His first reaction was almost cold, innocuous. Winner of the Australian Open on an unforced error by Tsitsipas in the tie-break of the third set, Djokovic remains stoic, points his finger to his head and strikes his chest while looking at his clan, in the stands. Then runs to shake hands with his opponent of the day. Novak Djokovic has just won his 22nd Grand Slam, equaling Rafael Nadal’s record figure, and everything seems too easy for him.
However, in his head, it boils. A few seconds later, the Serb heads towards his team in the stands, drunk with joy. And suddenly, as if overwhelmed by emotion, he collapses in tears for a long time. Surrounded by his family, who hide their hero in a moment of rare fragility, Djokovic remains prostrate, as if the relief of this victory and all that it carries (Nadal’s record, revenge after the tragicomedy of year spent in Australia) pinned him to the ground.
After regaining his senses, Djokovic got up to attend the trophy ceremony. Where, for the 22nd time in his career, he spoke last.