Stefanos Tsitsipas is defeated by Novak Djokovic to win his 10th Australian Open championship and a record-tying 22nd grand slam.

 

The outcome was predictable, but the efficiency with which it was accomplished caught everyone off guard. Novak Djokovic easily defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to win his 10th Australian Open championship and a record-tying 22nd grand slam. The match's historical significance clearly did not hinder the Serbian.

Djokovic rushed to the players' box after winning by scores of 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) and sobbed hysterically, the magnitude and emotion of his triumph overwhelming him. Djokovic buried his face in a towel as he went back to his seat on the court, the sound of his sobs being captured by the television cameras.

Because of his lack of Covid-19 vaccine, Djokovic was unable to defend his title the previous year and was ultimately deported. He has dealt with a hamstring injury this year at Melbourne Park as well as the consequences from his father, Srdjan, being photographed with a group of Russian fans at the Australian Open.

The biggest accomplishment in my life, according to Djokovic, was this victory, he said during the award ceremony.

Given the conditions, he added, "This has been one of the most difficult tournaments I've ever played in my life."

"I didn't play last year, but I'll be back this year. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who made me feel welcome and at ease. Only the team and family are aware of what we have been through over the past four to five weeks, therefore this is the largest win I have ever experienced.

The quality and consistency of his tennis are even more astounding than the statistics. Djokovic has won 28 straight matches since his previous loss at the Australian Open in 2018. He only dropped one set during this competition.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic now share the male record for major victories, and Djokovic is only the second person to have won more than 10 titles at a single grand slam. Nadal, who has won the French Open 14 times, is the other; indeed.

The two men are unquestionably the greatest athletes in the history of any sport, not just their own. Among these, which is the best? Tennis benefits from that conflict and discussion, which is still going on.

In Melbourne, Djokovic's victory over Tsitsipas, which lasted just under three hours, also propelled him back to the top of the men's rankings, where he will remain for a record-breaking 374th week.