Dark episode of deportation now history as Djokovic wins record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, equals Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles
MELBOURNE: After nearly three hours of action at the Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic's inside out forehand nailed the final. The fourth seed turned to his box and pointed at his head before tapping his heart.
It summed up the defiant charge to a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam crown and the la decima of Australian Open titles. And as a bonus on Monday, the Serb begins his 374th week as the world No. 1.
These numbers point at dizzying peaks, but don't tell the tale behind the tears. And if anything, Sunday of the dark skies, a windy strain and a burst of rain was about the story.
After Djokovic's 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) win over the third-seeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 35-year-old rushed to his box. He climbed the courtside scaffoldings and exhaled, a shout that echoed across Melbourne Park.
1/10:Djokovic wins Australian Open to equal Nadal's 22 Grand Slam titles
2/10:'Biggest victory of my life'
<p>An emotional Novak Djokovic called it "the biggest victory of my life" after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas to win a 10th Australian Open title and equal Rafael Nadal's 22 Grand Slam crowns on Sunday.<br /><br /></p>Getty Images
3/10:Djokovic to return as World No. 1
<p>The Serb will return to world number one as he overcame a hamstring injury and off-court drama to sweep past the Greek third seed 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena.<br /></p>Getty Images
4/10:'Emotional' Djokovic
<p>The 35-year-old climbed to his player's box afterwards to embrace his mother and broke down in uncontrollable tears, collapsing to the ground sobbing.<br /></p>Getty Images
5/10:Emphatic victory for Djoker!
<p>The emphatic victory over Tsitsipas capped a remarkable return for Djokovic to Melbourne Park, having missed last year's tournament when he was deported over his Covid vaccination stance.<br /><br /></p>PTI
6/10:'One of the most challenging tournaments'
<p>"I have to say this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I've ever played considering the circumstances, not playing last year, coming back this year," Djokovic said at the presentation, wearing a jacket with 22 emblazoned on it.<br /></p>Getty Images
7/10:'Want to thank all the people'
<p>"I want to thank all the people that made me feel welcome, comfortable in Melbourne. "I try to pinch myself and really live through these moments, it's a long journey," said Djokovic.<br /></p>Getty Images
8/10:'All-time great'
<p>After his three-year ban from Australia was lifted, Djokovic won the lead-up Adelaide International before reinforcing his stature as an all-time great in Melbourne.</p>Getty Images
9/10:Djokovic equals Nadal's record 22 Slams
<p>His dominant win drew him level with Nadal on a record 22 Slams, two clear of Roger Federer.<br /></p>Getty Images
10/10:'Shock' second-round exit for Nadal
<p>Nadal made a shock second-round exit with a hip injury, but is targeting a return for the clay-court season and another crack at the French Open, and with it a 23rd Slam title.<br /></p>APDjokovic then hugged his team and family, his mother and brother, who he hugged tight, before sinking to the floor and weeping uncontrollably. His retribution for what transpired 12 months ago, days spent in a detention centre before he was deported for his vaccine stand.
On a chilly evening, the crowds were all over Melbourne Park, on the outside courts, before the big screens. While the Greek had his share of supporters, it looked like every one of the 30,000 Serbians living in the state of Victoria had converged here to cheer their champion and he didn't disappoint them.
Tsitsipas, who not only started slowly but appeared to be all over the place tactically, applauded the ten-time champion.
"I admire you for what you've done for our sport," the Greek said. "You make me a better player. You are one of the greatest of our sport and pushes players to the maximum."
Djokovic's corner, including his mother Dijana and brother Marco, were kitted in newly minted tees that said '22'. Their man in the middle had also pulled on a jacket that had '22' embroidered in gold.
Djokovic, acknowledging Tsitsipas' compliment, took over the microphone with the same energy with which he controlled the court.
"Greece and Serbia are two small countries without much of a tennis tradition, players who have reached these heights," Djokovic said, drawing parallels. "I want to tell young players to dream big, anything is possible, it doesn't matter where you come from. The more difficulties and challenges you have, the stronger you become. Stefanos and I are proof of that."
Djokovic, cradling the Norman Brookes Trophy in his arms, said, "There is a reason why I have always played my best tennis herein Australia. Here on the Rod Laver Arena before the great Rod Laver, thank you, sir, for being here this evening."
"Only my family and team know what we have been through (these last 12 months)," said the new world No. 1 who took home $A2,975,000. "This title has been the most challenging in my life, not playing last year, coming back this year… Considering this situation, this is my biggest victory."
Tsitsipas, who broke in the opening game of the third set, bringing some cheer to Greek fans, was richer by $26,907,000 for the fortnight that belonged to the Serb.
