A ruthless Novak Djokovic resumed his reign over Melbourne Park by winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open title on Sunday.
Djokovic crushed the Grand Slam dream of Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas in the one-sided final match by winning 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5), a rematch of the 2021 French Open decider.
He used the victory at Rod Laver Arena to reclaim the world number one ranking and again deny Tsitsipas a maiden major title.
The atmosphere was electric and the crowd often unruly as Serbian and Greek fans bayed in the terraces as if roaring on football teams.
But at the finish chants of “Nole! Nole” won out as Djokovicstormed to a 5-0 lead in the final tie-break.
He closed out the match with a thumping forehand down the line which Tsitsipas could only hit long.
The 35-year-old Serb tapped his temple then his heart as he walked forward to shake hands with Tsitsipas before jumping into his players’ box.
Unleashing a roar, Djokovic pumped his fists then cried as he hugged his mum.
Djokovic’s 22nd Grand Slam triumph is now matching RafaNadal.
