CNN
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The result is familiar, and a little surprising how easily it’s achieved. The historic significance of the match certainly did not bind Novak Djokovic as the Serb beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to win his 10th Australian Open title and record-tying first. 22 Grand Slams.
After the 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) win, Djokovic walked to the bench and burst into tears, the meaning and emotion of his achievement overwhelming him. As he returned to his seat on the court, Djokovic covered his face with a towel as television cameras caught him continuing to cry.
Last year, Djokovic was unable to defend his title after being ejected due to his Covid-19 vaccination status. This year at Melbourne Park, he suffered a hamstring injury and had to deal with the aftermath of his father Srdjan filming with a group of Russian supporters at the Australian Open.
During the awards ceremony, Djokovic described the victory as “the biggest victory of my life”.
“Given the circumstances, it was one of the most challenging races I’ve ever played in my life,” he said.
“Didn’t play last year and came back this year. I want to thank everyone who made me feel welcome and made me feel comfortable. Only the team and family know what we’ve been through the past four to five weeks, and given the circumstances, this is the biggest game of my life.” victory.”
The statistics are astounding, and even more so with the quality and consistency of his tennis. Djokovic last lost at the Australian Open in 2018, a winning streak that spanned 28 matches. In this match, he only lost one set.
Djokovic and Rafael Nadal now share the record for men’s Grand Slam titles, with Djokovic becoming just the second man to win more than 10 titles in a single Grand Slam. The other is Nadal, yes, he has won the French Open 14 times.
There is no doubt that these two are all-time greats not only of their sport but of any sport. Which is the greatest? This battle and debate continues, and tennis is the benefactor.
Djokovic also returned to the top of the men’s world rankings with a victory over Tsitsipas in less than three hours in Melbourne, a position he will occupy for the 374th consecutive week.
Sitsipas, who reached his second Grand Slam final and first Roland Garros final, also in a loss to Djokovic, can rest assured he is not the first to be slapped by the 35-year-old. The player the Serbs beat. big occasion.
The Greek’s serve was under pressure from the start. He trailed 15-40 in the second, but tied it 1-1 in the first, but once Djokovic broke serve in the fourth, not only did it feel like the set would inevitably end, but The same goes for games.
Third seed Tsitsipas was more resistant in the second set, with fewer unforced errors and a stronger serve, and he won a set point, but Djokovic won by 15 strokes later. Then, the opportunity is gone. A forehand error would have ruined Tsitsipas’ chances in the decider.
Tsitsipas immediately broke serve in the third set to signal that the game was about to be reversed, but Djokovic broke serve immediately. Again, a tiebreaker was needed to separate the two, and this time Djokovic reigned supreme – leading 5-0 before scoring three championship points.
When Tsitsipas hit back from long distance, Djokovic took the title. The Serb looked to his team and family – his father, Srdjan, did not appear to be present – and pointed to his head and heart. Then came the tears.
In the end, Tsitsipas’ 42 unforced errors were costly and he could only get one of three break points, chances he will have to seize if he is to really test the Serbian.
For now, the man expected to be one of the players to succeed the No. 2 in men’s tennis remains in the shadows.