From being deported last year to standing on the top step of the podium with the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup.
In his hands, Novak Djokovic completed a remarkable comeback to reign supreme once again at his favourite hunting ground. 15 years after winning his maiden crown at Melbourne Park, the Serb became the first man to win the Australian Open crown 10 times in his career.
Novak Djokovic, the 4th seed, completed a stunning fortnight of tennis in Melbourne to take his Grand Slam tally to 22, equalling Rafael Nadal’s record for the most major titles won in men’s singles tennis.
Roger Federer, who was the first man to achieve 20 Grand Slam titles retired last year, while Nadal is batting injury issues, which were evident in his 2nd-round exit in Melbourne. However, Djokovic, who seems to be aging like fine wine, is hungry for more.
Djokovic also became only the 2nd man after Rafael Nadal (14 at the French Open) to win at least 10 titles at a single Grand Slam tournament.
And Djokovic continued his perfect record at the Australian Open finals, extending his winning run at Melbourne Park to 28. Djokovic will be rewarded for his unreal show in Melbourne with a return to the No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings on Monday.
DJOKE OF A FINAL!
It was a spotless performance against 24-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was unable to stop the winning machine that steamrolled opponents after overcoming a hamstring injury scare earlier in the tournament. The 35-year-old was switched on from the word go and broke into Tsitsipas’s resolve, neutralising the Greek star’s forehand that had troubled others before it met the wall.
Djokovic needed just 2 hours and 56 minutes to beat Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) in the men’s singles final on Sunday.
2 years ago, Djokovic had to fight back from 2 sets down, a match that he doesn’t remember, in the Roland Garros final to win his second clay-court Grand Slam crown. On Sunday, he did not have to go through such an arduous battle as he wrapped the match in straight sets, continuing from where he left in the one-sided semi-final against Tommy Paul.
There were concerns about Novak Djokovic’s fitness when he needed 4 sets against unseeded Frenchman Enzo Couacaud in the 2nd round in Mebourne. Djokovic was heavily strapped on his right leg but he dismissed concerns, rampaging through the men’s singles draw after Rafael Nadal’s shock exit.