Novak Djokovic he has achieved all he can in the last 15 years. However, the Serb is hungry for more in the years to come, he feels good about his tennis approaching 36 and seems eager to chase more notable titles. Novak’s 22nd title came on Sunday at the Australian Open, matching Rafael Nadal and writing history books.
Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 56 minutes, prevailing at crucial moments and lifting his tenth trophy at Melbourne Park. Novak gained momentum in the fourth round clash against Alex De Minaur, playing injury-free and leaving his opponents behind.
Tsitsipas did his best to keep up with his opponent, delivering one break and receiving two breaks. Novak hit 36 winners and 22 unforced errors and built the lead with midfielder exchanges of five to eight shots. Djokovic got off to a convincing start after breaking Tsitsipas in the fourth game of the match.
Novak brought the set home with a powerful serve at 5-3 after 36 minutes. Stefanos had six comfortable serves in the second set and created set point on the return at 5-4. Novak dismissed him with a right hand. Novak fought back with a forehand winner from the baseline and built momentum.
Djokovic built a 4-1 tiebreak lead before Tsitsipas rallied to 4-4. The Greek made two unforced errors and offered two set points to the Serb. Novak hit a service winner in the first to close out the tiebreaker 7-4 and move closer to the finish line.
Djokovic took a bathroom break and lost concentration for a moment heading into the third set.
Steve Flink praises Djokovic
Novak Djokovic equaled Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slams. «I think Novak would have a very good chance.
Obviously, going in, Rafa has to be the favorite on that court. But Novak knows what he can do,» Steve Flink said. «Maybe, they could end up on opposite halves with some good luck because wouldn’t it be amazing to see them collide in the final again at Roland Garros with both of them playing? good,» Flink said.
«I want to say that they have had some wonderful matches at Roland Garros over the years. My hope is that we can see them in the final this year.» «Yes, he has lost some decisive moments to Rafa. But he has also beaten him a couple of times on that court, which is remarkable, even two years ago, when he was in the semifinals before coming back against Rafa.» [Stefanos] Tsitsipas in the final. Novak came from a set down to beat Rafa in that epic semifinal they had,» he added.
