Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears in shock scenes after Australian Open final
The Serbian star captured his 22nd career grand slam to equal Rafa Nadal's men's record.
Novak Djokovic has broken down in staggering scenes after the Australian Open final while embracing his mother and coaching staff. Djokovic reclaimed the World No.1 rankling and a 22nd career grand slam title after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6 (4) 7-6 (5).
Djokovic became extremely animated and frustrated during his historic Australian Open final victory, which drew criticism towards the crowd that appeared to be overzealous at times. Djokovic came out roaring against the World No.4 on Rod Laver Arena, which carried the atmosphere of a football match.
'WHAT A JOKE': Outrage over 'unfair' detail in Novak Djokovic triumph
TAKE A BOW: Stefanos Tsitsipas' staggering act in runner-up speech
The Serb was relentless in the first set having reduced Tsitsipas to just one forehand winner in the first set, which he won 6-3. However, Tsitsipas let go of his nerves and stepped it up a level to stay in the second set.
The crowd rallied behind Tsitsipas, which appeared to perturb Djokovic throughout the set. Djokokvic also took a nasty tumble during one of Tsitsipas' service games. After winning a game, Djokovic appeared to go back-and-forth with his coach in frustration. Djokovic faced set point at 5-4 and the crowd became animated.
Djokovic stepped back and took his time while the chair umpire called for the crowd to calm down. The Serbian held the game and again appeared frustrated at the raucous crowd willing Tsitsipas on to level the match.
Many viewers watching became frustrated at the vociferous crowd, who continually barracked - maybe sometimes over the top - against Djokovic when in a tight service game. Despite the drama, the Serbian went on to win the tiebreak and take a two-set lead in the match.
Following the set, Djokovic opted to take a break. This could have been due to the fall, which saw him go over on his ankle reaching for a shot.
However, it didn't stop Djokovic from taking his game to the next level and winning his 22nd grand slam title to draw level with Rafa Nadal. The victory also means he regains the World No.1 ranking.
The tennis world saw Djokovic shed tears of despair after his US Open loss two years ago. However, after winning his 10th Australian Open title, Djokovic buried his head in his hands and wept tears of joy.
Djokovic was seen laying on his back amongst his family and coaches for an extended period after the final point, weeping into his hands. He then buried his face into his towel and continued crying when he got back down to court level.
"We've never seen that from Djokovic after a win," Jim Courier said on Channel 9. "He was obviously carrying a lot throughout this two weeks."
Outpouring of emotion from Novak Djokovic after an embrace from his brother. He breaks down in tears in his player’s box. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/RdDDNEjjHP
— Tyson Whelan (@tyson_whelan) January 29, 2023
Djokovic completely broke down in tears #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/0NzwZODpxL
— Waqas RF وقاص 🇵🇰🇳🇿 (@Fed_43600) January 29, 2023
Djokovic points first to his head and then to his heart before drinking in the acclaim of the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
Then he climbs into his box and celebrates wildly with his team before dissolving into tears.
What a moment.#AustralianOpen #Djokovic— LoveGameTennis 🎾 (@LoveGame_Tennis) January 29, 2023
The tennis world reacted to Djokovic's frustration, the crowd for disturbing the match at critical moments, but also to the amazing scenes after Djokovic achieved history.
„He‘s fighting everyone“. #Djokovic after winning this crucial service game. Saves two set points. Great mental resilience. #AustralianOpen #djokovicvstsitsipas pic.twitter.com/xaX0jl5Q7i
— Klaus Bellstedt (@belleamball) January 29, 2023
The Aussie crowd is the worst crowd in all of sports. They do not deserve a major in any sport. Can’t wait for Djokovic to put them in their place #australianOpen
— Josh Allen Rocks (@HugeBillsFan) January 29, 2023
Man, #Djokovic not happy 😂
— Senator Briggs (@Briggs) January 29, 2023
Djokovic looks frustrated and angry looking at his box. Don't know the reason yet but it's definitely something related to his team.
Having said that, Tsitsipas has started to get in his head. What a contest it's turning out to be!!!#AusOpen2023 #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/kL9u7R53Tn— Suraj Jajoo (@JajooSuraj) January 29, 2023
#Djokovic may be an unloved champion but 10 years from now ppl will remember him as the greatest champion....that is what will ultimately matter. Crowd jeering him ..unfair .
— Srikanth (@srikanthan09) January 29, 2023
Tsitsipas manages to hold after missing volley. Djokovic seems angry. #djokovic #tsitsipas 4-3 Stefanos, on serve, 2nd set. pic.twitter.com/J4E2buhNen
— socal (@socalissonice) January 29, 2023
Djokovic vs Crowd is the longest lasting rivalry in tennis history
— Ryan (@Some1NamedRyan) January 29, 2023
Nah this Melbourne crowd is ridiculous. I get that they want to cheer on Tsitsipas but to cheer when Novak faults? I'm rooting for Tsitsipas & even I can see what's wrong with that.
He's the 9x winner of your tournament, show him some respect. #AustralianOpen #AO2023 #Djokovic— /parte medico fan/ (new account) (@trainingmanfan) January 29, 2023
Novak talking to the crowd or his box?! after he wins much contested game. Now its 5-5 in the 2nd. #djokovic #tsitsipas. Novak saying "bring it on!" pic.twitter.com/fR3fQZYaOU
— socal (@socalissonice) January 29, 2023
Aussie crowd keeps clapping and cheering when Djokovic gets a fault and during rally points, pathetic cowards
— dak (@dakdammit) January 29, 2023
Novak Djokovic's father absent from Aus Open final
Djokovic's father opted not to attend the Australian Open final, despite tournament boss Craig Tiley earlier announcing he would be free to attend Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic's father, Srdjan, was captured posing with pro-Russia spectators on Wednesday night following his son's quarter-final victory on Rod Laver Arena, which sparked enormous controversy.
Following the drama, Srdjan opted not to attend the semi-final on Friday to stay away from the controversy that he unwittingly stirred up. But in what was sure to be a controversial move, Tiley revealed Djokovic's father was free to take his place at Rod Laver Arena after accepting the Serb had inadvertently been swept up in the flags drama.
But in one final twist, Djokovic's father was notably absent as he claimed the crown at Melbourne Park for a 10th time. The 22-time grand slam champion paid tribute to his family in his victory speech, describing his 10th Australian Open title as the greatest triumph of his career.
with AAP
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