Novak Djokovic admitted the 2023 Australian Open was one of the most challenging tournaments he has ever played in his glorious career. The Serbian won his 22nd Grand Slam title after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the final at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
Djokovic won by 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to win his 10th Australian Open crown. With this win, Djokovic goes level with Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 Major titles. Djokovic suffered a hamstring injury before the start of the Australian Open but he was able to go all the way by defying all the odds.
Djokovic was visibly emotional after winning the final point against the Greek and it was a superman effort from the Serbian as he was playing with an injury.
“This is one of the most challenging tournaments that I have ever played in my life,” said Djokovic, who was unable to compete in Melbourne in 2022 and arrived for this year’s tournament nursing a left hamstring issue. “Not playing last year, coming back this year. I want to thank all the people who made me feel welcome. There is a reason why I have played my best tennis on this court, in front of the legendary Rod Laver.
Djokovic tipped this win as the biggest triumph of his career.
“It is a long journey. All my team and family know what we have been through in the past four or five weeks and this is probably the biggest victory of my life.”
On the other hand, the runners-up Stefanos Tsitsipas was all praise for Novak Djokovic, calling them the greatest in the game.
“Novak, I don’t know what to say. I think it speaks for itself with what you have achieved so far,” said Tsitsipas during the trophy ceremony.
“It is all in the numbers, so congratulations. Not only to yourself but having such a supportive family. It has been such an unbelievable journey for you and I admire what you have done for our sport.
“[You] make me a better player when I am on the court. Novak brings the best out of me and these are the matches I have been working my entire life for. He is one of the greatest in our sport.”
