A yr after being deported days earlier than the Australian Open began, Novak Djokovic lifted the 2023 Australian Open trophy with a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
With the win, the 35-year-old Serbian star prolonged his report at Melbourne Park to 10 titles and tied Rafael Nadal’s profession report of twenty-two Grand Slam titles. The world’s No. 5 ranked participant has now gained 28 consecutive Australian Open matches and holds a 20-0 report in semifinals and finals on this event. Overall, this marked Djokovic’s 93rd ATP title.
He gained the primary set with relative ease earlier than Tsitsipas turned it on and compelled tiebreakers within the closing two units. But in each tiebreakers, Djokovic was merely overpowering. He jumped out to 4-1 benefit within the first one after it hit 4-4, successful the final three factors to take the second set. He smelled a victory within the closing tiebreaker and promptly jumped out to a 5-0 lead earlier than ending the match.
Moments after the victory, Djokovic discovered coach Goran Ivanisevic within the crowd and went to have a good time with him and others. Upon returning to the court docket, the Serbian sat on the bench nearest his aspect and started crying — and for good motive. He has spent a report 373 weeks as world No. 1 by means of his profession, and can discover himself leaping 4 spots to be again on prime within the subsequent ATP rankings.
“This has been one of the vital tough tournaments, contemplating the circumstances. not enjoying final yr coming again this yr,” Djokovic stated after the match, The Guardian reported. “I need to thank all of the individuals who made me really feel comfy. There is a motive I’ve been enjoying could finest tennis right here.”
Djokovic went on to say it was “the most important” win in his profession.
“Only the crew and household is aware of what we’ve got been although within the final 4 or 5 weeks,” he stated. “This might be, I’d say — the most important victory in my life, contemplating the circumstances.”
Djokovic got here into the event with hamstring discomfort from an harm he suffered on the Adelaide International — a event he additionally gained — earlier in January. The harm reared its head at Australian Open, together with early in his quarterfinal match with Andrey Rublev, however Djokovic pushed by means of.
His deportation final yr from this very event was attributable to his COVID-19 vaccination standing, however he was allowed again in Australia after the nation relaxed its vaccine restrictions. In the times main as much as this yr’s Australian Open, Djokovic stated there have been no arduous emotions with how the whole lot went down in 2022.
“It’s all within the numbers. You make me a greater participant when I’m on the court docket,” Tsitsipas stated. “I’ve had the privilege to play a whole lot of excessive depth sport however these are the matches I’ve been working my complete life for. He’s one of many best in our sport. He’s the best who ever held a tennis racket.”
Djokovic is now 11-2 towards Tsitsipas, who was competing in his second Grand Slam closing and continues to be in search of his first main title.
