Has Novak Djokovic won the most Grand Slams? Has he won more than Serena Williams? Is he the GOAT?

ByEurosport

Published 11/06/2023 at 19:35 GMT

After winning the French Open, does Novak Djokovic hold the all-time Grand Slam record? Is he ahead of Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal? Will he win the Calendar Slam? Djokovic beat Casper Ruud to win the French Open for a third time and move to 23 major titles for his career. He will have a chance to win his 24th Grand Slam at Wimbledon next month.

Novak Djokovic won his 23rd Grand Slam title after beating Casper Ruud to secure the 2023 French Open.

Djokovic is now one ahead of long-time rival Rafael Nadal in the standings and three ahead of Roger Federer.

But does Djokovic now hold the men’s record? And what about the all-time record? And is he the GOAT?

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Does Djokovic hold the Grand Slam record?

For the first time in his career, Djokovic is the outright leader for the most Grand Slams won by a male tennis player.

Djokovic was playing catch-up with Nadal and Federer before drawing level with his great rivals on 20 Grand Slam titles by winning Wimbledon in 2021.

Djokovic won his 21st Grand Slam title the following season at Wimbledon, and No. 22 at the Australian Open earlier this year.

By winning the French Open for a third time he has moved into the outright lead for the first time.

He is also the first man to win at least three times at all of the Grand Slams.

Nadal, who looks set to miss the rest of the season as he recovers from surgery, is on 22 majors and Federer, who retired last September, is on 20.

Pete Sampras is fourth in the all-time men’s list with 14 Grand Slam titles, two ahead of Roy Emerson. Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg both won 11.

Does Djokovic hold the all-time Grand Slam record?

Djokovic’s French Open victory moves him level with Serena Williams on 23 Grand Slam titles - an Open Era record.

Only Margaret Court with 24 has won more Grand Slam titles than Djokovic and Williams.

Steffi Graf finished her career with 22 majors.

When could Djokovic win his 24th Grand Slam title?

Djokovic could be celebrating another Grand Slam victory in just over a month.

Wimbledon starts on July 3 and Djokovic will be the favourite to lift the trophy, having done so for the last four editions of the tournament.

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Djokovic has not lost a match at Wimbledon since 2018.

If he does win Wimbledon again he would equal Federer’s record of eight titles at SW19.

The final Grand Slam of the season, the US Open, starts on August 28.

Will Djokovic win the Calendar Slam?

By winning the French Open, Djokovic has raised the prospect of completing the Calendar Slam – winning all four majors in the same year.

The last man to achieve the feat was Laver in 1969.

'He's better than ever' - Expert reaction to Djokovic winning 23rd Grand Slam title

Djokovic came agonisingly close to winning all four in 2021, only missing out at the final hurdle as he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final.

Last year he couldn’t play the US Open due to vaccination entry laws in the country but he is able to return this season. He is a three-time champion in New York and last lifted the trophy in 2018.

Is Djokovic the GOAT?

Even though Djokovic has now won more Grand Slam titles than Nadal or Federer, the debate over whether he is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) will continue.

“I would like to see Novak get to 24, 25 or 26, so there is no discussion,” said Eurosport expert Mats Wilander ahead of the final.

“It’s very difficult for me to separate the ‘Big Three’ because they were so important for our sport. To say that anyone is greater than Roger Federer is tough because of what he did for the game, but this is not Novak’s last chance.”

John McEnroe added: “Djokovic has a winning record against everyone and has been No. 1 more… and he’s still going so strong.”

Nadal sent a message of congratulations to Djokovic following the final.

"Many congrats on this amazing achievement, Novak Djokovic," wrote the 36-year-old.

"23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about, and you made it! Enjoy it with your family and team!"

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