Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in Melbourne final

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Novak Djokovic won a record-extending 10th Australian Open and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam men’s title by using all of his talent and nous to see off Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Serbia’s Djokovic started strongly and dug deep in the second set on his way to a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) victory.

The 35-year-old, who draws level with Rafael Nadal in major wins, will return to the world number one ranking.

Greece’s Tsitsipas, 24, continues his wait for a first Grand Slam triumph.

“It’s been a long journey, but a very special one,” said Djokovic, who only dropped one set during the tournament.

“I played some of my best tennis honestly in Australian Open. The fourth round, quarter-final, semi-finals, just really comfortable on the court, hitting the ball great.”

Tsitsipas lost to Djokovic in his first major final at the 2021 French Open after relinquishing a two-set lead but, this time in Melbourne, he was always chasing the match.

In the few precious opportunities he had to threaten Djokovic – notably a set point to level the match at one set all – the third seed was unable to take them.

Djokovic has not lost at Melbourne Park since 2018 – a streak spanning a record 28 matches in the men’s singles.