Novak Djokovic was simply too good Down Under. As usual.
Djokovic rolled to a 10th Australian Open title, improving to 10-0 in finals at the annual season-opening Grand Slam, with a 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday night. The 35-year-old triumphed after two hours and 56 minutes, coming full circle in Melbourne after being detained and deported prior to the 2022 tournament.
Only Enzo Couacaud managed to take a single set off Djokovic throughout the entire fortnight, but it was Tsitsipas who gave the Serb his toughest test from start to finish. Small margins in each set–a bad start to the first and a poor finishes to next two for the underdog Greek–ultimately led to another straight-set win for Djokovic.
The world No. 5, who will return to No. 1 on Monday, took immediate control with a break at 2-1 in the opener. He consolidated it the entire way for a quick set advantage before running into more trouble in sets two and three. Both players held all six of their service games in the second, after which Tsitsipas’ forehand cracked in the ensuing tiebreaker. The third seed gave back an early break in the third, thus forced to play yet another ‘breaker. Tsitsipas did well to battle some of the way out of a 5-0 hole, but eventually Djokovic capitalized on his third championship point–first on his own serve–at 6-5.
“This is one of the most challenging tournaments that I have ever played in my life,” Djokovic commented. “Not playing last year, coming back this year. I want to thank all the people who made me feel welcome. There is a reason why I have played my best tennis on this court, in front of legendary Rod Laver.”
Playing in his second Grand Slam final, Tsitsipas was hoping to capture his first slam title on the hallowed grounds of Rod Laver Arena. But the 24-year-old was once again denied by Djokovic, just as he had been in the 2021 French Open championship match–from two sets up, even, in that showdown.
“Novak, I don’t know what to say,” Tsitsipas praised during the trophy ceremony. “I think it speaks for itself with what you have achieved so far. It is all in the numbers, so congratulations; not only to yourself, but having such a supportive family. It has been such an unbelievable journey for you and I admire what you have done for our sport.
“[You] make me a better player when I am on court. Novak brings the best out of me and these are the matches I have been working my entire life for. He is one of the greatest.”
When it comes to the greatest of all time debate, the all-important major singles title count is now tied between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at 22 apiece. Djokovic and Nadal are now the only players with at least 10 titles at a single slam (the Spaniard is 14-0 lifetime in French Open finals).
The hard court GOAT without a doubt.
Getting close to the grass court one.
Only one clay GOAT .
Overall GOAT? Good argument for Nole since for the last 30 years or so most tournaments have been played on hard.
nice one, Djoker
I couldnt be happier with all the winners.
This one is for naysayers, very insightful, honest and open press conference by Goran Ivanišević after final:
https://youtu.be/MK0n5pxGiDA
I love how you keep moving the goalposts, is the other Dimon your father, like father like son, you just can’t hide your dislike for the GOAT, Novak Djoković, soon or later you will have to accept it, Rafa’s use by date has passed:
“When it comes to the greatest of all time debate, the all-important major singles title count is now tied between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at 22 apiece.”
Ricky, it’s interesting how you omitted that Tsitsipas said that Novak is actually ‘the greatest to have ever held tennis racquet’.
https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/australian-open/2023/novak-djokovic-greatest-to-have-ever-held-tennis-racquet-stefanos-tsitsipas-hails-australian-open-ch_sto9361138/story.shtml
Accidentally? Doesn’t look like it…
Think I’ll wait for someone’s opinion that doesn’t choke in finals like Stan Warinka.
Doesn’t matter who he is.
If you’re already relaying what he said, omitting that part is highly biased, whether it is true or not.
That’s elementary (my dear Watson)…
Tsitsipas played right into Djokovic’s hands. Tsitsipas had to focus on one thing and one thing only – make it as physical a contest as possible and build pressure. Instead he got sucked into a game of cat and mouse which is exactly what Djokovic wanted.
Put simply, Tsitsipas was focused on not missing when he shouldve been focused on running Djokovic ragged. When you focus on making your opponent work, you miss less.
That’s why we should listen to Tsitsipas when he says someones the best, because clearly he’s an expert.
Now I understand. You’re simply a guest in your own brain, not actually using it 🙂
Post of the day!
Bravo
Sorry, not focused on “not missing”, focused on the “fear of missing”. There is a difference.
Youre not going to beat Djokovic when you’re primary concern is the fear of missing, that is for sure.
You have to go out like Soderling or Wawrinka and get in a zone.
I assume that’s why these guys are also GOAT contenders, with tiles galore, because this kind of playing is the winning formula?
Stan Wawrinka doesn’t get the respect he deserves IMO. He’s one of the very few players that worked out the psychology required to beat the top guys in finals of majors. That’s no small feat.
As soon as as it got to the 2nd weak of a major, Wawrinka would raise his level to championship mode and there was no fear of missing in his game I can assure you.
“…As soon as as HE got to the 2nd WEEK of a major…”
Too bad that didn’t happen more often.
Allright, I have to admit it….Joker is REALLY good….congrats on # 22!
Of course, there are those of us dinosaurs who will always think of that Laver dude, still the epitome of class.
Tsitsi showing what a humble, loveable, down to earth guy he is:
” I am born a champion. I can feel it in my blood. I can feel it as a competitive kid that I was when I was young. It’s something that is within me. ”
Says the modest unassuming guy who is 25 this year and has 2 masters and has been to 2 slam finals and won neither!
Take a bow!
Really honestly it’s practically comedy!
Those comments from Tsitsipas surprised me more than they should have. I guessed that he had an elevated opinion of himself. But to hear it straight up from his lips was comical.
He might be right about himself. It would be wise not to go broadcasting his greatness so soon. But there it is. 😀
We knew he was a peacock but this shows he is a clown as well!😀
Who says ” I am born a champion ” with a straight face!
Morning after his son won 10th AO on the hotel balcony, nice celebration:
https://youtube.com/shorts/WZz4bgRvSpU?feature=share
What a GLOAT 😉
Exactly, with whiskey on the rocks, I guess top shelf one😉
https://youtu.be/P6t1j8l3hwg Thin Lizzy for Novak fans
https://youtu.be/UviREczpKwE try again
The boy is back in town
Yes sir lol
That guitar rift is awesome at the beginning
Im dont think the other song about crossing the Cork and Kerry Mountains has as much relevance but I do get the whiskey connection…
Must see what I can come up with
Big Al yeah that was what I was alluding to the whiskey bit lol
Could be Parisienne Walkways next time
Good one👍