After the 6: 3 7: 6 (7/4) 7: 6 (7/5) final victory over the Greek Tsitsipas, Djokovic showed himself “human” in Melbourne like seldom before. After warm hugs from family and coaches, the 35-year-old slumped in his box and was gripped by a violent fit of crying. He lay there on the floor for almost a minute, sobbing. After catching something and climbing down the balustrade, the 35-year-old continued to cry into his towel on the bench.
The Grand Slam record of a total of 22 titles, number one in the world rankings, the pressure off after two weeks full of adversity and the memories of the immigration vortex a year ago – even for the otherwise cool Serbs it all seemed to be too much . “When I hugged my mother and brother, I felt a huge sense of relief. I had to release all the emotions that had been building up,” said a visibly exhausted Djokovic about his “emotional collapse”.
Djokovic sets next milestones
Novak Djokovic added several milestones to his unique career on Sunday: The 35-year-old Serb won the final of the Australian Open in Melbourne with a confident performance against Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and won his 22nd Grand Slam title.
His tenth success in Melbourne is therefore the most valuable “if you look at the circumstances,” said Djokovic. In any case, it’s one for the history books: With his 22nd Grand Slam triumph, he drew level with the Spanish record holder Nadal. The debate about the best tennis player in history is likely to have flared up again, for final opponent Tsitsipas the matter is clear: Djokovic is “the greatest who has ever had a tennis racket in his hand”.
Huge Burden dropped
The numerous fans who received their hero with the trophy in their arms in Melbourne Park just before midnight thought similarly. When he spoke again in the interview that he had felt “a huge burden on his shoulders”, loud “Nole, Nole!” calls rang out behind him. Djokovic smiled gratefully for the backing. He was “extremely proud and happy” and it felt “surreal” to hold the trophy in his hands again 15 years after his debut victory. “All in all it was an incredible journey.”
Although Djokovic only gave up one set throughout the tournament, his path to the tenth title at the Australian Open was paved with obstacles: he was under close observation because of the events of the previous year when he missed the tournament due to a visa that was declared invalid. He has been partially accused of acting because of his hamstring problems, has defended himself against allegations of an allegedly illegal toilet break and publicly defended his father over an incident with a pro-Russian crowd.
Back on the throne
Djokovic put it all away. “In my case, I feel like things are piling up for one reason or another,” said the Serb, who was only afterwards received in the catacombs by his father, who stayed away from the final due to the excitement. It’s “not an ideal situation” to have to deal with things like this off the field, “but it’s part of my life”. He’s trying to take advantage of it and become “more resilient and stronger.”
He also succeeded in his 33rd Grand Slam final, which he won after almost three hours with outstanding serves, a strong forehand and great nerves of steel. With the win, Djokovic replaced the absent Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz as number one in the world rankings. “Very well deserved,” tweeted Alcaraz. “I hope to see you back on the court soon!” Djokovic starts his 374th week as the nominally best tennis player in the world from Monday – and there are many indications of a new long era.
