A familiar tale, but a groundbreaking one all the same.
Novak Djokovic claimed a record-extending 10th Australian Open title Sunday in Melbourne, where he rode the challenge of Stefanos Tsitsipas to prevail 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in the final of the hard-court Grand Slam. With his victory, the Serbian tied Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam crowns.
The 35-year-old’s triumph also sealed his return to No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time since last June. Djokovic will replace Carlos Alcaraz in top spot on Monday after notching his 10th tour-level victory in a row against Tsitsipas, who would have claimed top spot himself with victory in Sunday’s final.
Despite so much riding on the match, Djokovic confidently assumed control early on Rod Laver Arena. Although the Greek raised his game in the second and third sets to ensure some absorbing rallies whipped up an intense atmosphere in the crowd, the Serbian was clinical at key moments to seal a two-hour, 56-minute victory and improve his record in Australian Open finals to 10-0.
[ATP APP]