French Open: Classy Rafael Nadal congratulates Novak Djokovic on 'impossible to think about' 23rd Grand Slam

Rafael Nadal has once again demonstrated how gracious he is with a classy congratulatory message to his great rival Novak Djokovic, who clinched his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open. The 36-year-old sealed another historic Grand Slam title and his third at Roland-Garros on Sunday as he defeated fourth seed Casper Ruud in straight sets, 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5, to move ahead of Nadal and his 22 majors.

Ad The Spaniard was quick to post a message of congratulations on social media after he saw Djokovic surpass his own legendary tally with a comprehensive and hugely impressive victory on the red dirt in Paris. Roland-Garros'He's so far from being done' — Reaction to Djokovic making history35 MINUTES AGO While it may have been tough for the injured Nadal to watch his main rival lift the trophy on Court Philippe-Chatrier — the place he has clinched a record 14 titles — he was sporting in posting his tribute to the Serb.

The 37-year-old Nadal, who may well have been hoping that his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz would have succeeded him in going all the way at Roland-Garros this year, described it as an «amazing achievement». «Many congrats on this amazing achievement, Novak Djokovic,» Nadal's message began.

«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!» Scary moment Djokovic tumbles over in final — 'He’s lucky' 'Why are you rushing?' — Djokovic and Ruud debate heat and breaks with umpire Djokovic, who also triumphed at the Australian Open at the start of the year, now has another opportunity to clinch an unfathomable 'Calendar Slam' this season if he can also be victorious at Wimbledon and then the US Open. The Serb came agonisingly close to doing so