Whatever happens next in the career of Novak Djokovic, it is safe to say there will never again be a grand slam tournament like this year’s Australian Open. With his emotions pushed to the brink by his return to Australia, Djokovic’s extraordinary release after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final was the moment he let everything out, leaving what had been the toughest four weeks of his life behind him.
He had managed to overcome it all. Winning his 10th Australian Open and 22nd grand slam was the biggest victory of his life, but not because of its historic significance. Physically, he had never entered a grand slam in worse condition. Mentally, he had never been dealt a more challenging hand before a major tournament. And yet, Djokovic has rarely played better than the level he reached upon his return to Melbourne.
