The post-match tears told the story, a sweet release for Novak Djokovic after his latest history-making performance.
The Serbian was overcome with emotion following his 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's Australian Open final. It was a triumph with enough significance to fill the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
Djokovic's 10th Melbourne trophy draws him level with Rafael Nadal on a record 22 Grand Slam men's singles titles. After the victory, the '10' was marked by shirts donned by the 35-year-old's team and family in his player box, where he collapsed to ground in a soul-stirring celebratory scene. The '22' was front and center during the trophy ceremony, emblazoned on Djokovic's jacket.
For good measure, the Serbian will also reclaim the world No. 1 ranking on Monday. His jump from No. 5 to the top spot will set a new record for the biggest move to No. 1 in the history of the ATP rankings (since 1973).
“This is one of the most challenging tournaments that I have ever played in my life,” Djokovic said after receiving the trophy. “Not playing last year, coming back this year. I want to thank all the people who made me feel welcome. There is a reason why I have played my best tennis on this court, in front of legendary Rod Laver.
“It is a long journey. All my team and family knows what we have been through in the past four or five weeks," he added, alluding to the hamstring injury that left him doubting his capacity to even compete in Melbourne. "This is probably the biggest victory in my life, considering the circumstances.”
Djokovic dominated the crucial moments against Tsitsipas after running away with the opening set behind an early break. He saved a set point at 4-5 in the second, then won the final three points of the tiebreak from 4-4. Tsitsipas scored his lone break of the match to open set three, but Djokovic snapped back immediately on return and later won 20 straight points on serve to move to the brink of the title.
After seeing leads of 5-0 and 6-3 in the tiebreak shrink to 6-5, he finished the job on his third match point.
Throughout the nearly three-hour match, Djokovic was brilliant on serve and a constant threat on return. Though he broke serve just twice in five chances, the fourth seed was a threat in the majority of return games. He put Tsitsipas under pressure with expertly stabbed defensive replies in the face of booming first serves, and struck several return winners on the Greek's second deal.
While Tsitsipas had his share of success in the rallies, the clutch exchanges belonged to Djokovic — as they so often do.
"I'd like to say one more time that Novak brings the best out of me," Tsitsipas shared in his trophy-ceremony remarks. "He's one of the greatest in our sport and I think he's the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet. I'd like to thank you for pushing our sport so far."
The Grand Slam race will continue at Roland Garros, where both Djokovic and Nadal will play for No. 23.
