Djokovic wins Australian Open to equal Nadal's 22 Grand Slam titles
Novak Djokovic reclaims his number one ranking after winning the Australian Open title.
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Novak Djokovic wins his 10th men’s singles title victory at the Australian Open (Associated Press)
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic beat Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas Sunday to claim a 10th Australian Open title and equal Rafael Nadal's 22 Grand Slam crowns, a victory that returned him to world number one.
Djokovic came into the match with his confidence high having won all nine of his previous Australian Open finals and with a 10-2 career advantage over the Greek.
He overcame a hamstring injury to sweep win Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
The Serb climbed to his player's box after the win to embrace his mother and broke down in uncontrollable tears.
Grand Slam title No.2⃣2⃣@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/DuwBEY5qmy
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2023
It capped a remarkable comeback by the 35-year-old, who missed last year's tournament when he was deported over his Covid vaccination stance.
The win drew him level with Nadal on a record 22 Slams, two clear of Roger Federer.
Tears of joy 🥹
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2023
Iconic moments at Rod Laver Arena.@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/n1gUUjiY51
Nadal, though, is set to slide down the rankings when they are released on Monday, in contrast to Djokovic, who will dethrone Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz and return to the top for the first time since June. Tsitsipas will climb one place to three.
Read more: 'Disgrace' if Djokovic does not compete in US: Tournament director
