Australian Open: Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas for
record-tying tennis title
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
for record-tying tennis title -
29th January 2023
Novak
Djokovic overwhelmed Stefanos Tsitsipas with a ferocious
forehand return to finalize a straight-sets victory
in the 2023 Australian Open men's singles final Sunday
in Melbourne.
The
win gave the Serbian a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam
title. Djokovic, who missed the 2022 tournament due
to his unvaccinated status, is now tied with Spaniard
Rafael Nadal for the most major titles in men's tennis
history.
"This
was one of the most challenging tournaments I've ever
played in my life, not playing last year and coming
back this year," Djokovic said at the trophy
ceremony on ESPN.
"I
want to thank all the people that made me feel welcome
and comfortable to be in Melbourne and to be in Australia.
... This is probably the biggest victory of my life."
Djokovic
totaled seven aces, 36 winners and converted 2 of
5 break points in the 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) triumph.
The No. 4 seed, who owns a record 10 Australian Open
crowns, earned nearly $2.1 million for his latest
win at Rod Laver Arena. He committed 22 unforced errors
in the match, which lasted nearly three hours.
Tsitsipas,
who is still searching for his first Grand Slam, totaled
15 aces, 40 winners and converted 1 of 3 break points.
The No. 3 seed logged 42 unforced errors.
"I'd
had the privilege to play a lot of difficult, high-intensity
matches, but I'd like to say Novak brings the best
out of me," Tsitsipas said.
"He
is the greatest that has ever held a tennis racket.
I'd like to thank him for pushing our sport so far."
Djokovic
and Tsitsipas each held their first serves of the
match. Djokovic held again in the third game and broke
Tsitsipas in the fourth for a 3-1 edge. He went on
to win three of the final five games in the first
set.
The
foes each held their serves through a dozen games
in the second set, which forced a tie break. Djokovic
settled that set when Tsitsipas lost the final point
on a forehand forced error.
Tsitsipas
broke Djokovic's serve to start the third set, but
the Serbian broke back in the second game. Djokovic
and Tsitsipas went on to hold their serves through
the 12th game, forcing another tie break. Djokovic
raced out to a 5-0 lead in the tie break before Tsitsipas
tightened the score to 6-5.
Djokovic
eventually ripped his forehand return down the left
flank. Tsitsipas slid and sliced a shot back to the
Serbian, but the attempt sailed over the baseline,
ending the match.
The
2023 French Open is the next Grand Slam on the tennis
schedule. The clay-court major will run from May 28
through June 11 at Roland Garros in Paris. Djokovic
is a two-time French Open champion.
Videos
Stefanos
Tsitsipas v Novak Djokovic Highlights | Australian
Open 2023 Final
Championship
Point | Emotional Djokovic Wins Historic Title | Australian
Open 2023