Novak Djokovic takes the crown … now it’s the greatest tie-breaker in history

The 35-year-old’s imperious win over Stefanos Tsitsipas drew him level with Rafael Nadal for the most men’s major titles at 22.

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning championship point with his team. Picture: Getty Images

Novak Djokovic’s 10th Australian Open triumph was the most stunning of all.

He overcame accusations of faking injury, fury over the ­actions of his father, unruly crowds, memories of last year’s deportation scandal and a freakishly talented opponent to conquer all and prove beyond doubt he’s the King of Melbourne Park.

He pointed to his head and his heart in his moment of triumph. The 35-year-old Djokovic’s imperious 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) win over Stefanos Tsitsipas drew him level with Rafael Nadal for the most men’s major titles at 22. Given his 30-29 win-loss record over the Spaniard, Djokovic’s claims to being the greatest of all time are becoming difficult to deny. For the record, he leads 20-time slam champion Roger Federer 27-23. Has there ever been a better tennis player?

This much is certain – nobody comes close to matching his successes in Australia.

Wearing a tracksuit with the number 22 on it after the match, Djokovic said: “What a journey it has been for my family, my team and myself. Not playing last year, coming back this year ... I try to pinch myself in these moments. This probably is the biggest victory in my life, considering the circumstances.”

It was a night of nights inside Rod Laver Arena. The house was full. Chants were in his name. Novak! Novak! The atmosphere was electric. In boxing parlance, all the belts were on the line.

The Serbian would match Nadal’s historic benchmark and reclaim the World No. 1 ranking or else the 24-year-old Tsitsipas would claim his maiden major crown, become Greece’s first major champion and take top spot for himself. Rival fans ­sounded like opposing tribes going to a sporting war.

The father of Novak, Srdjan, was a notable absentee, again staying away from his son’s courtside entourage after the uproar following him being photographed with pro-war Russian supporters. His mother, Dijana, was in the arena, but next to her was an empty seat.

Tsitsipas’s plan of attack was to, well, attack. Serve big. Unleash forehands with all his flamboyance, might and power. Get to the net. But Djokovic played with his elbows out. Come and get me.

Novak Djokovic celebrates his 10th Australian Open crown. Pic: Michael Klein

He’s bulked up in the past couple of years. Previously as thin as a twig, there’s more muscle on his bones these days. Having started the tournament unsure if he would finish it because of a hamstring strain, he powered to the line and reacquainted himself with his old mate, the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.

It became clear relatively early Tsitispas had his work cut out. Djokovic’s two-fisted backhand looked impenetrable. Tsitsipas’s single-handed version looked brittle by comparison.

Neutral spectators were having a bob each way but swung for the underdog when he needed all the help he could get. Tsit-si-pas! Tsit-si-pas!

The late stages of the second set had it all: Djokovic falling heavily to the court, yelling at his entourage, telling the noisiest spectators to “shut the f..k up” and staving off a set point. The stadium erupted for Tsitsipas but every time he threatened a serious challenge, Djokovic rolled straight back over the top of him.

Novak Djokovic is on track to overtaking Rafael Nadal to become the most successful male player in history. Picture: AFP

The tie-breaker was the clincher. Djokovic streeted to a 4-1 lead, played three remarkably ordinary and nervous points, allowed Tsitsipas back to four-all. Then Djokovic played the next three points as if he was immune to tension during a hit of tennis. Tsitsipas grabbed an early service break of serve in the third set but the recovery was short-lived.

All the belts went to the Serb. He’s World No. 1 again. He’s the Open champion again. He’s on track to overtaking Nadal to become the most successful male player in history. Again. In tennis, he’s the heavyweight champion of the world again.