Djokovic Matches Grand Slam Record by Winning Australian Open Title

Novak Djokovic secured his record-extending 10th Australian Open title by defeating Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday. Read Full Article at RT.com.

Djokovic Matches Grand Slam Record by Winning Australian Open Title
Novak Djokovic has now secured 22 Grand Slam titles, matching Rafael Nadal on the men's all-time list.

On Sunday, Djokovic achieved this record-equalling milestone by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets during the Australian Open final. With this victory, he also solidified his dominance in Melbourne by claiming his 10th title at the tournament.

Djokovic started strong at Rod Laver Arena, clinching the first set with ease. However, Tsitsipas, the third seed, challenged him in the subsequent sets. Despite this, Djokovic showcased his trademark intensity to break Tsitsipas's momentum, ultimately winning the match 6-3, 7-6, 7-6, in a contest that lasted two hours and 56 minutes.

This triumph places Djokovic on equal footing with Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, both holding 22 Grand Slam titles at the top of the men’s record. With Nadal's recent injury concerns in Australia and Djokovic's robust performance, many anticipate that Djokovic could surpass Nadal in the standings—especially with the French Open, often a stronghold for Nadal, next on the Grand Slam calendar.

Djokovic, 35, returned to Australia this year following his controversial deportation in the previous year. He expressed that he holds no grudges but admitted it was an experience not easily forgotten.

Despite past challenges, Djokovic's formidable determination has been on full display throughout the tournament. He faced a hamstring injury early on, responding defensively to accusations that he was exaggerating his condition. Additionally, a controversy involving his father Srdjan and a photo with pro-Russian fans emerged, with Djokovic criticizing the media coverage as an unneeded distraction.

However, on the court, Djokovic has remained unfazed, extending his unbeaten streak in Melbourne since 2018 to 28 matches following this final. Notably, he has never lost in any of the 10 finals he has played at this tournament.

Winning the title also sees Djokovic reclaim the world number one spot in the ATP rankings. For Tsitsipas, 24, the missed opportunity for his first major title is disappointing—having previously lost to Djokovic in the 2021 French Open final—but he remains hopeful for future chances.

After paying homage to Tsitsipas, an emotional Djokovic described this latest victory as “one of the most challenging tournaments” of his career. He shared, “Only the team and family know what we've been through the last four or five weeks. This probably is the biggest victory in my life, considering the circumstances.”

If Nadal can recover from his injuries, he may pose a threat at the French Open in May; however, Djokovic seems poised to seize the opportunity to take sole ownership of the men's all-time Grand Slam title record, an achievement that many expect him to accomplish.

Thomas Evans for TROIB News