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Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all-time after winning his 22nd grand slam title, according to vanquished Australian Open final opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Serbian returned to the world No.1 ranking with his straight sets win over Tsitsipas, his 10th championship at Melbourne Park.
Now tied on 22 slams with Rafael Nadal, who is slightly older and has battled more injuries in recent years, it appears most likely Djokovic will eventually win the slam race between the pair and the retired Roger Federer.
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Djokovic knew the enormous importance of reaching that figure, donning a jacket with the number 22 printed on it during the trophy ceremony – similar to Federer wearing a jacket with 15 on it when he reached that famous figure at Wimbledon 2009.
Speaking to Eurosport after the victory though, Djokovic insisted he had no idea he would be presented with the jacket before Sunday’s match.
“I don’t know [when it was made],” he said.
“People won’t believe me, but I had no clue about this jacket. I took a different jacket for the ceremony but my team told me to put on this one. It was nice of them.”
Aussie star Nick Kyrgios was fan of the bold clothing choice, tweeting: “the jacket with 22 on it is elite energy, haha I love it…. NEED MORE”.
After the final, runner-up Tsitsipas spoke glowingly of Djokovic’s influence on him and the tennis world.
“It speaks for yourself what you have achieved so far. It’s all in the numbers. Congratulations,” the Greek star said.
“Not only to yourself but to having, like, such supportive family. You know, I think it’s very similar the way we grew up around tennis, so it’s been an unbelievable journey for you, so I admire what you have done for our sport.
“I think you make me a better player when I am on the court, so thank you.
“I’ve had the privilege to play a lot of difficult, high-intensity matches but I would like to say one more time Novak brings the best out in me, what I’ve been working my whole life for.”
Tsitsipas then said “He’s the one of the greatest in our sport” before the Serbians in the crowd began to yell that he was the greatest.
That saw the Greek concede: “He’s the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet for sure.”
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