The tennis juggernaut Novak Djokovic continued his dominance as he brushed off Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the record 10th Australian Open title at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday (January 29).
Djokovic rocked Tsitsipas in straight sets 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5) to emulate Rafael Nadal's record of winning 22 Grand Slams. With this victory Djokovic returned to no.1 in the ATP rankings.
Just after winning the Australian Open 2023 title, Djokovic was seen overwhelmed by the emotions. The entire world witnessed the outpouring of emotions from the king Djokovic after an embrace from his brother. He broke down in tears in his player’s box.
Here's the video…
For Tsitsipas, the 24-year-old Greek, it was his second defeat to Djokovic in two Grand Slam finals in his career. Tsitsipas had previously reached the 2021 French Open final where he squandered the advantage of winning the two sets and lost 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
"This has been one of the most challenging tournaments I have ever played in my life considering the circumstances, not playing last year, coming back this year," Djokovic said after the match.
"I want to thank all the people who made me feel welcome, made me feel comfortable to be in Melbourne and to be in Australia.
"There is a reason why I have played my best tennis throughout my career in this arena. I try to pinch myself and really live through these moments.
"It's a long journey. Only the team and the family knows what we have been through in the last four or five weeks.
"I would say this is probably the biggest victory of my life, considering those circumstances. Thank you so much – and hopefully see you next year," he added.
This is how Djokovic celebrated his record victory
The statistics are astonishing, the quality and consistency of his tennis even more so. Djokovic last lost at the Australian Open in 2018, a winning streak that spans 28 matches. This was his 33rd grand slam final.
Both Djokovic and Rafael Nadal now share the men’s record for major wins, while Djokovic becomes only the second man to win more than 10 titles at a single slam. The other being, yes, Nadal, who has won the French Open 14 times.
Undoubtedly the two men are all-time greats of not only their sport but any sport. Which one is the greatest? That battle and debate is ongoing, and tennis is the benefactor.
Victory over Tsitsipas in Melbourne, which took just under three hours, also returned Djokovic to the top of the men’s world rankings, a spot he will occupy for a record-extending 374th week.
