Djokovic 'motivated' ahead of history-making final

Novak Djokovic can complete his ascent to the top of tennis history by claiming a 23rd grand slam title at the French Open on Sunday. Since inserting himself into the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal duopoly, Djokovic has been playing catch-up, but victory over Casper Ruud would see him out on his own as the most successful men's singles player ever. And, with Federer retired and Nadal heading in the same direction, it would appear a decisive move.

Djokovic would also become the first man in history to win at least three titles at each slam and would be within one of Margaret Court's all-time record. The Serbian arrived in Paris after a less-than-stellar clay-court season but has made no secret of the fact it is the slams that keep him out there and he has once again risen to the occasion when it matters. After outlasting a cramping Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals to win a 20th consecutive grand slam match, Djokovic said: "I have said it many times this year during the clay season that Roland Garros is where I want to peak on clay, where I want to play my best tennis.

"So I put myself in another really ideal position to win a grand slam. That's basically what still drives me when I wake up in the morning and think about the season and think about things I want to achieve. "I won the first grand slam this year and now I'm in the finals of a second one, so I couldn't ask for more than that.

"As far as all the records that are on the line, it's flattering, it's great, but I need to win in order to make sure to be on that list. So I know what I need to do. "I've been very fortunate that most of the matches in tournaments I've played in the last few years, there is history on the line.