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 Area 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 match. General, 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 last two units. However 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 last 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 facet and commenced crying — and for good purpose. He has spent a report 373 weeks as world No. 1 by his profession, and can discover himself leaping 4 spots to be again on high within the subsequent ATP rankings.Â
“This has been one of the vital tough tournaments, contemplating the circumstances. not taking part in 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’s a purpose I’ve been taking part in could finest tennis right here.”
Djokovic went on to say it was “the largest” win in his profession.
“Solely the workforce and household is aware of what we have now been although within the final 4 or 5 weeks,” he stated. “That is in all probability, I might say — the largest victory in my life, contemplating the circumstances.”
Djokovic got here into the match with hamstring discomfort from an harm he suffered on the Adelaide Worldwide — a match 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.
His deportation final yr from this very match was as a result of his COVID-19 vaccination standing, however he was allowed again in Australia after the nation relaxed its vaccine restrictions. Within the days main as much as this yr’s Australian Open, Djokovic stated there have been no arduous emotions with how every thing went down in 2022.
“It is 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 recreation however these are the matches I’ve been working my total life for. He is one of many best in our sport. He is the best who ever held a tennis racket.”
Djokovic is now 11-2 towards Tsitsipas, who was competing in his second Grand Slam last and continues to be in search of his first main title.