The Serb defined this Australian Open as “the most complicated, because he didn’t play it last year” and wanted to “thank everyone” who put him at ease in Melbourne after the 2022 installment.
Novak, I don’t know what to say. Everything you have achieved speaks for itself. Congratulations. I admire everything you have done for our sport, you make me a better player on the court. I’ve worked all my life to play these kinds of games. He is the largest to ever pick up a racket. I want to thank you for making our sport better,” Tsitsipas praised when speaking of the ten-time Australian Open champion.
Djokovic, full and excited after winning his 22nd Grand Slam in the country that deported him just 12 months earlier, also had words of praise for his rival: “First, I want to say that Stefanos’ words move me. Thank you for being so kind and respectful. On the track we are competitors, but that doesn’t mean we don’t respect each other. Congratulations on the tournament.”
Last year, the Serb was unable to play the tournament because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19, and despite being top favorites at the Australian Open and US Open, he had to retire from both. Now, with the Australian trophy in his hands, the Serb explained: “It’s been one of the most complicated tournaments I’ve played in my life, not having played it last year. I want to thank all the people who made me feel comfortable in Melbourne and Australia. There’s a reason I’ve played my best tennis on this course. This is probably the biggest win of my life, considering the circumstances,” said Djokovic, who equals Rafa Nadal’s 22 Grand Slams and sharpens the battle for the best of all time with this victory.
The Serb himself wore a jacket with the number 22 on his chest to commemorate his match in the ‘majors’ with the man from Manacor, who was once again delayed by injuries and whose main goal is to reach Roland in condition to compete against Garros, a tournament he has won 14 times.
Djokovic is also exceptional in his facet as a communicator, recalling giving advice to children who dream of something big in countries like his: “for those young people watching this game, dream big. Wherever you come from, the more challenges you have, the stronger you will be. Don’t let anyone stop you from dreaming, even if you find only one person who believes in your dream,” Djokovic explained, as the Rod Laver Arena melted in applause before him.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
