Novak Djokovic is the No. 1 tennis player again in the world, dethroning Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. The way Djokovic carved it, he had chiseled it into a magnificent work of art that only a master of his caliber could.
With murder in his eyes, the Serbian sensation sent Greece’s Stafanos Tsitsipas packing home in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5), to win a record-extending 10th Australian Open before a jam-packed crowd at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
It was Djokovic’s 22nd Slam, tying him with Spain’s Rafael Nadal for the all-time record.
Indeed, Djokovic is an engineering marvel.
And the chosen one that no one can’t deny.
God isn’t saying it, will never say it, but He plays favorites, too.
Djokovic, 35, has been the game’s genius for years and, in reclaiming the Australian Open, he could be telling us of a reign lasting, perhaps, a little longer?
Deported from Melbourne on the eve of last year’s edition for being unvaccinated for Covid-19 protocols, Djokovic was allowed to return this year as worldwide virus infections had continuously died down.
If there was vengeance in his heart, Djokovic didn’t show it.
He just played on, toppling his foes like bowling pins on the way to his 33rd Grand Slam Final.
And, if we go by history, Tsitsipas, the 24-year-old, long-haired pretender in only his second Slam Final, had virtually only two chances to defeat Djokovic: slim and none.
Look, in his maiden Finals appearance, Tsitsipas bowed no less to Djokovic in the 2021 French Open, losing in a five-set heartbreaker after gallantly winning the first two sets.
Before Sunday’s match, Djokovic was an incredible 291-5 (win-loss) at Slams when he won the first set. He was an unbelievable 238-1 when up two sets, losing only to Jurgen Melzer in the quarters of the 2010 French Open.
Tennis truly is very much like golf: Both mental and physical.
With a firm mind, you can will yourself to win. You need knees of steel for support.
Only athletes like Djokovic seem to be equipped with both. And wonder no more why some guys like him seem to have all the luck—and love—from The One.
If you haven’t noticed it yet, Djokovic does the sign of the cross after every victory—in reverse as in the Orthodox Catholic tradition. The One doesn’t mind.