The new World No.1 Novak Djokovic expressed his gratitude after winning his 10th Australian Open title and his 22nd overall Grand slam title. Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the final at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
After winning the Australian Open for the 10th time, Djokovic received congratulatory messages from all around the globe, including from his biggest arch-rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“The morning after always feels great,” Djokovic said on Instagram. “Holding this wonderful trophy once again, for the 10th time, I’m very grateful for all the support that I’ve been getting over the past few weeks, here in Melbourne but also around the world.”
The Serbian revealed he also had the support of his family members, who were there with him in Melbourne throughout the tournament.
“I’m really glad to be able to share some nice moments, the morning-after victory, with my parents, with my brother, [who] were here the first time I won a Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2008,” he said. “So it’s been a wonderful journey, 15 years, and just to have them there makes this win even more special.
“I hope to be performing at my best again in Australia, as I have fortunately over the course of my career, next year as well, and let’s celebrate tennis even more.”
Djokovic will now begin his 374th week as the number-one player in the ATP rankings.
Meanwhile, Djokovic only lost a solitary set (against Enzo Couacaud in the second round) in the competition as he was at his absolute best. The Serbian also struggled with his hamstring injury in the first week of the tournament but found a way to play around it. Djokovic’s next tournament is in Dubai and he will want to fully recover first before getting back on the court.