Novak Djokovic reclaimed the Australian Open crown as he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in Sunday’s final.
With his victory, the Serbian tied Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam crowns.
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It was a stark contrast from the start to the 2022 season when Djokovic, the defending champion at the time, was deported from Australia.
🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 CHAMPION 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆@DjokerNole has mastered Melbourne for a TENTH time!@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/ZThnTrIXdt
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2023
“I have to say that this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I have played in my life, considering the circumstances,” Djokovic said during trophy presentation.
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This was a record-extending 10th Australian Open title for the Serb.
“Not playing last year, coming back this year. I want to thank all the people that made me feel welcome and comfortable to be in Melbourne, Australia.
“I try to pinch myself and really live through these moments and it’s a long journey.
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“Only the team and family knows what we have been through in the last four to five weeks. This, probably, is the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances.”
Tears of joy 🥹
Iconic moments at Rod Laver Arena.@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/n1gUUjiY51
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2023
In a rematch of the 2021 French Open final, Tsitsipas was unable to convert the few chances he had as he failed to stop Djokovic.
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The historic achievement triggered an outpouring of emotion from Djokovic, who climbed into his player box to share a tear-filled moment with his team.
The 35-year-old’s triumph also sealed his return to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings for the first time since last June.
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Djokovic will replace Carlos Alcaraz in top spot on Monday after notching his 12th successive win of the season.
Tsitsipas, who fell short of becoming the first Greek tennis player to win a Grand Slam, hailed Djokovic.
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“I have had the privilege to play a lot of high intensity matches, but I would like to say one more time that Novak brings the best out of me,” Tsitsipas said.
“He is one of the greatest in our sport and I think he is the greatest that has ever held the tennis racquet.”
, 7-6(5) in Sunday's final.){kind=link}