Novak Djokovic winning a historic 10th Australian Open title and equalling Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam tally at 22 has stirred the debate on who is the greatest in modern tennis. No doubt, the way the Serbian fought in a tough fortnight at the season's first Grand Slam in Melbourne was reminiscent of how soldiers fight till the last minute.
The big difference, here, is that Djokovic had a huge tear in his left hamstring but he still continued to play. It was fraught with risk and, at the same time, also showed, once again, how eager he was to win this title. In 2022, Djokovic had been humiliated by Australia when he was deported. On his return in 2023, the numero uno was craving to go full tilt Down Under.
Damn, that injury was a bother, even though people mocked it. The talk was about how someone who was injured could still play and win matches. That Djokovic won seven matches was proof he wanted to show the world how much he loves tennis. As his coach, crazy in his own playing days, Goran Ivanišević said, 'only a crazy guy would do it.
Through sheer effort, withstanding pain, and soldiering on, Djokovic showed through the fortnight a hunger to win the big title.
He has spoken repeatedly at press conferences in Australia, he knows each day he plays is a bonus and each Major he competes in is so important. We thought he was inert to emotions. The way he exploded into tears after the final, when he beat Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, was a reflection of how much he had bottled up all his emotions.
The tennis world saw the Big Three Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer - cry at the Laver Cup last year when the Swiss Master announced his retirement. It was strange how three people, perceived as rivals on the court, actually could console each other.
The same thing happened in 2023, with Djokovic opening up in tears.
Images of the champion hugging his mom and getting emotional are fresh in my memory.
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2023-utgaven av Millennium Post Delhi.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2023-utgaven av Millennium Post Delhi.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
You don't see a dominating personality: Ajay Devgn
He is basking in the success of his latest film 'Singham Again'
You don't see a dominating personality: Ajay Devgn
He is basking in the success of his latest film 'Singham Again'
Art world celebrated Bimal Das Gupta's legacy at 'The Tutelage' exhibition
The exhibition was presented by 'Dhoomimal Gallery' and 'Gallery Silver Scapes'
Priyanka didn't want to be a part of 'Aitraaz'
'It was by the boldest part I had taken on,' she says
'KD's journey blends wit and emotional vulnerability'
Saqib Saleem is receiving widespread acclaim as the antagonist in 'Citadel: Honey Bunny'
4th edition of 'Skydiving Festival' in Ujjain begins
It is a thrilling experience for three months in Ujjain, the city of Mahakal
Bopanna-Ebden begin ATP with straight set defeat
Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna and his Australian men's doubles partner Matthew Ebden started their ATP Finals campaign on a losing note, suffering a straight-set defeat in a group stage match.
Medvedev moves back into contention at ATP Finals
Daniil Medvedev moved back into contention at the ATP Finals with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur on Tuesday during which he didn't face a single break point.
Third T20I: India eye batting revival against SA at Centurion
ARSHDEEP & AVESH HAD TWO CONTRASTING GAMES
Lyon more complete bowler than Ashwin
Adams says Shami will be a major miss in Australia
