Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic lifts 2023 Australian Open title after beating Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5) in the final, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
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Djokovic Wins Australian Open, Ties Nadal’s Grand Slam Record

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Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic made history on Sunday as he won a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, thrashing Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5) in the final, while also equalling Rafael Nadal’s all-time record for most Grand Slam men’s singles titles with 22.

Djokovic started the game at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne brilliantly, winning the first set in 36 minutes as he blew past Tsitsipas, who was appearing in his first final in Melbourne.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during 2023 Australian Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas

The Greek needed to get a foothold in the match and he did so at the start of the second set. Tsitsipas showed some signs of improvement as Djokovic was no longer so relaxed in his service games.

However, Tsitsipas was unable to take his opportunity as Djokovic powered away a forehand at the end of a long rally and forced a tie-break.

Djokovic then took a 4-1 lead only for Tsitsipas to fight back to 4-4 in the second set tie-break. But more errors from Tsitsipas gave Djokovic the advantage as he won the tie-break 7-4 to take the second set.

Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in action during match against Novak Djokovic.

Frustration continued for Tsitsipas at the start of the third set. The Greek couldn’t find a way past Djokovic’s resilient defence as pressure mounted on him. Tsitsipas withstood pressure from his opponent to force another tie-break, but Djokovic got off to the perfect start, opening up a 5-0 lead.

The Greek then played some of his best tennis of the match to fight back to 6-5. However,  Djokovic served out for victory as he claimed the third set tie-break 7-5 to win his 10th Australian Open title.

Djokovic also reclaimed the world No 1 ranking from Carlos Alcaraz, as his triumph in Melbourne also became a redemption story.

In 2022, Djokovic was deported from Australia on the eve of the Grand Slam due to refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Source Australian Open Reuters
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