Novak Djokovic celebrates Australian Open win as ‘the biggest win of my life’

An emotional Novak Djokovic celebrated his 10th Australian Open title as the biggest win of his career at the end of the “toughest tournaments” he has ever competed in.

The Serb equaled Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in two hours and 56 minutes on Sunday in two hours and 56 minutes with a 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 win Record 10. crown at Melbourne Park.

The triumph marks a notable turning point for Djokovic, who had his visa canceled for 12 months and was expelled from Australia just before the start of the tournament following a protracted legal battle over his Covid-19 vaccination status.

Novak Djokovic celebrated his 10th Australian Open as the biggest win of his career

This week, meanwhile, the 35-year-old has had to repeatedly answer questions about his father being filmed with a man wearing a T-shirt that reads ‘Z’ [denoting support for Russian armed forces] and stood behind a flag with the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin on it.

“This was one of the most difficult tournaments considering the circumstances. I didn’t play last year and I’ll be back this year,” Djokovic said as he addressed the fans at Rod Laver Arena after receiving the trophy.

“I want to thank all the people who made me feel good.

“There’s a reason I played the best tennis here.”

Djokovic celebrated with his team and family after beating Tsitsipas

Djokovic beat the Greek 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 56 minutes in Melbourne on Sunday

The 35-year-old said he expects Tsitsipas to fight for more Grand Slams in the future

“Only the team and family know what we went through. I would say this is the biggest win of my life considering the circumstances.”

Djokovic had cried uncontrollably as he celebrated wildly with his team and family in the stands and continued to sob as he returned to his chair.

The Serb had several heated arguments with his coach Goran Ivanisevic during the game but paid tribute to his team afterwards.

“What a journey it has been for my family, my team and I,” he said.

“I appreciate the patience and love you give me. […] This trophy is as much yours as it is mine.”

Djokovic beat Tsitsipas in the Roland Garros final two years ago and insisted his younger rival had a bright future ahead of him despite falling short in his quest for a first Grand Slam title.

“This is definitely not your last Grand Slam. You have plenty of time, more than I do,’ he said.

The Serb then had a message for young tennis players, urging them to “dream big” and using him and Tsitsipas as examples as both reached the pinnacle of the sport despite not being from countries that are tennis hotspots .

‘We [Serbia and Greece] are small countries that don’t have a tennis tradition,” he said.

“The message for all young tennis players around the world who dream of being where Stefanos and I are: Dream big. It doesn’t matter where you come from.’