This article is more than

1 year old
Tennis

‘Human’ Djokovic sobs after rewriting history ​

Author: Editors Desk Source: News Corp Australia Network:
January 29, 2023 at 14:05

Novak Djokovic has been left openly sobbing after he won his 10th Australian Open title, a year after he was deported from Australia.


 

Novak Djokovic has once again conquered Melbourne Park, winning a remarkable 10th Australian Open title with a 6-3 7-6 7-6 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The win reclaims the number one spot on the ATP rankings, where he will sit ahead of Carlos Alcaraz at No. 2 and Tsitsipas at No. 3.

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

While the world was hoping for a close match, it was rather one-sided despite Djokovic's troublesome hamstring as he never looked worried on his own serve.

Even when he lost his first serve of the third set, he broke straight back and took the match to a tie-break.

Djokovic dropped just one set at Melbourne Park this season in his second round match to Frenchman Enzo Couacaud.

But the Serbian superstar, who moves back equal with Rafael Nadal for the most grand slam title wins in history at 22, was unstoppable racing through the tournament.

Despite the relative ease of the win, Djokovic was emotional after the match, openly sobbing into his towel.

"He's so mentally tough on the court, almost invincible," Jim Courier said in commentary. "But we're seeing a very human side of Novak this evening."
 

Novak was unlike we've ever seen before. Photo: Channel 9
Novak was unlike we've ever seen before. Photo: Channel 9


The reaction was swift for the Serbian star's remarkable comeback a year after he was deported after his visa was cancelled by then-Immigration Minister Alex Hawke over his decision to remain unvaccinated.

Despite the relative ease he dominated the tournament with, he said it was "one of the most challenging tournaments I have ever played in my life."

"Considering the circumstances not playing last year, coming back this year, I want to thank all the people that made me feel welcome, made me feel comfortable to be in Melbourne, to be in Australia," Djokovic said. 

"There is a reason why I've played my best tennis throughout my career in Australia and on this court in front of legendary Rod Laver. Thank you so much for being present tonight, sir.

"I tried to pinch myself and really live through these moments and it's a long journey.

"I just have to say this because only the team and the family knows what we've been through in the last four or five weeks and this probably is the I would say the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances."
 

Novak Djokovic's sweetest victory. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic's sweetest victory. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesTennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka announced: "The King of Melbourne Park is back".


Read More (...)
Keywords
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second