Novak Djokovic captured a record-extending 10th Australian Open title on Sunday after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. Djokovic simultaneously ties the men’s all-time record of 22 Grand Slams jointly held with Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian star is also set to reclaim the No. 1 ranking officially on Monday, a little over six months from losing that title.
The aftermath of this comprehensive win took many by surprise. Djokovic, a combative tennis opponent with a nonchalant look on the court, could not hold himself after sealing his 22nd Major title. There was the embrace of pure elation with his team before sobbing uncontrollably on her mother’s shoulder and lying on his back in his team’s box. Djokovic, as he put it in his post-match winner’s interview, had attained the biggest victory of his life.
Grand Slam title No.2⃣2⃣@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/DuwBEY5qmy
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2023
There was an outpouring of praise from all corners of the tennis world from players and fans alike. The first to congratulate him was the beaten opponent Tsitsipas, who unfortunately has now lost his two Grand Slam finals to the Serbian star.
Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios lead Djokovic tributes
”He is the greatest that has ever held a tennis racket,” Tsitsipas candidly remarked at the trophy presentation.
Fellow players joined in. Nick Kyrgios whose bromance with Djokovic continues to blossom tweeted shortly after the Serb’s triumph.
Haha I told you. We created a monster. Well done @DjokerNole …. Sat on my couch and enjoyed the entire show 💰🙏🏽 soak it all in….
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 29, 2023
Kyrgios also jokingly sent another tweet saying Djokovic ‘will get to 28 slams easy’.
Djokovic’s tennis throughout the fortnight was on a different level. Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina seemed to agree.
Djokovic go to your planet please. 😂
— Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (@alexdavidovich1) January 29, 2023
The incumbent to Djokovic’s throne Carlos Alcaraz also weighed in. The injured Spanish sensation applauded Djokovic’s monumental achievement and is looking forward to sharing the stage when he returns to action.
Congratulations @DjokerNole for the Australian Open 🏆 and the world number 1️⃣! Very well deserved! 🤝🏻 Hope to see you soon on court! 😜 pic.twitter.com/B43X5AHz1E
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 29, 2023
After being deported last year, resilience was at the forefront of everything Djokovic did ever since.
Unreal @DjokerNole congratulations!!!!
The resilience is unmatched!— victoria azarenka (@vika7) January 29, 2023
Djokovic is yet to taste defeat since the turn of the year and will be the man to beat in 2023.
At the moment it looks like there is no stopping @DjokerNole , 10th @AustralianOpen title ,22nd Major and counting. Since Wimbledon victory has only lost 2 matches and won 6 titles. By far the best player on the planet. 12-0 to start the year!👏👏👏
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) January 29, 2023
Canada’s Vasek Pospisil who leads the Executive Committee of the PTPA council along with Djokovic also praised his counterpart’s latest milestone.
Can’t remember a time I was this happy for someone winning a tennis match. So deserving @DjokerNole #22 🐐 pic.twitter.com/eChy0Cd6Jk
— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) January 29, 2023
Former World No. 7 Mardy Fish who had his own battles with Djokovic towards the end of his career appreciated the effort and greatness of the soon-to-be World No. 1 again.
Congratulations @DjokerNole We will never see another player like him as long as we live. I hope you all enjoy watching. 🐐
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 29, 2023
Australian tennis legend Rod Laver was among those who witnessed firsthand Djokovic rewriting the history books.
Congratulations on a 10th Australian Open title Novak Djokovic, 35 and at the peak of your powers. You’ve been as relentless as I’ve seen you these past two weeks. It was a privilege to watch such a superb final against your young rival Stefanos Tsitsipas. Bravo to you both! 🚀
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 29, 2023
World No. 140 John Millman tweeted ingeniously.
Tennis from a different planet this last week from Novak.. Rod’s Arena but Novak’s Court. @AustralianOpen
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) January 29, 2023
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