Djokovic wins Australian Open, equals Nadal’s Grand Slam record

An emotional Novak Djokovic called it “the biggest win of my life” after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas, winning a 10th Australian Open title and matching Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles on Sunday.

The Serb returns to the world number one after overcoming a hamstring injury and off-field drama to move past the Greek third seed 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/ 5) at Rod Laver Arena.

The 35-year-old then climbed to his players’ box to hug his mother and burst into uncontrollable tears before falling to the ground sobbing.

His father Srdjan was reported missing again after sparking controversy by posing with a fan carrying a Russian flag with the face of Vladimir Putin after his son’s quarter-final victory.

The emphatic victory over Tsitsipas capped a remarkable return for Djokovic to Melbourne Park, having missed last year’s tournament when he was deported over his stance on Covid vaccination.

“I have to say this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I’ve ever played given the circumstances. Last year I didn’t play and this year I’m coming back,” he said at the presentation, wearing a jacket with 22 on top.

“I want to thank all the people who made me feel welcome and at ease in Melbourne.

“I’m trying to pinch myself and really live these moments, it’s a long journey,” he added.

“Only my team and family know what we’ve been through in the last four or five weeks and that’s why I’d probably say it’s the biggest win of my life given the circumstances.”

There was an air of inevitability about Djokovic triumphing again.

After his three-year ban from Australia was lifted, Djokovic won the run-up to the Adelaide International before cementing his status as an all-time great at Melbourne.

His dominant win put him tied with Nadal on a record 22 Slams, two ahead of Roger Federer.

The Spanish great made a shock exit in the second round with a hip injury, but is aiming to return for the clay-court season and another crack at the French Open to take his 23rd Slam title.

However, Nadal will slide down the rankings when it is released on Monday, unlike Djokovic, who will dethrone Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz and return to the top for the first time since June. Tsitsipas climbs one place to third.

“Novak, I don’t know what to say. It speaks for itself what you have achieved so far. It’s all in the numbers. Congratulations,” said 24-year-old Tsitsipas, who has yet to win a major.

“I have had the privilege of playing many difficult high-intensity matches, but I want to say again that Novak brings out the best in me.

“He is certainly the best to ever hold a tennis racket.”

– Touching –

Both men were back at jobs that helped them rise to fame.

Djokovic won his first Grand Slam in 2008 at the Rod Laver Arena, while Tsitsipas burst onto the scene in 2019 when he stunned defending champion Federer in the last 16.

With large Greek and Serbian communities in Melbourne, and Rod Laver present, there was a raw atmosphere.

Djokovic came into the match with sky-high confidence having won all nine of his previous Australian Open finals and leading 10-2 over the Greek.

Moving freely with only minimal straps on his troublesome left hamstring, he opened with a comfortable grip after being greeted with huge cheers.

Djokovic worked two break points on Tsitsipas’ opening serve but to no avail, but he kept his bearings and the Greek gave him a break for 3-1 with a careless double foul.

Tsitsipas, only in his second Grand Slam final against Djokovic’s 33rd, appeared nervous and lost the first set in just 36 minutes.

But he fought back into contention in a much closer second set as his confidence grew, his serve improved and some pressure points gained.

He earned his first break point – and set point – when Djokovic shot a backhand wide.

But the Serb hung on to keep the set on serve and it went to a tiebreak, where his greater experience roared forward.

Contrary to expectations, Tsitsipas broke for the first time on Djokovic’s opening serve in set three, but immediately gave up the advantage after a poignant rally, furious with himself.

It again went to a tiebreaker, where Djokovic leveled up again to claim another title.

AFP