Novak Djokovic has achieved everything he could in the past 15 years. However, the Serb is hungry for more in the years to come, feeling good about his tennis despite turning 36 this year and looking eager to chase more notable titles.
Novak’s 22nd Major title came on Sunday at the Australian Open, matching Rafael Nadal and writing history books. Djokovic took down Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 56 minutes, prevailing in the crucial moments and lifting his tenth trophy at Melbourne Park.
Novak gathered a boost since the fourth-round clash against Alex de Minaur, playing injury-free and leaving the remaining opponents behind. Tsitsipas gave his best to follow the rival’s pace, delivering one break and getting broken twice.
Novak hit 36 winners and 22 unforced errors and built the advantage in the mid-range exchanges from five to eight strokes. Djokovic made a convincing start after breaking Tsitsipas in the encounter’s fourth game. Novak brought the set home with a booming serve at 5-3 after 36 minutes.
Stefanos produced six comfortable holds in the second set and created a set point on the return at 5-4. Novak denied it with a forehand down the line winner and gained a boost. Djokovic forged a 4-1 advantage in the tie break before Tsitsipas climbed back to 4-4.
The Greek sprayed two unforced errors and offered the Serb two set points. Novak fired a service winner on the first to wrap up the breaker 7-4 and move closer to the finish line.
Novak Djokovic is hungry more success in the future.
Djokovic took a bathroom break and lost his focus for a moment ahead of set number three. Tsitsipas broke in the first game before losing serve a few minutes later. The Greek had no room for errors in the closing stages, and he served well in games ten and 12 to introduce another tie break.
Novak grabbed two early mini-breaks and raced into a 5-0 lead, using his vast experience and the advantage from the previous sets. The Serb lost the following three points before creating three match points with a forehand down the line winner at 5-3.
Stefanos denied the first two with brave hitting and reduced the deficit to 6-5. Novak sealed the deal on his third match point in the 12th point to emerge at the top and celebrate the 22nd Major title. “I’m motivated to win as many Majors as possible.
At this stage of my career, these trophies are the most significant motivation behind why I still compete and fight. I never compare myself to others, but it’s a privilege to be part of the GOAT discussions. It’s very flattering if people see me that way, as I have given my everything while chasing Majors over the years.
I’m still very motivated, and let’s see how far it takes me. I do not have intentions to stop, as I feel great about my tennis. I have chances against anybody at any Major when I’m physically and mentally prepared. However, nothing is given or granted, and I’m aware of the players who want to chase Major titles and the ATP throne.
I have often been in these situations, keeping my mind fresh while knowing what is in front of me. I do not know how many years and Majors are left in front of me; it depends on various things, not only my body. For me, it’s extremely important to have support and love from my family.
I must balance my career and private life and have the mental clarity to strive and chase notable trophies. I can keep myself physically fit. 35 is not 25, even though I want to believe it is. However, I still feel there is time ahead od me, and set’s see how far I go,” Novak Djokovic said.
