Australian Open: Djokovic lands 22nd Grand Slam to draw level with Nadal

Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in Sunday's final to land a record-extending 10th Australian Open title and draw level with Rafael Nadal on 22 grand slams.

The 35-year-old resisted a fightback from Tsitsipas by saving a set point in the second set on his way to a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) victory at Rod Laver Arena as he made it 10 wins from 10 Melbourne finals.

Djokovic, who was blocked from defending his crown last year after being deported from the country over his COVID-19 vaccination status, dropped just one set across his seven matches and has now won 28 matches in a row in his favourite tournament.

The Serbian consequently reclaims the world number one spot, as well as equalling Nadal for the most singles slams won by a male player.

Tsitsipas was aiming to become the 27th male singles champion in the opening major of the year, but he was under relentless pressure right from the off and a double fault in the fourth game handed his opponent the first break of serve.

Djokovic, backed by a crowd that occasionally became too vociferous amid warnings from the umpire, served out the opening set with relative ease and continued to trouble Tsitsipas with some strong serving in the second set.

World number four Tsitsipas slowly grew in confidence and, after a string of unforced errors from Djokovic – who exchanged some strong words with coach Goran Ivanisevic – he forced set point.

But an excellent forehand winner from Djokovic prevented Tsitsipas from levelling up the match, and the Serbian went on to edge the tie-break in what was a big moment in the contest.

He had the occasional blip, with Tsitsipas earning his first break of serve in the opening game of the third set, but Djokovic responded instantly with another backhand winner to level up.

There was little to separate the two in the next 10 games as another set went the distance, and once again it was Djokovic who held his nerve in an entertaining tie-break to wrap up the victory in a time of two hours and 56 minutes.

Data Slam: More Melbourne joy for Djokovic 

Djokovic has equalled long-time rival Nadal on 22 grand slams and is also now level with Steffi Graf when including the women's singles, with only Serena Williams (23) having won more in the Open Era.

The Serbian has 93 career ATP titles to his name, which is one more than Nadal and the fourth most of any male in the Open Era after Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109).

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS

Djokovic – 7/3
Tsitsipas – 15/3

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Djokovic – 36/22
Tsitsipas – 40/42

BREAK POINTS WON

Djokovic – 2/5
Tsitsipas – 1/3