Serbian, Novak Djokovic saw off Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in straight sets, on his way to winning the Australian Open Title, in Melbourne, on Sunday.
Djokovic started strongly and dug deep in the second set on his way to a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) victory; but it was not as straight forward as it appears, in the scenes that the Greek who also lost the French Open final, to Djokovic, despite being two sets up; was able to hold serve in the last two sets, which both ended in tie breaks, in favour of Djokovic.
The victory which came after last year’s deportation drama, amid breaches of Australia’s Covid-19 regulations, completed a 10th record extending title for the Serbian in Melbourne.
The 2023 Australian Open crown was also the 22nd major title won by the 35 year old, who has now equalled Rafael Nadal’s record of Grand Slam titles, and will on Monday, return to the summit of the ATP ranking, as the new men’s No 1, in the world.
Tsitsipas was full of praise for Djokovic, who he pushed all the way, but the wait for a first Grand Slam triumph must go on for 24 year old from Greece.
“Novak, I don’t know what to say, I think it speaks for itself what you have achieved so far, It’s all in the numbers, congratulations”.
“These are the matches I’ve been working my entire life for, he’s one of the greatest in our sport, and I think he is the greatest who has ever held a tennis racket.” Tsitsipas said after losing the final.
Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, won her maiden Grand Slam title by battling back from a set down, to beat Elena Rybakina in three sets, at a thrilling Australian Open women’s singles final.
Sabalenka, a Belarusian, seized the initiative after dropping the opening set to win 4-6 6-3 6-4, to become the first singles player to win a major under a neutral flag, as Russian and Belarusian players, were conditionally allowed to play in Australia, on their individual merit.
After receiving the trophy from tennis legend, Billie Jean King, Sabalenka said: “Thank you for an amazing atmosphere. And of course my team, the craziest team on tour I would say. We’ve been through a lot of downs last year, we worked so hard. You guys deserve this trophy, it’s more about you than me. I love you guys”
“I hope next year I come back stronger and I’ll show you even better tennis.”
Elena Rybakina, is a Russian-born Kazakh player, and has now lost two grand slam finals, having also lost last year’s US Open crown to Britain’s Emma Raducanu.
Writing by Chinedum Ohanusi; Editing by Chinasa Ossai & Adeniyi Bakare