NOVAK Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets of 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) today to win the Australian Open men’s singles title.
The victory takes Djokovic’s Grand Slam titles to 22, making him the joint-most successful man in tennis history along with Rafa Nadal.
It is also Djokovic’s 10th Australian Open title and the 35-year-old will return to the world No.1 ranking.
The 24-year-old Greek Tsitsipas is yet to win a Grand Slam title, and he lost to Djokovic in his first major final at the 2021 French Open after surrendering a two-set lead.
In Melbourne today, Tsitsipas was behind all through and could not stop Djokovic’s inexorable match towards history.
In the few opportunities Tsitsipas had to threaten Djokovic, the third seed was unable to take them.
Djokovic has not lost at the Australian Open since 2018, a streak spanning a record 28 matches in the men’s singles.
He was the clear favourite to win the title last year before he deported from Australia following a row over his Covid-19 vaccination status.
“I have to say this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I have ever played in my life considering the circumstances, not playing last year, coming back this year,” Djokovic said during his post-match interview.
“I try to pinch myself and really live through these moments. It’s a long journey. Only the team and the family knows what we have been through in the last four or five weeks.
“I would say this is probably the biggest victory of my life, considering those circumstances.”
