One other outstanding feat and one other Grand Slam title added to the gathering!
When Novak Djokovic transformed his championship level towards Tsitsipas within the 2023 Australian Open last, not solely did he carry a record-extending tenth Norman Brookes Problem Cup, he additionally equalled one of the necessary data in tennis historical past.
The Serbian ace is on equal phrases with Spaniard Rafael Nadal on the Grand Slam titles leaderboard, with 22 Main trophies.
Nole’s Grand Slam assortment is generally constructed on a basis of constant success at Melbourne Park, the place he’s received 10 of his 22 largest titles, and has been topped champion at 10 of the previous 16 editions of the occasion.
On Sunday, Novak Djokovic received his 93rd profession title, beating no.3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) in two hours and 56 minutes in Rod Laver Enviornment.
Novak gained management early within the last, to take the opening set with a break within the fourth sport. Though the 24-year-old Athens native raised his sport within the second and third units to make sure some gripping rallies, Djokovic was dominant at key moments. He saved a break/set level at 4-5 within the second set with a elegant forehand winner and went on to clinch it in a tie-break.
Tsitsipas claimed his solely break of the match within the opening sport of the third set, however Djokovic responded instantly to stage. The 34-year-old tennis star produced one other commanding tie-break show to clinch the historic victory.
“This is among the most difficult tournaments that I’ve ever performed in my life,” stated Novak. “Not enjoying final yr, coming again this yr. I wish to thank all of the individuals who made me really feel welcome. There’s a motive why I’ve performed my finest tennis on this courtroom, in entrance of legendary Rod Laver. It’s a lengthy journey. All my staff and household is aware of what we’ve got been by means of previously 4 or 5 weeks and that is most likely the most important victory of my life.”
“Novak, I don’t know what to say. I feel it speaks for itself with what you will have achieved to date,” stated Tsitsipas throughout the trophy presentation ceremony. “It’s all within the numbers, so congratulations. Not solely to your self however having such a supportive household. It has been such an unbelievable journey for you and I love what you will have completed for our sport. You make me a greater participant when I’m on courtroom. Novak brings the most effective out of me and these are the matches I’ve been working my complete life for. He is among the biggest in our sport.”
Match statistics: aces (7-15), double faults (3-3), winners (36-40), unforced errors (22-42), complete factors received (112-94).
With the triumph, Novak will return to the highest of the ATP rankings on Monday, and can start his 374th week on the summit of males’s skilled tennis.
Novak could have 4 weeks off earlier than going again on courtroom on the Dubai Responsibility Free Tennis Championships, the place he might be bidding for a sixth crown (2009-11, 2013, 2020). Final yr Czech Jiri Vesely stopped him within the quarter-finals – 4-6, 6-7 (4).
You’ll be able to obtain Nole 2023 February desktop calendar right here.
Images: Profimedia