Djokovic glory Down Under

GAME. Set. Match. Djokovic. Four words that we are becoming increasingly accustomed to hearing in a Grand Slam final.

Victory in Melbourne was Novak Djokovic’s 10th Australian Open title, and 22nd Grand Slam overall, equalling Rafael Nadal’s record of the most men’s Grand Slam triumphs. Only Margaret Court (24) and Serena Williams (23) have more major titles. On the basis of his performances over the past weeks, it is only a matter of time until Djokovic surpasses these numbers.

The 35-year-old Serb secured an emphatic victory in the final, defeating Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, 24, in straight sets 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5).

The only time third seed Tsitsipas was able to put Djokovic under pressure was during the second set, when he had a set point at five games to four up. However, the Greek was unable to take the opportunity and a composed Djokovic produced a wonderful forehand winner down the line.

Tsitsipas’s wait for a first Grand Slam goes on. His only previous appearance in a major final came at the 2021 French Open, in which he also finished runner-up to Djokovic. While the result was the same, the match at Roland Garros was a completely different affair, with Tsitsipas throwing away a two-set lead.

Not only would Sunday’s final determine the 2023 Australian Open, but also the world number one ranking. Djokovic will extend his own record, spending an astonishing 374th week sat at number one when the rankings are released. Tsitsipas will climb to a career-high-equalling third spot, behind 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who missed the tournament through injury.

Having been unable to compete last year after being deported from the country for not complying with COVID-19 vaccination requirements, the Serb regained the Australian Open title in style. Djokovic only lost one set throughout the tournament — to Enzo Couacaud in the second round.

Coach Goran Ivanisevic believes that the 35-year-old has the ability to compete at the highest level for another couple of years. If he is correct, Djokovic could break more and more records, strengthening his case to be labelled the greatest tennis player of all time.

Ceri Vaughan-Jones