'Novak Djokovic greatest to have ever held tennis racquet': Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Australian Open champion

Updated 29/01/2023 at 12:47 GMT

There was a very powerful tribute to Novak Djokovic after he clinched his 10th Australian Open title on Sunday as his opponent, Stefanos Tsitsipas, honoured him with some high praise. Tsitsipas hailed Djokovic as "the greatest to have ever held a tennis racquet" after the Serb sealed a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title on the men's tour to draw level with Rafael Nadal.

'He's greatest that's ever held a tennis racquet' - Tsitsipas honours Djokovic in speech

Stefanos Tsitsipas has paid tribute to Novak Djokovic after they battled it out in the final of the 2023 Australian Open on Sunday with the Serb coming out on top in straight sets.

The 35-year-old stormed to a stunning victory with a dominant display as he came through, 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5), to seal a men's record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title and draw level with his great rival, Rafael Nadal.

For Tsitsipas, it was another crushing disappointment at the business end of a Grand Slam as he still seeks his maiden triumph at a major, but he still found the grace to laud the victor.

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Not only that, the Greek star prompted loud roars of approval from the Djokovic fans inside Rod Laver Arena as he declared that his opponent was "the greatest to have ever held a tennis racquet".

"Novak, I don’t know what to say," Tsitsipas began in his speech on the court. "It speaks for itself, what you have achieved so far. It is all in the numbers.

"Our tennis upbringing was very similar. I admire what you have done for our sport, and I think you make me a better player. I have worked my whole life to play these kinds of matches.

"Novak is the greatest to have ever held a tennis racquet. I would like to thank you for pushing our sport so far. It deserves someone like you, pushing everyone involved to the max.

"It is not easy to lose a Grand Slam final, but I am always willing to come back and work harder.

"I am extremely privileged to get to do this for a living. The Greek fans make me feel at home here."

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

Djokovic said in his post-match speech: "This has been one of the most challenging tournaments in my life, considering what happened last year.

"There is a reason why I’ve played my best tennis in Australia. I try to pinch myself and live through these moments. This is probably the biggest victory of my life, considering the circumstances.

"I would like to finish by commenting on Greece and Serbia. We are two small countries with no real tennis tradition. We didn’t have players to look up to, who reached these heights.

"The message for any young tennis player around the world, dreaming to be here where Stefanos and I are: dream big, and don’t let anybody take away your dream.

"It doesn’t matter where you come from. The more disadvantaged your childhood, the stronger you become. Stefanos and I are proof of that. Nurture it, water it like you’d water a flower. You can make it."