For almost two decades, we have become accustomed to Novak Djokovic winning grand slams. But seeing the world No. 1 sobbing on the floor as he celebrated his Australian Open victory with his family and team was a first. He would later say he had “emotionally collapsed.”
The straight sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Melbourne on Sunday had historical significance. It was his 10th Australian Open, which made Djokovic only the second man to win more than 10 titles at a single slam, and a 22nd grand slam, a men’s record for major wins he now shares with Rafael Nadal. The victory also returned him to the world No. 1 spot for a record-extending 374th week.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy following his victory against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in the men’s singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2023.
Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to win 10th Australian Open
Even as he returned to his seat on the court for the trophy presentation, Djokovic hid his face in a towel, the television cameras picking up the sound of his continued crying.
But talking to reporters after his victory, he explained the outpouring of emotion wasn’t just a reaction to what he had achieved but a response to what he had had to deal with over the last few weeks, too.
The 35-year-old said in his news conference: “Of course, 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, 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.” (CNN)