Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas - LIVE: Australian Open result as emotional Djokovic wins 22nd grand slam

If the emotion of the celebration did not say it all, the words soon confirmed it. “This is the biggest victory of my life,” Novak Djokovic said, and he wasn’t talking about the numbers. Those were historic: a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, a men’s record-equaling 22nd grand slam, but it was not the pursuit of records that left Djokovic sobbing uncontrollably into this towel and gulping for air by the end.

Djokovic has not played the villian on his return to Australia, a year on from his dramatic deportation ahead of last season’s tournament. He has not needed to, but it was only at the very end where he revealed these have been the hardest four weeks of his life. To add to the pressure, he had to battle a hamstring injury during the early rounds, as well as accusations that he was faking the injury in order to get an edge over his opponents. His father’s brush with pro-Russian demonstrators earlier this week increased the tension, which was beginning to spill out onto the court.

And so in Sunday’s final, in the face of everything else Djokovic has had to overcome since his arrival, the fleeting challenge of Stefanos Tsitsipas was just a mere obstacle. The Greek, who had been an image of confidence and positivity throughout his two weeks in Melbourne, had been swiftly subdued in the first set and even when he stood with a set point to level the match, Djokovic barely flinched. With the finish line in sight, Djokovic closed the door, leading to an unprecedented emotional release from the 35-year-old Serbian after winning his third Championship point.

Match report from the Australian Open final

An emotional Novak Djokovic described his record-equalling 22nd grand slam title as the biggest victory of his life.

A year after seeing Rafael Nadal pull ahead in the all-time men’s standings while he tried to process the fall-out from his deportation from Australia, Djokovic has been determined to show that Rod Laver Arena is his stage.

He dropped just one set all tournament – despite saying he feared a left hamstring problem might force him to withdraw – and finished with a 6-3 7-6 (4) 7-6 (5) victory over first-time Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim a 10th title in Melbourne.

Even at 35, Djokovic isn’t slowing down either.

Stefanos Tsitsipas declared Novak Djokovic “the greatest to have ever held a tennis racket” after the Serbian won their Australian Open final in straight sets to win a record 10th title in Melbourne.

Djokovic, 35, has now drawn level with Rafael Nadal on 22 grand slam victories, two clear of the retired Roger Federer, and seems as dominant as ever on the court despite his advancing years.

“Novak, I don’t know what to say, the numbers say it all,” Tsitipas said, speaking on court after the match. “It’s been an unbelievable journey for you and I admire what you have done for our sport.

“He’s one of the greatest in our sport... the greatest to have ever held a tennis racket. I’d like to thank you for pushing our sport so far.”

Novak Djokovic, speaking to Eurosport: “Over the last few weeks I have experienced everything, from the best to the worst of emotions. Considering the circumstances, what was on the line, coming back to Australia after everything that happened last year, stuff happening off the court that created pressure. I tried to keep it together and it required huge mental energy. I feel a huge release. Now it’s over and I’m going to enjoy it.”

Djokovic says he will head out to the Melbourne Park square to celebrate with the Serbian fans.

Other records:

Djokovic moves back to World No 1 - for what will be a 375th record, that’s aleady a record.

It’s his 93rd tournament title, moving Djokovic ahead of Nadal.

It’s his 10th grand slam title after turning 30, that’s already a record too.

Djokovic moves level with Rafael Nadal on 22 grand slams.

The next tournament? The French Open at Roland Garros, where Nadal is a 14-time winner.

Djokovic: “What a journey it has been for me and my family. You guys, I don’t know if you will ever forgive me for what I have done to you over the years. This trophy is as much for you as it is for me.

“This has been one of the most challenging tournaments I have played in my life, considering the circumstances. Not playing last year, coming back this year. There is a reason I have played my best tennis here - in front of legends like Rod Laver.

“Only my team and my family know what I have been through over the last four or five weeks. I think this has to be the biggest victory of my life, given the circumstances.”

That confirms what we thought after the celebrations. This meant more to Djokovic than any other tournament victory.

And here’s Novak Djokovic:

“Good evening everyone - first of all, I am touched by Stefanos’ words. We are fierce competitors on the court but that should not mean that we don’t respect each other. Tough luck tonight, great battle. This is not your last grand slam. You have lots of time, lots more than me! You are one of the most professional tennis players on the tour and one of the most interesting.

“Greece and Serbia, we are two small countries without tennis tradition. We didn’t have too many players to look up to. The message for young tennis players is, dream big, dare to dream. I think the more difficult your childhood is the stronger you become. Stefanos and I are proof of that. Dream big, you can make it.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas wasn’t able to produce the level of aggressive tennis required to disrupt Novak Djokovic tonight. He had some chances near the end of the second set and at the start of the third, but wasn’t able to convert.

“Novak, I don’t know what to say, the numbers say it all,” he says. “It’s been an unbelievable journey for you and I admire what you have done for our sport.

“He’s one of the greatest in our sport - the greatest to have ever held a tennis racket. I’d like to thank you for pushing our sport so far.

“It’s not easy to be here again in the final of a grand slam. But thank you to my team, we are getting there.”