The Serbian extended his Grand Slam tally by 22. He clinched his 10th Australian Open by beating the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
On Sunday evening at the Rod Laver Arena, Serbian Ace Novak Djokovic made history by leveling with rival Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 grand slams by winning the Australian Open.
This marks the tennis legend’s 10th Australian Open title as he beat the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas by 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in the final.
Djokovic, after the match, was filled with emotions as he shared a tear filled moment with his team.
He was also supported by the sea of Serbian flags at Melbourne Park’s Garden Square.
“This is one of the most challenging tournaments that I have ever played in my life,” said Djokovic.
The Serb was unable to play in last year’s edition of the Australian Open. Moreover, he arrived at this year’s tournament while nursing a hamstring injury.
“Not playing last year, coming back this year. I want to thank all the people who made me feel welcome. There is a reason why I have played my best tennis on this court, in front of the legendary Rod Laver.
“It is a long journey. All my team and family knows what we have been through in the past four or five weeks and this is probably the biggest victory of my life.”
The 35 year old has now returned back to the top spot on the ATP Rankings since June last year replacing the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
Stefanos Tsistsipas himself would have powered through to the top spot if he had proved to be victorious in today’s final.
Djokovic had easily claimed control in the first set. However, the Greek challenged him in the second and the third set respectively with tense and long rallies.
But alas it took Djokovic 2 hours and 56 minutes to secure a victory and improve his record in the Australian Open finals to 10-0.
Tsistsipas during the trophy ceremony said “Novak, I don’t know what to say. I think it speaks for itself with what you have achieved so far,”
“[You] make me a better player when I am on court. Novak brings the best out of me and these are the matches I have been working my entire life for. He is one of the greatest in our sport.” he added.
| Player | Grand Slam Crowns |
| Novak Djokovic | 22 |
| Rafael Nadal | 22 |
| Roger Federer | 20 |
| Pete Sampras | 14 |
| Roy Emerson | 12 |
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