The end of tennis’ relentless GOAT debate may be nigh.
While the criteria for the divisive topic continues to change in some quarters to suit certain agendas, what does not is Novak Djokovic’s dominance of the sport.
The tearful Serbian superstar negotiated another challenging fortnight in the news cycle but finished it on Sunday night with the one headline-grabbing moment he wanted: a record-extending 10th Australian Open title.
But more importantly, Djokovic’s 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) defeat of gallant Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas – surviving a set point in a tense second set, and rallying from a break down in the third – sees him join Rafael Nadal on 22 grand slam championships overall, two clear of Roger Federer.
Djokovic, who wore his least strapping of the tournament on his much-talked-about left hamstring, also deservedly reclaims the world No.1 ranking, a carrot that was available to Tsitsipas if he claimed his country’s maiden major title.
The 35-year-old pointed to his head then his heart as Tsitsipas’ forehand sailed long on his third match point to seal another historic victory after almost three hours of attrition.
Booted out of Australia and banned from the United States last year due to being unvaccinated, Djokovic lost top billing in the men’s game to teenage sensation and US Open winner Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic takes in his victory on Sunday night.Credit:AP
The deportation, in particular, meant he arrived in Melbourne with “something extra”, as he put it, and he climbed into his player box post-match for an extended and emotion-charged celebration, before burying his head in his towel back on court for a private moment.
Djokovic’s father Srdjan was not in the stands again after being embroiled in controversy for posing in a photo with pro-Putin activists on Wednesday night and alleged comments Team Djokovic said were lost in translation.
It was part of another eventful trip to Australia, but this time it ended on a positive.
Novak Djokovi celebrates with his team.Credit:Getty Images
Tsitsipas, co-coached by his father Apostolos and Australian great Mark Philippoussis, will lose sleep over not winning the second set.
Djokovic superbly saved the Greek’s sole set point but was hanging on for much of that set, then wobbled at times in the tie-breaker, including a loose error then double-fault after jumping 4-1 ahead. But Tsitsipas was unable to capitalise, as his greatest weapon – his forehand – leaked four costly errors at the worst time.
A rowdy fan, something that was a problem throughout the final, caused a brief stoppage with the tie-breaker locked at four-all, with Djokovic settling the better after that to go two sets up.
Djokovic has won an extraordinary 47 of his past 50 matches since the Rome Masters, going back to before last year’s French Open, including his Australian Open and Wimbledon triumphs.
He makes no secret of his ambition to emerge as the greatest from tennis’ most incredible era, in which Djokovic, Nadal and Federer took turns at the top across two decades before the Serbian began to overwhelm them both.
Novak Djokovic after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas.Credit:AP
Djokovic leads the head-to-head record against his legendary rivals; boasts the most weeks at No.1; holds the record for year-end No.1s; has more Masters 1000 titles; and is level with Nadal for grand slam titles and Federer for ATP Finals wins.
Federer is 41 and in retirement, while battle-worn Nadal could yet dip his head back in front if he can snatch a 15th Roland-Garros title in June – but his 36-year-old body is highly unlikely to allow him to hold off Djokovic.
Djokovic’s 10th title on Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena extended his streak on the court to 28 matches and in Australia to 41.
He looked far too good early against Tsitsipas and a lopsided final appeared to be on the cards as he rolled through the first set in barely half an hour.
Stefanos Tsitsipas stretches for the ball.Credit:Eddie Jim
Djokovic dropped a meagre 20 games across his three matches en route to the final, and the fear at that stage was he was about to demolish another opponent.
But Tsitsipas impressively fought his way back into the contest, finally making inroads on Djokovic’s service games without quite landing a punch. He entered the second-set tie-breaker on top but loose errors – a cardinal sin against the great Serb – proved his downfall.
Tsitsipas shook off that disappointment to break Djokovic’s serve for the first time to start the third set, only for the latter to break straight back.
Unlike the previous set, it was Djokovic who looked more threatening throughout, but Tsitsipas did enough to force another tie-breaker.
From there, Djokovic reeled off five straight points before easing to victory after some brief resistance.
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