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Novak Djokovic became the Australian Open champion for the tenth time, and equaled Rafael Nadal's 22 Grand Slam titles, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
One year after being deported from Melbourne, Novak Djokovic has won his tenth Australian title, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5) to match Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles and reclaim the world No. 1 spot.
The Serb was never in doubt right from the beginning of the tournament, being the favourite on pundit's lips and fans. The only issue many thought could have stopped his ambition was his hamstring problems, but since he overcame it in the round of 16, Djokovic has been ruthless with his opponents to the final.
Facing Tsitsipas was his toughest challenge, and sure it was, as the Greek, who was unbeaten this year and playing for his first Grand Slam title took him to two tiebreaks in the second and third sets, but the 33-year-old always found answers to win.
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Djokovic started the first set brilliantly with a hold to 15 and two break points. Tsitsipas got himself out of trouble and saved both break points and holds.
A 25-shot rally and it was Tsitsipas who won the point. He double faults down break points, and Djokovic went 3-1 up, then a break consolidated and 4-1.
Nervy plays from Tsitsipas, he kept going 0-15 down in every service game. Flawless first set from Djokovic won it 6-3.
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Tsitsipas began the second set with a good hold, his best service game of the match. A rare love hold and a solid game with a variety of shots thrown in.
He got a good first serve in but Djokovic managed to return it. Djokovic saved a set point and held for 5-5, a game in which Tsitsipas was one point away from winning the set.
A love hold for Tsitsipas to lead 6-5, making the match very competitive now, but Djokovic leveled up for a tiebreak. Tsitsipas made too many errors in the tiebreak, and Djokovic won the set in the tiebreak 7-6(4)to lead two sets to love.
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Tsitsipas turned on the heat in the set and had a set point but couldn't take advantage.
The third set began with Tsitsipas breaking in the opening game. Some errors came from Djokovic's racket, this time the Greek man took advantage.
Djokovic broke right back as Tsitsipa's forehand errors cost him again. At 5-5, Tsitsipas handled the pressure of serving to stay in the match. Djokovic held for 6-5, and Tsitsipas served to stay in the match again - a third-set tiebreak.
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Errors from Tsitsipa's forehand again, a rally, and three championship points, Djokovic sealed it 7-6(5).
His victory against Tsitsipas is his 28th consecutive win at the Australian Open, 41st consecutive win in Australia, and 12th in 2023.
An emotional Djokovic in his post-match interview on Eurosport "Dare to dream, because anything is possible, it doesn't matter where you are coming from.
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"Top 2, top 3 wins in my life, considering the circumstances. This has been one of the most challenging tournaments of my life. Not playing last year and coming back this year. This is the biggest victory of my life."
Tsitsipas paid homage to his superior and called him the GOAT. "Novak Djokovic is the greatest that has ever held a racket."
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The top three men's singles most Grand Slam titles are Rafael Nadal (22), Djokovic (22), and Roger Federer (20).
Djokovic will begin the new week as world No. 1 gaining four spots, while Tsitsipas rises to No. 3 ahead of Casper Ruud.
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