Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas - LIVE: Australian Open result as emotional Djokovic wins 22nd grand slam
Follow live reaction as Djokovic triumphed 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 over Tsitsipas to equal Rafael Nadal’s men’s singles grand slam titles record
Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to win a 10th Australian Open and move level with Rafael Nadal on a men’s record 22 grand slam titles.
The Serbian was deported from Australia 12 months ago amid a political storm over his exemption for the Covid vaccine, but has made a triumphant return to the court with a historic victory on Rod Laver Arena.
The 35-year-old defeated Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in just under three hours to maintain his perfect record in Australian Open finals. Djokovic has now won all 10 of his showpiece appearances in Melbourne and extends his winning streak at Melbourne Park to 28 matches.
It also moves Djokovic level with Nadal in the grand slam race, after the Spaniard edged ahead by winning the Australian Open in Djokovic’s absence and the French Open to reach a men’s record 22 titles.
Follow live reaction from the Australian Open men’s final, below:
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 4-4 Stefanos Tsitsipas
Tsitsipas replies with a solid hold of his own, and a reminder that he is not done yet in this match. We’re into the crucial moments now.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 4-3 Stefanos Tsitsipas*
Djokovic has to pause ahead of his second serve as a baby cries in the crowd, but the level he has found now is much harder to disrupt. He crushes a forehand winner down the line for his second consecutive hold to love.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 3-3 Stefanos Tsitsipas
Tsitsipas repeats the trick with a brilliant drop shot of his own, but then gets away with a second that Djokovic read - only for Tsitsipas to show good hands at the net. Tsitsipas gets the hold with the help of a brilliant backhand winner down the line.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 3-2 Stefanos Tsitsipas*
Djokovic gets a hold to love - timing, which was on display with a lovely sliced drop shot that died on the bounce.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 2-2 Stefanos Tsitsipas
This is another big test for Tsitsipas, and Djokovic puts the pressure on as he directs a crosscourt backhand into his feet and the Greek nets on the volley.
15-30, but he finds the ace and then wins a long rally with an inside out forehand winner down the line.
Ace again. Good hold.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 2-1 Stefanos Tsitsipas*
That is just classic Djokovic - Tsitsipas had been pushing for a break for two hours and got it. But Djokovic’s opponents are often at their most vulnerable when they are offered a glimmer of hope.
Djokovic broke straight back and his level looks to be back, too, he plays a couple of formidable points to take control of his service game and edges ahead on the scoreboard in this set.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 1-1 Stefanos Tsitsipas - Djokovic breaks!
Tsitsipas looks to conintue the momentum as he gets to 30-0, but then Djokovic steps in to put away a backhand return for a winner and shows great defence to get to 30-30.
All of a sudden, as he draws the error from Tsitsipas, Djokovic gets break point. Tstisipas saves the first but Djokovic comes again, moving Tsitsipas around the court before putting away the backhand winner down the line.
Djokovic ramps up the pressure on the return, opening the angle. Tsitsipas pulls wide and Djokovic breaks straight back.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 0-1 Stefanos Tsitsipas* - Tsitsipas breaks!
Djokovic is back out after about five minutes off court. To make matters worse for Tsitsipas, he will serve to start the third set. The Greek needs an early break.
And Tsitsipas gets an early chance as a big forehand crosscourt clips the line to get the 0-30! Tsitsipas nets, and then complains to the umpire about a light behind the court.
But he does force break point! Djokovic goes long on the stretch and its 15-40. Djokovic clips the baseline and Tsitsipas can’t move his feet as he goes long.
30-40: First serve out wide from Djokovic, but then he steers the backhand wide! Tsitsipas gets a break to start the third and this match may be alive after all!
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 Stefanos Tsitsipas - Djokovic wins the second set!
After saving set point at 4-5, Djokovic takes it on the tiebreak and moves another step closer to a 10th title.
Djokovic takes an off-court break and Tsitsipas, who had chances there, will need to pick himself. It’s a long, long way back from here.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6 Stefanos Tsitsipas - Djokovic wins the second set!
Oof. Double fault from Djokovic! It’s back on serve as Djokovic hands the mini-break back. 4-3
Big serve from Tsitsipas! Djokovic puts a tired backhand into the net! Back level. 4-4
Tsitsipas swats a ball away in frustration! Another forehand error from the Greek. 5-4
The shouts from the crowd are continuing into the tiebreak, distracting both players.
Tsitsipas gets a good return in play, but Djokovic works it back to the Tsitsipas backhand. Long! 6-4
Two set points.
Djokovic with the serve out wide, and Tsitsipas nets on the return!
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies