Last Update: January 30, 2023, 07:52 IST
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open (AP)
Roger Federer took to social media to praise Novak Djokovic for winning the 2023 Australian Open
Roger Federer praised Novak Djokovic’s “incredible effort” on Sunday to win his 10th Australian Open and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title.
“Amazing effort, again! Many congratulations,” retired Federer, winner of 20 majors, wrote in a short message on Instagram.
Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Sunday to add another Australian Open trophy to his tally of seven at Wimbledon, three at the US Open and two at the French Open.
His collection of 22 Grand Slam titles takes him equal with Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic, 35, is a year younger than Nadal, who was the defending champion in Melbourne.
Nadal was knocked out in the second round and remained on the sidelines for eight weeks with a hip injury.
Former world number one Federer retired last year at the age of 41 after failing to recover from a knee injury.
When he returned to the playing surface, Djokovic sat down on his sideline bench, buried his face in a white towel and sobbed some more.
This trip to Australia was far more successful than the year before – when he was deported because he had not been vaccinated against Covid-19 – although it was difficult in its own way: a sore hamstring; His father was involved in some off-court brawls. Yet Djokovic achieved everything he could possibly have wanted in his return: he resumed his winning ways at Melbourne Park and made it back to the top of tennis, declaring: “This is probably the best time of my life.” The biggest win.”
“Considering the conditions, it has been one of the most challenging tournaments I have played in my life. not playing last year; Coming back this year,” said Djokovic, wearing a zip-up white jacket with “22” on his chest. “And I want to thank all the people who welcomed me, made me stay in Melbourne, Made it feel comfortable to be in Australia.”
The 35-year-old from Serbia extended his unbeaten streak in Melbourne to 28 matches, the longest such run in the Open era, which ran back to 1968. He adds trophy number 10 to seven from Wimbledon, three from the US Open – where he was also absent last year due to injury. coronavirus shots – and two from the French Open, to match rival Rafael Nadal for the most by a man.
(with inputs from agencies)
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