Novak Djokovic has clinched a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in three straight sets of 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena.
The Serbian star returned to Melbourne Park, overcoming a hamstring injury and off-court drama to secure a historic victory.
An emotional Djokovic climbed to his player’s box after the win to embrace his mother and broke down in tears, collapsing to the ground sobbing.
The 35-year-old fourth seed missed last year’s tournament due to his Covid vaccination stance, but made a remarkable comeback with the victory.
Djokovic’s win was a triumphant return to the court where he won his first Grand Slam in 2008.
With sizeable Greek and Serbian communities in Melbourne and Rod Laver in attendance, the match was accompanied by a raucous atmosphere.
Djokovic entered the final match with confidence, having won all nine of his previous Australian Open finals and a 10-2 career advantage over Tsitsipas.
Despite a close second set, Djokovic’s greater experience proved to be the difference in the tiebreak.
