Crying and emotion: Why did Djokovic say his 10th win in Australia was “the biggest win” of his career?

“Only my family and my team know what I had to go through. It’s the biggest win of my career, considering the circumstances. Last year I couldn’t play and this year I’m back, thanks to all the people who make me feel comfortable in Melbourne”. Novak Djokovic had literally collapsed with emotion, sealing the victory against the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final which gave him his tenth title at the Australian Open, which also allowed him to reach Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam trophies (22) and recover the 1st. of the ATP rankings.

At 35, the Serbian maintains his undefeated 2023 season, in which he had already won the ATP title in Adelaide. Maybe that’s why he collapsed when he went to hug his family and coaching staffwho in the box inside the stadium wore a shirt that alludes to the ten titles won in the first Grand Slam of the season.

Shortly after she got up, it was difficult for her to reach the chair, she grabbed a towel and burst into tears again: her sobs could be heard even through the ambient microphones.

What brought the Serbian’s tears and his words during the awards ceremony to enhance what he had accomplished a few minutes earlier? Really to a combination of situations.

just over a year ago He was deported from Australia for not being vaccinated against Covid-19 and watched on television as Nadal won his favorite tournament and broke the record for men’s tennis greats, later expanded at Roland Garros.

Champion at Wimbledon and absent at the US Open also because he was not vaccinated, ‘Nole’ arrived in Melbourne as a great favourite, but his path was not easy: a left leg injury in the previous days almost sidelined him from the tournament and complicated the first week.

Recovered from pain and with sublime tennis in the round of 16 and in the quarterfinals, he arrived the turning point of the controversy: first doubts that there was simulated injurythen some images of the father with fans with pro-Russian symbols that made it impossible to be present in situ for the semifinal and final.

Released after Tsitsipas returned the last ball of the long match (6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5), Djokovic went down to ‘his’ blue pitch, climbed into the area to embrace his family and, hiding among the chairs, gave an inconsolable cry which continued when he returned to his chair.

“This was one of the toughest tournaments I’ve ever played in my life considering the circumstances: I didn’t play last year, I’ll be back this year. I want to thank everyone who made me feel welcome.”he assured with his tenth trophy in his hands and with the number 22 printed on his jacket.

“This is probably the biggest win of my life considering the circumstances”it complemented Djokovic, who is yet to lose a final in Australia.

A Balkan forehand over the line confirmed that, as the President of Tennis Australia said at the ceremony, “the king of melbourne is back”.

And for some, his reign includes much more: equaled in Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal -two above the retired Roger Federer-, and with the record weeks as number one in the ATP, the debate over whether it’s the best of times heats up.

“He is one of the best in our sport”Tsitsipas cautiously acknowledged. But under pressure from the stands, with numerous Serbs, the Greek opened up: “And I think he’s the best that ever held a tennis racket”.

With information from AFP