Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open! With a shocking chest and long shots, Novak Djokovic let all emotions run free. First in the stands, lying in front of the seats of his coaches and family. And then again on his bench along the track. The cheers of the 15,000 fans in attendance could not drown out the champion’s weeping. Rarely, probably never, has a title stirred up so much for Novak Djokovic. Won everything, more than once, but the discharge was great. “It is my best victory ever, given the circumstances,” said Djokovic in a white jacket with ’22’ on the chest.

Reservations by Novak Djokovic

He didn’t elaborate on those conditions on the track, but they are well known. A year ago, the Serbian traveled to Australia at the last minute. As an unvaccinated player, he needed a waiver to enter the country. But he didn’t have the right papers. Twice he was detained in a detention hotel, twice his case went to court. Djokovic was eventually deported. There was some support, but many Australians lost sympathy for Djokovic, who may have thought that different rules would apply to him in a pandemic. So Djokovic came to Melbourne this year with some reservations. But the welcome was warm. The fans know how special the place is for the tennis player. Here he played much of his best tennis. Djokovic managed to win all three editions before last year. And this year he was even more keen on the title. He thrives best on the sentiment of injustice and revenge.

Distraction

Looking purely at the results, there seemed to be no problem these two weeks. But in the first three rounds Djokovic had physical complaints, especially his upper leg. It fed the doubts. After the quarterfinals, there was an incident with his father, who posed in the park with fans of Russian President Putin. Djokovic also had to explain and fix that. The seat next to his mother’s remained empty in the semi-finals and finals. It distracted him, but had no effect on his game. Perhaps the fire in Djokovic was only fanned further. Stefanos Tsitsipas was unable to do much in a dull final, his weapons were neutralized by Djokovic. At important moments, the Greek also made too many mistakes and wrong choices. Djokovic won 6-3, 7-6, 7-6. At first he responded coolly, tapping his index finger on his head, heart and legs. But on the way to the box, the primeval man in him came loose. “I collapsed with my mother and brother. It took me a lot of mental energy to stay focused and focused. Every game was a fight, two weeks ago I didn’t give myself a good chance.”

Revanche

But he took revenge. To his beloved Australia, to the media, to all critics. “I told you, we created a monster,” Nick Kyrgios said on Twitter. And then the corresponding numbers. With his tenth title in Melbourne, Djokovic has won 22 majors. He is again tied with Rafael Nadal, of whom the question is whether he will have a chance to win more main prizes after another injury. Djokovic (35) is only a year younger, but is physically much less subject to wear and tear. After a seven-month break, he is also back at the top of the world rankings. “It’s flattering and a privilege to be part of the discussion about the greatest player of all time.” For Tsitsipas, that is no longer a question. “Of anyone who has ever picked up a racket, he is the best.”

Tone has been set

The tone has been set in Australia, this must be Djokovic’s year. Although there is still some uncertainty, for example about tournaments in the United States. For the time being, playing Indian Wells in March is not an option for Djokovic, but he is hopeful of being admitted there again. But it is not a top priority for the Serb. “Of course I will keep trying to win more grand slams, it’s the reason I’m still playing.”