The 2023 Grand Slam season concluded as Novak Djokovic took his record 24th major title. He has won the US Open four times and extends his lead in the grand slam race. Along with the US Open title, Djokovic also moved to the top of the rankings to complete different milestones in the season. After his victory, Djokovic paid tribute to Kobe Bryant as the crowd cheered him on.
Djokovic captured the attention of the fans while wearing a custom-made t-shirt that mentioned “Mamba forever” and the number 24. Djokovic said, “Of course, what happened a few years ago with him and his daughter passing hurt me deeply. I thought 24 was his jersey when he became a legend of the Lakers and world basketball.” Djokovic had also mentioned Bryant after his French Open win this year.
Novak hits 24 and pays tribute to the late Kobe Bryant 💙 pic.twitter.com/rDXVUvYe1Z
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi Bryant, died in a helicopter crash in 2020. He was known for his mamba mentality and used to wear the 24-numbered jersey for the Lakers team.
Djokovic shared that Bryant was not only his friend but also a mentor. The Serbian is also known for his mental attitude on court, which has helped him over the past few years.
Novak Djokovic ties Grand Slam record with Margaret Court after US Open win
Djokovic is now level with Margaret Court in terms of grand slam titles. Court had won 24 majors in her career and played as an amateur and a professional on tour. Her final grand slam victory was in the 1973 US Open. Her first title was as an amateur at the Australian Open in 1960. Court has been without a company for 40 years. Now Djokovic joins yet another legend as he continues his record-breaking adventure.
Since the open era began in 1968, only four players have won more than 20 grand slams. Serena Williams won 23 titles, while Steffi Graf won 22, the highest among women. On the men’s side, Djokovic leads with 24 titles, and Rafael Nadal is second with 22 titles. Djokovic can become the first player in the sport’s history to win 25 Grand Slam titles.
RECORD ÉGALÉ !
Novak Djokovic 🤴 remporte le 24ème titre du Grand Chelem de sa carrière et égale ainsi le record historique de Margaret Court !
🇦🇺 Margaret Court – 24
🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic – 24 ⬆️
🇺🇸 Serena Williams – 23
🇩🇪 Steffi Graf – 22
🇪🇸 Rafael Nadal – 22
🇨🇭 Roger Federer -… pic.twitter.com/9Aga1kIGWp— Jeu, Set et Maths (@JeuSetMaths) September 10, 2023
The 36-year-old had only dropped two sets while taking the title in New York. Djokovic only played two matches that went beyond the two-hour mark. He will again be the favorite to take the title at the Australian Open next season. For now, he will keep a steady lead in the rankings as a few more events are left in the season.