Sunday, Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to win his 10th Australian Open championship and match Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic was overcome with emotion and referred to it as “the greatest victory of my life.”
The Serb will return to the top of the world rankings after defeating the Greek third seed 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena despite a hamstring injury and off-court incident.
After climbing to his player’s box to embrace his mother, the 35-year-old broke down in uncontrollable sobs and collapsed to the ground sobbing.
After his son’s quarterfinal victory, his father Srdjan created controversy by standing with a fan carrying a Russian banner with Vladimir Putin’s portrait. Srdjan was again AWOL.
The decisive victory over Tsitsipas concluded a memorable return to Melbourne Park for Djokovic, who missed last year’s tournament due to his position on Covid vaccination.
“I must say that this has been one of the most difficult tournaments I’ve ever played, considering the circumstances,” he said at the presentation, sporting a jacket with the number 22 embroidered on it.
“I would want to thank everyone who made me feel welcome and at ease in Melbourne.
“I try to pinch myself and truly experience these moments, it’s a long journey,” he continued.
“Only my team and family know what we’ve been through over the past four or five weeks, which is why, given the circumstances, I’d say this is the greatest victory of my life.”
There was a sense of inevitability surrounding Djokovic’s victory.
After his three-year suspension from Australia was removed, Djokovic won the Adelaide International before enhancing his legacy in Melbourne.
His overwhelming victory tied him with Rafael Nadal for a record 22 Grand Slam titles, two more than Roger Federer.
The legendary Spaniard was eliminated in the second round due to a hip injury, but he is aiming for a return for the clay-court season, another shot at the French Open, and a 23rd Grand Slam victory.
In contrast, Nadal will fall in the rankings when they are revealed on Monday, while Djokovic will dethrone Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz and return to the top spot for the first time since June. Tsitsipas will move up one position to third.
“Novak, I have no idea what to say. Your previous accomplishments speak for yourself. It all comes down to numbers. Congratulations,” the 24-year-old Tsitsipas, who has yet to win a major tournament, said.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play many challenging, high-intensity matches, but I’d like to reiterate that Novak brings out the best in me.
Certainly, he is the greatest tennis player who ever wielded a racket.
Djokovic earned his first Grand Slam title on Rod Laver Arena in 2008, while Tsitsipas exploded into the scene in 2019 when he eliminated defending champion Roger Federer in the round of 16.
With significant Greek and Serbian communities in Melbourne and Rod Laver present, there was a boisterous mood.
Djokovic entered the match with sky-high confidence, having won his previous nine Australian Open finals and holding a 10-2 career advantage over the Greek.
After being greeted with thunderous applause and moving freely with minimal strapping on his injured left hamstring, he opened with a comfortable hold.
Djokovic had two break point opportunities on Tsitsipas’s first serve, which he was unable to convert, but he kept probing, and the Greek gave him a break for 3-1 with a reckless double fault.
Tsitsipas, playing in only his second Grand Slam final compared to Djokovic’s 33rd, appeared jittery as he lost the opening set in only 36 minutes.
However, as his confidence built and he improved his serve and pressure moments, he came back into contention in a much closer second set.
As a result of Djokovic’s wide backhand, he gained his first break point and set point.
The set went to a tiebreaker, where the Serb’s superior experience came to the forefront.
Against all odds, Tsitsipas broke Djokovic’s serve on the opening point of the third set, only to squander the lead after a tense rally, furious with himself.
Again, the match went to a tiebreak, when Djokovic elevated his game to win another title.
»Djokovic’s victory at the Australian Open ties Nadal’s Grand Slam record«