Djokovic gives props to Noah in speech

The 23-time Grand Slam champion paid tribute to French legend in trophy ceremony

Yannick Noah, Novak Djokovic, final, Roland-Garros 2023© Cédric Lecocq/FFT
 - Chris Oddo

Forty years ago, Yannick Noah gave Court Philippe-Chatrier one of its most iconic moments. The last Frenchman to win a Grand Slam singles title, looking svelte as ever, was on hand to present the trophy to Novak Djokovic, the man who has created the latest magical moment on the world's most storied clay court.

After Djokovic finished his 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 victory over Casper Ruud to move to the top of the all-time Grand Slam men's singles title list with 23, the Serbian juggernaut took time to commemorate Noah's legendary achievement and thank the French legend for what he has done for the sport.

Novak Djokovic, Yannick Noah, Roland-Garros 2023, final, trophy ceremony© Philippe Montigny/FFT

"I would like to say that it's a great honour to have Yannick Noah today, on the 40th anniversary of his Roland-Garros title," Djokovic told the appreciative crowd. "I was really, really young when you were retiring from tennis,  but I watched your videos with great joy and I just appreciated and loved your enthusiasm, that was transformed into music after your tennis career."

On Sunday in Paris, Djokovic created one of the most special moments in the history of men's tennis, becoming the first man to win all four Grand Slams at least three times, and the oldest men's champion in Roland-Garros history, but he was quick to turn attention away from himself to the man who conquered the terre battue in 1983.

"What you bring to the people, the kind of positivity and energy – it is something very special," Djokovic said. “So I just wanted to say that, it's great to have you here.”