With almost absolute control, he had the answer to everything. Nothing could prevent him from writing history. Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets of 6-3, 7-6 (4) and 7-6 (5) to equal the record of 22 Grand Slam titles held by Rafael Nadal on Sunday morning at the Internationals of ‘Australia.
After winning the last point in the tiebreaker, Djokovic turned to his team. He pointed to his head, then his heart. The tall Serb then joined his loved ones in the stands before bursting into tears in his mother’s arms and collapsing under the emotions. He remained lying at the feet of his team members, in tears, for long seconds. A Djokovic as we have never seen him.
“Only my team and my family know what I’ve been through in the last four or five weeks. This is without doubt the greatest victory of my life. »
PHOTO ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Novak Djokovic with his mother, Dijana
“I must say that this tournament was one of the biggest challenges of my life, considering the circumstances,” he also said, referring to last year, when he was banned from the tournament due to of their vaccination status.
This is a 10e title in as many Australian Open finals for the great athlete who, at 35, is proving once again that he is still at the top of his game. An absolutely monstrous art. This victory will also give him first place in the ATP rankings when the next update is on Monday.
His opponent, Stefanos Tsitsipas, paid tribute to him when he received his runner-up plaque, calling him “one of the greatest” in the sport.
“I think he’s the best to ever hold a tennis racket,” he said, prompting cheers from the crowd.
“I would like to thank you for pushing our sport so far,” added the 4e global. […] A player like you pushes everyone involved in the sport to be better. »
Few errors
It was enough from the first game to understand that Djokovic was still in almost perfect shape, despite his bandaged left thigh, and that the task would be daunting for Tsitsipas. Because when the member of the big three is in such a shape, everything is within reach.
Djoko was clearly superior in the first round, playing patience, moving his opponent. He broke it for the first time to make it 3-1, without ever facing a break point in this first set.
Tsitsipas, as if handcuffed, had until then only had control over one aspect: his service. He had six aces to one for Djokovic, but the Serb ultimately had the upper hand 6-3.
It was during his service game at 1-1 in the second set that Tsitsipas finally came out of his torpor. Djokovic, a bit less energetic, started making small mistakes.
Tsitsipas’ first break came as he led 5-4 in the second set. Djokovic therefore took longer on serve, playing into his opponent’s head. The 35-year-old athlete took the next two points, first on a nice placement, then on a ball that was too long from the Greek.
The round, which had been stretching for more than an hour, therefore ended in a tiebreaker. After taking a 4-1 lead, Djokovic saw Tsitsipas come from behind until it was 4-4. “Tsitsipas, Tsitsipas! cried the delegation of Greeks in the stands. But the 24-year-old couldn’t keep up the pace, awarding the next three points, and the set, to Djokovic.
On the return in the third set – after waiting more than 7 minutes after his opponent – Tsitsipas went there with precise blows to break Djokovic from the first game. The happiness was however short-lived; the veteran player on the other side of the pitch returned the favor on the next play.
The games then marched until the tiebreaker, during which Djokovic had no difficulty. Tsitsipas, looking petrified, gave the Serb a 5-0 lead before earning a first point. Then two. Then three up the slope to 6-5. But Djokovic made sure to win the final point to win and complete his mission.
The work is not finished. It’s clear that Djokovic will want to claim the men’s record of 23 Grand Slam titles. Could he get there in June, at Roland-Garros?
You know the answer to this question.