The 35-year-old has made an extraordinary recovery after being denied entry to the Australian Open a year ago after being expelled from the nation for failing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
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In the Australian Open final on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) to win his 10th Australian Open title and 22nd Grand Slam overall. With this victory, Djokovic has regained the top spot in the ATP rankings and has now won 28 straight matches at the hard-court tournament. The 35-year-old has made an extraordinary recovery after being denied entry to the Australian Open a year ago after being expelled from the nation for failing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Djokovic adds to his record by winning a 10th championship in Australia. His 22 major titles, which include seven Wimbledon titles, three U.S. Open titles, and two French Open titles, tie Rafael Nadal for the most by a man in tennis history.
After Margaret Court (24), Serena Williams (23), Steffi Graf, and Nadal, Djokovic completed with an impressive victory over Tsitsipas in the Melbourne final to become the fifth player to collect 22 Grand Slam singles championships. Djokovic had only dropped one set throughout the entire tournament (both 22). After Margaret Court (24), Serena Williams (23), Steffi Graf, and Nadal, Djokovic completed with an impressive victory over Tsitsipas in the Melbourne final to become the fifth player to collect 22 Grand Slam singles championships. Djokovic had only dropped one set throughout the entire tournament (both 22).
It would be quite tough to dispute that Djokovic does not merit that position after once again putting the younger generations in their place. He also reclaims the world No. 1 ranking from Carlos Alcaraz. The 35-year-old has won a 28th straight Australian Open match and a 41st in a row overall, cementing his unrivalled standing in Australia. After stepping into the stands to celebrate with his family, Djokovic was overcome with emotion. He sobbed uncontrollably as he lay down in the players’ box before gathering himself for the award ceremony. For the tenth time, Djokovic won the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
“This has been one of the most challenging tournaments I’ve ever played in my life. Not playing last year, coming back this year. I want to thank all the people that made me feel welcome, made me feel comfortable to be in Melbourne, to be in Australia,” the Serb said. “There’s a reason I’ve played my best tennis on this court. Only my team and my family know what we’ve been through in the last four, five weeks. This probably is the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances.”
Twitter went ballistic as the youngest member of the big three matched Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slams. Fans and other celebrities took to the social media platform to congratulate the world no. 1 as he celebrated in Melbourne yet again. Here are some of the best tweets.
