Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a  6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5)  victory after straight sets. The win was not without a fight as Tsitsipas came back strong in the second and third sets. In the end it was Djokovic who pushed hardest to secure the well-deserved victory.

For Tsitsipas, this marked only his second Grand Slam.

The Serbian now ties Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slams titles, just two shy from the great, Roger Federer. 

This win echoes a huge achievement and comeback for Djokovic as he returned nursing a hamstring injury as well as returning to the Australian Open after being unable to take part last year due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

Upon claiming his win, Djokovic described his triumph as the biggest victory of his life.

“This has been one of the more challenging tournaments I’ve ever played in my life, considering the circumstances,” he said.

“Not playing last year, coming back this year. I want to thank all the people who made me feel welcome, made me feel comfortable. Only the team and family knows what we’ve been through these last four to five weeks and this is the biggest victory of my life considering those circumstances.”

As he held his trophy, Djokovic inspired the crowd with encouraging words; “Dare to dream, don’t let anyone take that dream away from you.”

Novak Djokovic will now climb to first in the world rankings, replacing the Spanish Teenage sensation, Carlos Alcaraz.

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport