Novak Djokovic used all his skills to win his 10th Australian Open and record 22nd Grand Slam men’s title by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Serbia’s Djokovic started strongly and won the second set 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5).
The big win will see the 35-year-old return to the world number one ranking, drawing level with Rafael Nadal.
The 24-year-old Tsitsipas of Greece continues to wait for his first Grand Slam win.
“It’s been a long journey, but a very special one,” said Djokovic, who dropped just one set during the tournament.
“I honestly played some of my best tennis at the Australian Open. Fourth round, quarterfinals, semifinals, was really comfortable on the court, hit the ball great.”
Tsitsipas lost his first major final at the 2021 French Open after blowing a two-set lead to Djokovic but, this time in Melbourne, he was always chasing a match.
In the few precious chances he had to threaten Djokovic – notably a set point to level the match at one set apiece – the third seed failed to take it.
Djokovic has not lost at Melbourne Park since 2018 – a streak spanning a record 28 men’s singles matches.
He has regained the crown he was unable to defend last year after being exiled from Australia following a dispute over his Covid-19 vaccination status.
Tsitsipas showed resilience to save two championship points but Djokovic took his third – this time on his own serve – when his opponent sliced a forehand long after a brief rally.
Djokovic turned to his team and family members – including mother Dijana, though father Sredjan was not present – standing motionless before pointing to his head and his heart.
