A year after failing to defend his crown, Novak Djokovic returned to the Australian Open with a vengeance in 2023. The 35-year-old Serb steamrollered past Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final to secure his record-extending 10th Aussie Open title and record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title.
And after his win, the 35-year-old Djokovic delivered a warning to his rivals on the ATP Tour by stating he is far from done winning Grand Slam titles.
Meanwhile, losing finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas remains steadfast in his quest to claim his first Grand Slam championship.
Read on below as SBOTOP shares the last bits of news from the recently concluded Australian Open.
Djokovic dominates Tsitsipas in Australian Open final
Novak Djokovic’s dominance at the Australian Open continued as he swept aside No 3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5) in the final to secure La Decima – his 10th career Aussie Open title – and his 22nd Grand Slam title, tied with Rafael Nadal for the most in history.
Djokovic, who didn’t take part in last year’s tournament after he was deported due to his unvaccinated status, was overcome with emotion upon clinching the victory. The Serb was in tears as he climbed up to hug his family in his box.
“This is one of the most challenging tournaments that I have ever played in my life,” said Djokovic. “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.
“It is a long journey. All my team and family knows what we have been through in the past four or five weeks and this is probably the biggest victory of my life.”
Despite nursing a hamstring injury, Djokovic was absolutely dominant in the tournament. He dropped just one set in seven matches and won each of his last five matches in straight sets.
Djokovic had his service game working in the final as he won 80 per cent of first serve points and 71 per cent of second serve points. Tsitsipas’ powerful serve proved harder to break than his previous opponents, but Djokovic still got the job done with relative ease.
With his win, Djokovic now jumps back up to No 1 in the ATP Tour rankings, overtaking young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who missed the Aussie Open with an injury.
Djokovic thinks he’s far from done
After equalling rival Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic is not done yet.
The 35-year-old believes he is still full of motivation to collect more Grand Slam titles moving forward.
“I am motivated to win as many Slams as possible. At this stage of my career, these trophies are the biggest motivational factor of why I still compete,” said Djokovic. “I never really liked comparing myself to others, but of course it’s a privilege to be part of the discussion as one of the greatest players of all time. If people see me this way, of course it’s very flattering because I know that I give as much effort and energy into trying to win slams as anybody else.
“I still have lots of motivation. Let’s see how far it takes me. I really don’t want to stop here. I don’t have intentions to stop here. I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I’m feeling good physically, mentally present, I have a chance to win any Slam against anybody.
“Physically I can keep myself fit. Of course, 35 is not 25, even though I want to believe it is. But I still feel there is time ahead of me. Let’s see how far I go.”
At age 35, Djokovic is certainly showing no signs of slowing down. As he displayed in all of his Australian Open 2023 highlights, he remains comfortably above the competition. And with Roger Federer already retired and Rafael Nadal’s body continuing to break down, his list of true rivals for Grand Slam titles is shrinking.
If he can remain healthy, there is every reason to believe that Djokovic will add a few more Grand Slams to his record tally.
Tsitsipas staying positive despite Australian Open defeat
On the other side of the Australian Open final, Stefanos Tsitsipas fell short once again as his search for that elusive first Grand Slam title continues.
After losing in the semi-finals three times previously, Tsitsipas finally reached the Australian Open final for the first time. However, just like in his first Grand Slam final – the French Open in 2021 – the Greenk once again fell victim to the Djoker.
But despite his ongoing setbacks, Tsitsipas remains positive that his time to win that first Grand Slam title will come eventually.
“I’m just happy that I’m in another Grand Slam final. Of course, I was dreaming about the trophy, lifting that trophy. I even dreamt it last night in my sleep. The desire is really there. I really, really want it badly,” said Tsitsipas. “But just dreaming about it won’t make it happen. You got to act. You got to do something out there. You got to be present even more and do better.
“[It is] definitely much better playing finals than being stuck behind in the semi-finals. I’ll take that for sure. I just need to take that one more step where I can consistently lift trophies and win Slams and Masters 1000 events.”
While the Australian Open 2023 odds were stacked against him as he faced an in-form Djokovic, Tsitsipas certainly has the talent to become a Grand Slam champion one day. With more persistence and some good fortune, his time will surely come.
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