Rod Laver Arena: Emblazened in victory tears, Frolicking in his 22nd Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic of Serbia defeats Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7(7)-6(4), 7(7)-6(5).
Novak Djokovic won his first Grand Slam in 2008, 15 years ago as a 20-year guy who looked too small with a ginormous trophy. He came closer to his first Major against Federer a year earlier but lost in the finals. A year later, in Melbourne, Novak clinched his maiden title by defeating Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(2) in the final. Since then, the Serb has won 21 more titles.
Novak Djokovic has equalled Rafael Nadal’s 22 Open Era titles. He is just behind Serena Willaims in the overall category. Serena has 23 in her name.
In addition to the glorious tenth title, Djokovic also regained the position of World No.1 in Men’s Singles. He also lengethend his 27-match winning streak at the Rod Laver Arena into 28.
This year contrasted their previous matchup at Roland Garros in the 2021 Paris Open, where Djokovic overcame the Greek after falling behind two sets to love. Tsitsipas had very few opportunities to gain a comparative advantage.
The Serb however had a easy first set compared to the second and third. He eased through the first set unlike the second and third.
With little between the two players, the second set was fierce and emotional. But Djokovic saved the set from a searing tiebreak with his steady and precise groundstrokes.
At 5-4, Tsitsipas had gained a breakpoint on Djokovic’s serve, giving the Greek star the chance to win the set. But Djokovic avoided losing the set point and compelled a tie-breaker.
Tsitsipas initially lost a 0-30 lead in the third set, which was equally fiercely contested. He still had a strong desire to compete, and after levelling the set at 5-5 with a victory and an ace, he forced a tiebreak. The Greek contender’s chances of winning a first Grand Slam title were crushed in the tiebreak by Djokovic.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, on the other hand, ends up runner-up in a Grand Slam for the second time. He also finished sceond in 2021 French Open, that too behind Djokovic.
Also Read: Comparing ‘The Big Three’: Federer, Nadal And Djokovic
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