Novak Djokovic said his win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s Australian Open 2023 final was the ‘biggest win’ of his career as he claimed his 22nd Grand Slam title and cheered up home fans a year after being exiled from the country. Hearts won After arriving in Australia 12 months ago without vaccination, the 10-time Melbourne champion was deported amid protests from angry Australians who have endured some of the world’s toughest lockdowns as COVID-19 infections surge.
But the Serbian’s woes are behind him and his 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) win over Tsitsipas was met with thunderous applause from a packed Rod Laver Arena crowd. “I have to say, given the conditions, this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I’ve played in my life,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“Not playing last year, coming back this year. I would like to thank everyone who made me feel welcome and comfortable in Melbourne, Australia. I try to pinch myself and really try to live these moments and it’s been a long journey… only the team and family knows what we’ve been through in the last four to five weeks. Given the circumstances, this is probably the biggest win of my life.”
tears of joy
Iconic moment at Rod Laver Arena.@DjokerNole , #AusOpen , #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/n1gUUjiY51– #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2023
In a rematch of the 2021 French Open decider, the 24-year-old Tsitsipas was unable to convert the few chances he had as he failed to stop Djokovic wins 22nd Grand Slam title, “Tough luck tonight, great fight. This is definitely not your last Grand Slam, you still have a lot of time, more than me,” Djokovic said.
“I would also like to congratulate your family and your team… You are one of the most professional tennis players I know on tour, and one of the most interesting players.”
Tsitsipas, who just missed out on becoming the first Greek tennis player to win a Grand Slam, lauded Djokovic’s contribution to the sport. Tsitsipas said, “I have had the privilege of playing very high intensity matches, but I would like to say once again that Novak brings out my best and these are the matches I have been working for my whole life.”
“He is one of the greatest in our sport and I think he is the greatest that has ever held a tennis racket. I want to thank you for growing our sport and it deserves a player like you Which drives every single player involved in this game.
(With Reuters inputs)