Pressure will be immense when Novak Djokovic faces Casper Ruud in the French Open final with a record-breaking 23rd men’s grand slam title and his position in the pantheon of tennis at stake.
Still in a three-way tie with Roger Federer and fellow 22-times grand slam winner Rafael Nadal in the debate on who is the greatest of all time, the Serbian can also become the first male player to claim three titles in each of the four majors.
While Djokovic, who will take part in a record 34th grand slam final, will have experience on his side on court Philippe Chatrier, the fourth-seeded Ruud is unlikely to be as frozen as he was in last year’s final against his mentor Nadal.
In 2021, Djokovic was on the brink of completing a calendar slam – winning all four majors in the same year – but was beaten in straight sets in the final in New York by Daniil Medvedev.
“Novak is one of the best players in the world, that’s for sure, but when you’re on the brink of history I think that adds a little bit of pressure,” said three-time French Open semi-finalist Alexander Zverev after falling to Ruud.
“You remember the US Open final he had with Medvedev after beating me in the semis still. The pressure … we are all human. Novak is human. We all feel it.”
The 36-year-old has won five of the past nine grand slams and is confident that he can extend his streak in majors to 14 match victories after playing an unbelievable first set in his four-set win against a cramping Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.
“I put myself in another really ideal position to win a grand slam,” said Djokovic, who will also snatch the world No.1 spot back from Spain’s Alcaraz if he lifts the Musketeers Cup.
With the fickle French Open crowd often backing the underdog, Djokovic might face a few jeers, but he could not care less.
“I don’t mind. It’s not the first (time), probably not the last. I’ll just keep winning,” he said.
Ruud has never taken a set from Djokovic in four previous meetings but the Norwegian has had a smooth run into the final, playing flawlessly, if not spectacularly.
The 24-year-old is contesting his third grand slam final in 12 months, after also losing to Alcaraz in New York last September.
On paper, Ruud has prepared for every scenario as he bids for third time lucky.
“I’m just going to try to play without too much emotion,” he said.
“I think that’s when I can play my best tennis – when I don’t overthink the situation and think too much that I have to win this match, because then things go on automatic mode,” said Ruud, who will be in his third grand slam final.
“Of course if I was to maybe win a set or be closer to victory, you’re going to feel the nerves and then it’s important to be mentally prepared.
“I’m going to try to visualise myself in both winning and losing situations on Sunday and see if I can have a game plan ready.”