Novak Djokovic after the tenth title in Melbourne: I broke down emotionally (video) | Tennis | News from Bulgaria and the world

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic said the tears in his team’s box after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the Australian Open were the result of an emotional breakdown after the immense pressure that accompanied him in the first two weeks of the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.

Djokovic beat Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in a repeat of their 2021 French Open final to claim a record 10th title at Melbourne Park to level with Rafael Nadal with 22 Grand Slam trophies and 2,000 points earned to regain first place in the ATP world rankings.

Djokovic has had to deal with the tendon problem, the emotions of returning to Melbourne after being deported from Australia last year and the scandal involving his father, who was filmed posing with fans holding banned Russian flags.

“When I entered the box, I broke down there emotionally and cried with my mother and brother as I hugged them. Because until that moment I did not allow myself to be distracted by things off the court, at the same time the injury was bothering me and it could easily to break my concentration. It took a lot of mental toughness to stay focused,” Djokovic told reporters.

Djokovic said he was more nervous than usual coming into the tournament after being deported 12 months ago for not having a Covid-19 vaccine.

“I didn’t know how I would be received by people, but overall it was a very positive experience,” added the Serbian.

The drama surrounding his father Sarjan added to his problems after a video emerged showing him with fans holding Russian flags, banned at the start of the tournament.

Djokovic senior missed his son’s semi-final against American Tommy Paul, and was absent from the title clash.

“I thought things would calm down in terms of the media and everything, but it didn’t. We both agreed that it would probably be better if he wasn’t there. It hurts both me and him a lot because these are very special, unique moments. Who knows if they will happen again. It was not easy for him. I saw him after the final, although he was happy to hug me, I could see that he was a little sad. He told me that it was important to I feel good on the court, to win the match and for him to be here for me. If it will be better for me … for him not to be in the stands, so be it. The important thing is that we have a happy ending,” said Novak Djokovic.