Novak Djokovic back on top Down Under
Serbian star captures 10th Australian Open title, reclaims No. 1 rank by beating Tsitsipas in final
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – A ruthless Novak Djokovic resumed his reign over Melbourne Park by winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open title on Sunday and crushing the Grand Slam dream of Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas in a one-sided final.
In a rematch of the 2021 French Open decider, Djokovic swept to a 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) victory at Rod Laver Arena to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking and again deny Tsitsipas a maiden major title.
The atmosphere was electric and the crowd often unruly as Serbian and Greek fans bayed in the terraces as if roaring on football teams.
But at the finish chants of “Nole! Nole” won out as Djokovic stormed to a 5-0 lead in the final tiebreak and closed out the match with a thumping forehand down the line that Tsitsipas could only hit long.
The 35-year-old Serb tapped his temple then his heart as he walked forward to shake hands with Tsitsipas before jumping into his players box.
Unleashing a roar, Djokovic – in his 33rd Grand Slam final compared to the second for Tsitsipas – pumped his fists then cried as he hugged his mum.
Djokovic’s 22nd Grand Slam triumph, now matching Rafael Nadal, was the ultimate redemption a year on from his sensational deportation from Australia on the eve of the Grand Slam due to his lack of COVID-19 vaccination.
That dark episode seemed like ancient history on Sunday as he soaked up the cheers from his army of Serbian supporters.
Despite saying repeatedly he bore no grudges over his deportation, Djokovic left none in doubt that the events of last year would be fuel for his success.
He has had plenty of other spurs at this tournament, with heckling fans, snide commentary about the severity of his hamstring injury and calls for his father Srdjan to be barred from Melbourne Park
for mixing with Putin supporters bearing banned Russian flags.
“I have to say this has been the most challenging tournament I have played in my life,” Djokovic said as he cradled the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
“Not playing last year, coming back this year.
“This is probably the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances.”
As in the semifinal, there was no Srdjan in the players’ box but Djokovic had ample support all around the showcourt.
Where his left thigh had strapping in the semifinal and before, there was only a bit of tape poking out of his shorts-leg.
It was a bad omen for Tsitsipas, who at Roland Garros in 2021 gave up a two-set lead to lose to the Serb.
He had his chances on Sunday, including a set point in the second set, but he was unable to convert them.
“Novak brings the best out of me and these are the matches I’ve been working my entire life for,” Tsitsipas said in a gracious runner-sup speech.
“He’s the greatest that has held a tennis racket.”
With his entourage having changed into T-shirts emblazoned with “10,” Djokovic held the winner’s trophy aloft once more, 15 years after hoisting it for the first time as a 20-year-old in 2008.
Sabalenka powers to 1st Grand Slam
Aryna Sabalenka came from a set down and capitalized on 17 aces and a late overpowering stroke to defeat Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 and win her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Saturday in Melbourne.
It was the first Grand Slam final for Sabalenka, the tournament’s fifth seed. She captured the championship in two hours, 28 minutes on her fourth match point when Rybakina’s forehand went long.
Sabalenka previously reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2021 and at the US Open each of the past two years.
“I think it’s even more enjoyable, I would say, after all those tough matches,” said Sabalenka, a 24-year-old from Belarus. “I actually feel happy that I lost those matches, so right now I can be a different player and just different Aryna.”
In all, Sabalenka hit more aces (17 to 9) and winners (51 to 31). Her 17 aces were the second most in a WTA Tour final since 2008.
Rybakina took advantage of shakiness from Sabalenka – five double faults – in the first set before Sabalenka found her composure.
When the new rankings come out on Monday, Sabalenka will move to No. 2. Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan, will move into the Top 10 for the first time.