Novak Djokovic: ‘There is a reason why I’ve played my best tennis in Australia’

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hailed Novak Djokovic as “the greatest tennis player of all time” and congratulated the Serb on winning his record tenth Australian Open title. On Sunday, Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to clinch his record 10th Australian Open title. Djokovic now has 22 Grand Slams in his collection and is tied with Rafael Nadal for the all-time Grand Slam record. “The greatest of all time! Thank you Novak for all the joys on behalf of the citizens of Serbia. I know that today the Serbs of the region and of the diaspora are with you, proud of you and of their Serbian homeland. Thank you very much for all the victories,” Serbian President Vucic wrote in his Instagram post. Twelve months ago, Serbian President Vucic publicly supported Djokovic during the Australian visa saga and used his diplomatic clout to help the Serb get a chance to compete at Melbourne Park. In the end, Vucic’s efforts failed to get the Australian government to change its stance and allow Djokovic to play. But earlier this season, Djokovic enjoyed a triumphant return to Australia. “Only my team and my family know what we’ve been through these last four or five weeks. This is probably the biggest win of my life considering the circumstances,” Djokovic said. Concluding his triumphant return to Australia, an emotional Djokovic turned to his family and team to celebrate. “When I entered my box, I broke down with emotion and tears came to my eyes, especially with my mother and brother when I gave them a hug. Because up until that point I hadn’t allowed myself to be distracted by things off the court or whatever was going on while dealing with an injury; things that could easily have been a big disturbance to my concentration, to my game,” Djokovic explained.

Djokovic on the “biggest victory” of his life

Following his historic Australian Open title win, Novak Djokovic revealed the tournament he always dreamed of winning as a child. “When I was eight, I was in my room, in Belgrade Serbia, where I’m from, and I was making the improvised Wimbledon trophy out of the materials that I had in the room. I was making like a little toy and I had a game with myself and I was looking in the mirror, holding this trophy and saying that I will be a Wimbledon champion one day. So, that was the tournament I always dreamt of winning,” he revealed. “This has been one of the most challenging tournaments in my life, considering what happened last year. There is a reason why I’ve played my best tennis in Australia. I try to pinch myself and live through these moments. This is probably the biggest victory of my life, considering the circumstances,” he said.