Australian Open 2023: A New Queen and a Returning King

Takbir Rahman

Sport Editor

Melbourne, Australia - The Rod Laver Arena was the stage for yet another historic moment in tennis as Novak Djokovic claimed his 10th Australian Open title and returned to the top spot as the world No.1. In a stunning display of tennis mastery, Djokovic defeated Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling three-set final, 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5). This record-breaking victory takes Djokovic’s major count to an astonishing 22, equal with Rafael Nadal, cementing his place as an all-time great. At 35 years old, Djokovic’s remarkable run of form continues as he extends his winning streak to 27 matches and shows no signs of slowing down.

From the start, Djokovic was in complete control, stamping his authority with seven of the first nine points and quickly building a 3-1 lead. The world No.5’s precise shots and effortless movement around the court left Tsitsipas struggling to keep up.

Tsitsipas, however, was far from defeated. In the second set, the world No.4 began to find his rhythm and started to pose a real threat to Djokovic. With a mix of powerful winners and a newfound confidence, Tsitsipas broke counting, the new world No.1 will be the player to beat in the upcoming tennis season. less pressure proved too much, taking a 4-3 lead. Sabalenka held her nerve and served for the title, and when Rybakina sent a forehand long on the fourth match point, Sabalenka fell to the ground in tears of joy.

Djokovic’s serve and pushed the set to a tiebreak. But, as he has done so many times before, Djokovic rose to the challenge and showed his championshipwinning instincts, clinching the tiebreak and taking the set 7-6(4). The third set was just as intense, with both players exchanging breaks and pushing each other to their limits. With the pressure mounting, the match once again went to a tiebreak, and it was here that Djokovic truly shone. In the end, Djokovic emerged victorious, taking the tiebreak 7-5 and securing his 10th Australian Open title.

In a match filled with twists and turns, Aryna Sabalenka became the new Australian Open champion, defeating Elena Rybakina in three sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. The match was a display of pure power and resilience from both players, but it was Sabalenka who came out on top in the end, securing her first Grand Slam title. Throughout the tournament, Sabalenka had been in top form, dropping no sets en route to the final. In the semi-finals, she defeated Magda Linette with ease, setting the stage for her final showdown against Rybakina.

Sabalenka’s triumph in Melbourne marks the end of a long journey filled with nearmisses and setbacks. She had been a semi-finalist at the last two US Opens and Wimbledon 2021, and many had begun to doubt whether she had the temperament to win a Grand Slam. But with this victory, she has silenced her critics and established herself as a major player in the women’s game.

This victory marks another remarkable milestone in Djokovic’s career and solidifies his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. With a total of 374 career titles and

The final was a match of contrasts, with Rybakina starting strongly, breaking Sabalenka’s serve early on to lead 2-1. Sabalenka, however, broke back and levelled the score at 4-4. But Rybakina managed to hold serve and take the first set. In the second set, Sabalenka had to save two break points in the opening game. But she showed her fighting spirit and broke Rybakina’s serve to lead 3-1. She went on to take the set 6-3, forcing a decider.

The third set was an intense battle, with Rybakina coming through a tough service game to lead 3-2. But Sabalenka’s relent-

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