Australia: Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece to win his 22nd Grand Slam at Rod Laver Arena in a thrilling match. The Serbian tennis legend was overtaken with emotion when he won his 10th Australian Open, a year after being sensationally banned from Australia.
However, a small detail on Djokovic’s jacket immediately following the triumph sent tennis fans online into a frenzy. Djokovic, who is widely regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time, unveiled a white zip-up Lacoste jacket that already bore the number “22” on it for his trophy ceremony.
The jacket, which was already made before he won his 22nd Grand Slam, was praised by the majority of supporters and called “elite” by Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios. A tearful Djokovic labelled it the “biggest victory” of his life as he embraced his family and then broke down into uncontrollable sobs following the 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 triumph.
“Only my team and family know what we have been through these past four or five weeks, this is probably the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances,” Djokovic stated.
The 35-year-old won his first set easily despite a sore hamstring that ought to have kept him off the court. Djokovic dominated the tiebreaks that decided the second and third sets, and although Tsitispas’ valiant efforts, he was unable to close the distance against the champion.
Now that he wins a major title with opponent Nadal, Djokovic is also ahead of Roger Federer, who retired with 20 Grand Slam championships. The Serbian legend, who said after the game that he was still determined to keep winning, is likely to exceed both players.