Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka on winning the Australian Open titles in the men’s and women’s competitions, respectively. On Saturday, 24-year-old Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open women’s final to lift her first Grand Slam title.
The following day, Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas to earn a record 10th Australian Open title. Albanese also congratulated Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kkubler, who won the Australian Open men’s doubles title. “Congratulations to @SabalenkaA and @DjokerNole on your @AustralianOpen victories.
And to Aussie doubles winners @rinkyhijakata and @JasonMKubler – a brilliant display of tennis in Melbourne,” Albanese wrote on Twitter.
Congratulations to @SabalenkaA and @DjokerNole on your @AustralianOpen victories. And to Aussie doubles winners @rinkyhijakata and @JasonMKubler – a brilliant display of tennis in Melbourne.
ð¾ð — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 29, 2023
Albanese allowed Djokovic to return
12 months ago, Scott Morrison was the Australian Prime Minister when Djokovic was denied participation at the Australian Open.
Following the 2022 elections, Morrison was replaced in the office by Albanese. In late 2022, Djokovic’s three-year ban from entering Australia was rescinded and he returned to Australia this January. After winning the Australian Open, an emotional Djokovic opened up.
“When I went into my box, I just think emotionally collapsed there and teared up with especially my mother and my brother when I gave them a hug, because up to that moment I was not allowing myself to, I guess, be distracted with things off the court or whatever was happening in dealing with an injury, things happening off the court, as well, that could easily have been a big disturbance to my focus and to my game.
It required an enormous mental energy really to stay present, to stay focused, to take things day by day, and really see how far I can go. Yeah, was a huge relief and release of the emotions in the end. Just difficult to find any additional words really.
It’s been a long journey, but very special one,” Djokovic said, per the Australian Open website.
