Djokovic wins tenth Australian Open title

MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP

Novak Djokovic clinched a record-extending tenth Australian Open title with a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas within the closing.
Novak Djokovic resumed his reign over Melbourne Park by profitable a record-extending tenth Australian Open title on Sunday.

The Serbian crushed the Grand Slam dream of Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas in a one-sided closing, which ended 6-3 7-6 7-6.

Djokovic swept to victory at Rod Laver Arena to reclaim the world primary rating and once more deny Tsitsipas a maiden main title.

The environment was electrical and the group usually unruly as Serbian and Greek followers bayed within the terraces as if roaring on soccer groups.

But on the end chants of “Nole! Nole” received out as Djokovic stormed to a 5-0 lead within the closing tiebreak and closed out the match with a thumping forehand down the road that Tsitsipas might solely hit lengthy.

The 35-year-old Serb tapped his temple then his coronary heart as he walked ahead to shake fingers with Tsitsipas earlier than leaping into his gamers field.

Unleashing a roar, Djokovic pumped his fists then cried as he hugged his mum.

Djokovic’s twenty second Grand Slam triumph, now matching Rafa Nadal, was the last word redemption a 12 months on from his sensational deportation from Australia on the eve of the Grand Slam as a consequence of his lack of COVID-19 vaccination.

That darkish episode appeared like historical historical past on Sunday as he soaked up the cheers from his military of Serbian supporters.

Despite saying repeatedly he bore no grudges over his deportation, Djokovic left none doubtful that the occasions of final 12 months can be gas for his success.

He has had loads of different spurs at this event, with heckling followers, snide commentary concerning the severity of his hamstring harm and requires his father Srdjan to be barred from Melbourne Park for mixing with Putin supporters bearing banned Russian flags.

“I have to say this has been the most challenging tournament I have played in my life,” Djokovic stated as he cradled the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.

“Not enjoying final 12 months, coming again this 12 months.

“This is probably the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances.”

As within the semi-final, there was no Srdjan within the gamers’ field however Djokovic had ample help throughout the showcourt.