Despite being 12 years younger than Djokovic, Ruud, who also lost the 2022 US Open final to Carlos Alcaraz, suddenly looked exhausted.
Djokovic broke to take a 2-0 lead in the second set, and although Ruud saved two set points in the eighth game, the Serb was getting closer to his dream of breaking the record.
Ruud saved a break point in the third game of the third set to stay in stride.
Djokovic broke at 6-5, however, and sealed his place in history when Ruud’s shot went wide.
