Novak Djokovic targeting historic Calendar Slam at US Open after French Open triumph over Casper Ruud
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 12/06/2023 at 10:41 GMT
Novak Djokovic is showing no signs of slowing down after his 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 win over Casper Ruud in the French Open final on Sunday to claim a record-breaking 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title, beating Rafael Nadal's record of 22. After coming within touching distance of winning all four majors in 2021, the Serb is determined to go one step better this year with two Grand Slams to play for.
Djokovic: 'I don't want to say I'm the greatest' after 23rd Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic wants to create history and complete the Calendar Slam with victories at Wimbledon and the US Open after his French Open victory.
The Serbian claimed his 23rd major title with a 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 win over Casper Ruud in Sunday’s French Open final.
Should everything go as planned at Wimbledon, where he will be bidding for an eighth title to equal Roger Federer's record, he could have the chance in New York to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the Calendar Slam.
Djokovic came within touching distance of doing so in 2021, and admits his defeat to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final that year is still a source of frustration after winning the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon.
“I’d like to get another chance in New York. Of course, I have to win Wimbledon, which is a whole different mountain to climb,” he told the Tennis Channel in quotes published by Sportskeeda.
“The fact that I won the last four Wimbledons gives me a lot of confidence and I look forward to that. I really do. I love playing there, that's the dream tournament, always has been for me.
“If that happens, I'd love to get a chance to go for history in New York. I missed the history couple [of] years ago in the last match, with Medvedev. But I felt the love from New Yorkers, from all the people who were there.
“I was actually blown away with emotions of what they've brought to me on that day, on the court. So, I can't wait to go back and play in New York.”
Many would not discount Djokovic’s chances of completing the historic feat, including Eurosport tennis expert Tim Henman, who believes the Serb’s game is actually improving in his advancing years.
"So many facets of his game are better," Henman said. "He is hitting the ball harder, he doesn’t make unforced errors, he is moving better than ever.
"When you break it down shot for shot, his drop shot is better, and he is comfortable coming to the net. I think he is definitely playing better than he has ever played in his life, which is scary at the age of 36.
"He’s been very honest about these numbers. He was tied with Rafa [Nadal] on 22 and has now got to 23. In my mind, Margaret Court is ahead of him on 24 and I think that will be the next obvious target.
"He is very smart with his schedule and his career is defined by these four Slams, so it will all be about his preparation and the way he works up to these events.
"Wimbledon is only three weeks away, and he has to be a massive favourite there. With that burning desire, I wouldn’t put it past him winning No. 24 there."
Wimbledon starts on July 3.
- - -
The 2023 French Open was live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement