A year after being deported due to his COVID vaccination status, Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open to tie Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam record. In the Sunday final in Melbourne, the Serbian tennis pro defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in three sets. Djokovic has now tied Nadal's Grand Slam record of 22 men's singles victories with his 10th Australian Open triumph. His triumph comes a year after he was unable to participate in the competition due to being expelled from Australia for refusing to receive the COVID vaccine. Djokovic was overwhelmed with emotion after the victory, climbing into the stands to celebrate with his group and family. He then collapsed to the ground and began to sob hysterically.
At the Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(4), and 7-6(5). Seven Wimbledon championships, three US Open wins, and two French Open victories are among his 22 Grand Slam triumphs. His first of ten Australian Open victories occurred in 2008. Tsitsipas praised his opponent after his victory that tied the record.
He added, while wearing the number 22 on his jacket, "This has been one of the most difficult tournaments I've ever played. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who made me feel welcome and at ease when I was in Melbourne and Australia. There's a reason why I've performed at my best on this court in tennis. We have been through a lot over the past four to five weeks, and only my team and family are aware of it. Given the situation, "This is definitely the biggest victory of my life."