French Open: 'Date with destiny' for Novak Djokovic as he eyes 'incredible' 23rd Grand Slam title

Novak Djokovic has a «date with destiny» as he eyes an outright record 23rd Grand Slam singles title ahead of the 2023 French Open final against Casper Ruud, according to Eurosport's Tim Henman and Mats Wilander. The two-time champion at Roland-Garros was tested to his limits at times before world No. 1 and top seed Carlos Alcaraz eventually wilted due to cramp in their huge semi-final clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday afternoon, and now he just has to overcome Ruud to move clear of his great rival, Rafael Nadal, with another major crown.

Ad Ruud, the fourth seed, will represent a serious challenge for Djokovic after he overcame Alexander Zverev in the last four as he looks to win his maiden Grand Slam title on the red dirt in Paris. But the Serb will be the favourite to prevail and make yet more history with a hat-trick of triumphs at Roland-Garros. Roland-GarrosHow to watch Novak Djokovic v Casper Ruud in blockbuster final3 HOURS AGO The 36-year-old has a huge opportunity to usurp the injured Nadal in the all-time men's tally on Sunday and Wilander and Henman believe he is in the perfect moment to do so with all of his experience and skill.

«It’s incredible,» Henman told Eurosport when considering the prospect of Djokovic winning a 23rd Grand Slam title. «The match that he came through against Alcaraz didn’t exactly finish how we expected or how we wanted, but in the first two sets his resilience and attitude were so good. »You felt the momentum was with Alcaraz, and he got the second set.