Novak Djokovic seemed more emotional at the end of the 2023 Australian Open than at any of his previous major wins, with Eurosport's Tim Henman saying he had "never seen anything like it".
Djokovic saw off Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to seal his 10th title at the event, but it was perhaps the backstory off the court that triggered the Serb's outpouring at the end of the match, that saw him sob into his towel and lie down crying in his player's box.
Djokovic was unable to compete in last year's Australian Open due to a much-documented saga over his Covid-19 vaccination status, and then had to deal with a high-profile incident involving his father in the final days of this edition. He also managed a hamstring injury throughout the tournament.
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"It’s been hard for him on court with his injury and today’s match was tight at the end of the last two sets," Henman began in the Eurosport Cube.
"When he’s celebrating and the tears are flowing... he’s crying in his family box, I’ve never seen anything like that. It shows how much it's taken out of him physically and emotionally.

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"A 22nd Grand Slam is just an incredible achievement. It’s an accumulation of so many things: winning in a country where he was deported, and now he gets the opportunity.
"His preparation was looking good until he got injured. He was getting so close to the record, and we know how much it means to him. It’s another milestone."
Mats Wilander, also speaking on Eurosport, concurred that he was witnessing something he had not seen before.

Tears flow as Djokovic clinches 10th Australian Open title and 22nd Grand Slam

"I don’t think I’ve ever seen [Novak as emotional as that]," the Swedish seven-time major winner said. "It goes to show the emotional effort it takes to win 22 Grand Slams. This is why he’s got 22, because he’s so emotionally invested.
"I never felt that kind of emotion in any match or tournament where I’ve had to let it out like that since I was young. He’s won 22 Slams, and that’s the main reason. He’s involved, and engaged all the time."
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The 2023 Australian Open was live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk
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