Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas to win a 10th Australian Open title and equal Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam crowns on Sunday.

The Serb called it “the biggest victory in my life” and would return to world number one as he overcame a hamstring injury and off-court drama to sweep past the Greek third seed 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena.

The emphatic victory over Tsitsipas capped a remarkable return for Djokovic to Melbourne Park, having missed last year’s tournament when he was deported over his Covid vaccination stance.

Speaking after his victory, Djokovic said at the presentation, wearing a jacket with 22 emblazoned on it, “I have to say this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I’ve ever played considering the circumstances, not playing last year, coming back this year.” 

“I want to thank all the people that made me feel welcome, comfortable, to be in Melbourne.

“I try to pinch myself and really live through these moments, it’s a long journey,” he added.

There had been an air of inevitability about Djokovic triumphing once more.

After his three-year ban from Australia was lifted, Djokovic won the lead-up Adelaide International before reinforcing his stature as an all-time great in Melbourne.

His dominant win drew him level with Nadal on a record 22 Slams, two clear of Roger Federer.

Speaking after losing to Novak Djokovic, Tsitsipas said, “Novak, I don’t know what to say. It speaks for itself what you have achieved so far. It’s all in the numbers. Congratulations.”

“I’ve had the privilege to play a lot of difficult, high-intensity matches, but I would like to say one more time Novak brings the best out in me.

“He’s the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet, for sure.”

Djokovic won his first Grand Slam in 2008 at Rod Laver Arena while Tsitsipas burst on the scene in 2019 when he stunned defending champion Federer in the last 16.