French Open: Scary moment Novak Djokovic tumbles over in final at Roland-Garros – ‘He’s lucky’

Novak Djokovic was fortunately unscathed after he took a nasty tumble in the opening set of the 2023 French Open final against Casper Ruud on Sunday.

The Norwegian fourth seed played a superb backhand approach shot into the corner of the court, and the precise groundstroke forced the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion into a rather awkward position on the slide, deep behind the baseline.

Djokovic, who is renowned for his coordination, balance and flexibility, could not stop his feet from slipping on the red dirt at Roland-Garros and he hit the ground pretty heavily with marks up the back of his shirt to show where he had made contact with the clay.

It could have been a nasty injury for the Serb, who thankfully was able to get back to his feet and dust himself off before continuing in the opening set. He had clay all the way up his arm and on his back.

Eurosport’s commentators at the time, Tim Henman and Simon Reed, gasped at the fall, which could have easily led to a bad injury and a retirement in less fortunate circumstances.

“It is so slippery out there, as slippery as it’s ever been,” explained Reed, on commentary for Eurosport at the time.

“Djokovic slips as much as the next man. He’s lucky it didn’t turn out to be serious, that’s the sort of fall that can damage your wrists.”

Djokovic is aiming to make yet more history in his decorated career as he targets an outright record 23rd Grand Slam singles triumph – and a third crown at Roland-Garros.

The 36-year-old will have to repel Ruud, who is hoping to secure his maiden major title, but if he can do so he will surpass his great rival, Rafael Nadal, in the all-time tally of men’s Grand Slams.

– – –

On June 10 and 11 strap yourself in for a live sport rollercoaster ride. With the finals of Roland-Garros, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Speedway Grand Prix, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the Criterium du Dauphine, MotoGP and the Champions League final, it’s the Weekend of Champions live on Eurosport, discovery+ and BT Sport.