Novak Djokovic is once again the Australian Open champion after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in the men's singles final at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
A year on from being deported from Australia and the 2022 event, Djokovic secured his 10th Grand Slam crown Down Under. The victory brings his career singles Grand Slam tally up to a remarkable 22, levelling the men's record held by his long-time rival - and last year's champion Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian star had enjoyed a relatively comfortable run to Sunday's final despite some injury fears, having dropped just one set across the whole tournament. Tsitsipas however no doubt proved to be his toughest test yet, with the Greek star ranked fourth in the world rankings
Whilst the world No. 4 no doubt proved a threat, not many in the world of tennis are able to stop Djokovic in full flow, especially when out on court on the Rod Laver Arena. The former world No. 1 had won nine titles on the court, and he looked keen to make that 10.
Djokovic flew out of the traps, and after breaking serve in the fourth game of the match the Serbian looked to assert his dominance, as he seemingly cruised his way into a 1-0 lead after winning the opening set 6-3 in just over 35 minutes. The task was always going to be a tough one for Tsitsipas, but as he took to his seat after the opener, he was more than aware that things had already got a whole lot harder.
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Getty Images)The world No. 4 was on the hunt for his very first Grand Slam title, a world away from his experienced opponent stood at the other end of the Rod Laver Arena court. Tsitsipas soon rallied back in set two though, matching Djokovic serve-for-serve and shot-for-shot as he looked to forge his way into the match.
As has been seen over the past two weeks in Melbourne, winning sets against Djokovic have become somewhat of a rarity but Tsitsipas finally had his chance to land a blow. With the Greek national 5-4 ahead, Tsitsipas was just one shot away from levelling the match up after earning a set point.
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Getty Images)However the world No. 4 squandered his chance, and the former world No. 1 made him pay. Djokovic went on to level the set up at 5-5, before rubbing salt in the wounds of his rival by going on to take advantage of a set point of his own by winning the second set tie break to move 2-0 ahead in the finale.
For Tsitsipas it was now or never, with the Serbian star serving for the title. The Greek national knew he needed a break of serve if he was to have any chance of staying in the clash, and after failing to in the opening two sets, it finally came in the opening game of set three.
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AFP via Getty Images)Djokovic however was in no mood to slow down. After finally getting himself into the game with a break, Tsitsipas then handed the initiative straight back, as the world No. 4 lost his serve just one game later. All the Serbian now had to do was hold onto the serve, and there were not many better in the business than seeing out a game than him.
The pair continued to exchange games, and whilst this was music to the ears of Djokovic, time for Tsitsipas was now running out. His hopes of a first Grand Slam were finally dashed, as the Serbian star held on to take the final set to collect the Australian Open for a remarkable 10th time.
