be the pick of his points as he once again keeps Nole at bay to edge a game to 30. Will his resistance pay off or is he just delaying the inevitable?

Djokovic endures a moment of concern on serve for the first time in a long time as a couple of needless errors see him trail 0-30.

The Serb hits clutch mode to turn the game upside down and then shrugs a time violation to land a service winner down the T.

Ruud’s first-serve percentage has crept above 60 now and it helps him pick up some cheap points to once again keep Nole at arm’s length. A crosscourt smash is a nice way to finish but the Norwegian needs to make a move on the return now if he’s to find away back into this match. Easier said than done, of course, with Djokovic in this sort of mood.

Djokovic nails a second serve ace to take his tally to eight before firing a rare forehand long. It’s as good as it gets for Casper as the Serb trots into the net to finish off a bounce smash and tie the board.

A beastly serve down the T puts Ruud in the driving seat at 40-15 but a wild forehand and then a sumptuous crosscourt pass from Djokovic see the Serb’s eyes light up at deuce.

Ruud remains calm and follows up a ferocious one-two punch up the line with a third ace of the day to nudge the board once more.

That is world class. Djokovic thunders an almost effortless forehand winner that sears the back of the baseline to wrap up another love hold. Ruud just isn’t getting close to threatening on the return at the moment.

It’s a rollercoaster game for Ruud but he just about scraps his way out of danger. Some exceptional volleying puts him 30-0 to the good but Nole locks in on the return and turns it on its head by wrangling break point. Casper needs to hit clutch mode and does, keeping the Serb at bay to maintain the early scoreboard advantage on the board from deuce.

That’s as clean as your Dad’s car after a Sunday morning trip through the local wash!

A clutch, low, angled volley is the pick of the points as the Serb continues to ooze an air of authority and dominance on the court.

Ruud’s first serve percentage has hovered in the low 50s and he could really do with upping that significantly if he wants to stop this ending in three, as many are now expecting.

He nails a few here and pops down just his second ace of the match to turn a 15-30 dilemma into a very solid hold.

The Serbian is now one set away from No.23 and the standalone Grand Slam record in the men's game.

Ruud can do little to alter the course of destiny on this occasion as the No.3 seed and two-time champion serves out the set to love, finishing it off with a stylish backhand winner down the line.

It may prove to be in vain, but Ruud shows great spirit to quash two break points and grind out a hold from deuce.

Djokovic will now serve for a commanding two-set advantage.