Social

"From a different planet": Praise pours in for Novak Djokovic's historic Australian Open win

By Baseline Staff Jan 29, 2023
Social

'What a ride': Former doubles No. 1 Elena Vesnina announces retirement from tennis

By Baseline Staff Nov 22, 2024
Social

Jasmine Paolini—finally!—gets her elusive photo with Rafael Nadal

By Baseline Staff Nov 20, 2024
Social

Jasmine Paolini still on the hunt for ‘legendary selfie’ with Rafael Nadal in Malaga

By Baseline Staff Nov 17, 2024
Social

Shaped by Rafa Nadal, Casper Ruud finds 'it’s too late to change what kind of player I am’

By Baseline Staff Nov 16, 2024
Social

Jannik Sinner’s latest Gucci campaign earns Serena Williams’ seal of approval

By Baseline Staff Nov 16, 2024
Social

As Mike Tyson returns to the ring against Jake Paul, his daughter Milan continues to excel in tennis

By Ed McGrogan Nov 15, 2024
Social

WATCH: Retired soccer star Diego Forlan officially makes Challenger debut in Uruguay

By Baseline Staff Nov 14, 2024
Social

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal arrives in Malaga for final career event at Davis Cup Finals

By Baseline Staff Nov 14, 2024
Social

"Shocked" Ons Jabeur calls out ITF for canceled tournaments in Monastir, Tunisia

By Stephanie Livaudais Nov 12, 2024
Social

"From a different planet": Praise pours in for Novak Djokovic's historic Australian Open win

The 22-time Grand Slam champion might have equalled an Open Era record with the victory—but it was his new "22" jacket that stole the show in Melbourne.

ByBaseline Staff

Published Jan 29, 2023

WATCH: Game, set and match as Novak Djokovic defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 2023 Australian Open final

Advertising

From the moment that Novak Djokovic sealed his 22nd Grand Slam title with a straight sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, it was clear that this Australian Open victory was different.

After his the Greek's forehand sailed long, Djokovic pointed to his head, heart and groin in celebration, but he couldn’t contain the tears for long as the emotions eventually overwhelmed him.

"I just have to say this: Only the team and family knows what we've been through in the last four or five weeks,” Djokovic said during the trophy ceremony.

“This probably, I would say, is the biggest victory in my life, considering the circumstances."

That much was clear to everyone watching at home on social media too. As the 35-year-old added another incredible achievement to his already stellar resume, praise was already pouring in for Djokovic his fellow players and peers on tour:

Advertising

Advertising

Advertising

A few tennis legends and retired greats, including Rod Laver, Billie Jean King and Juan Martin del Potro, also chimed in:

Advertising

While Djokovic’s familiar on-court dominance in Melbourne was the talk of the fortnight—despite struggling with a hamstring injury, he only dropped one set en route to the title—it was his post-match ensemble that got people talking on social media.

After throwing on his custom Hublot's Big Bang Meca-10 watch for the trophy ceremony, Djokovic also donned a new Lacoste jacket with one eye-catching detail:

Djokovic wore a "22" jacket for the Australian Open trophy ceremony.

Djokovic wore a "22" jacket for the Australian Open trophy ceremony. 

© Getty Images

Advertising

Of course, it didn't escape the notice of his fellow players—especially Daria Saville and Nick Kyrgios, who sounded delighted by the new look:

Advertising

For Djokovic, and his fans, the contrast between his 2022 and 2023 trips to Australia couldn’t have been more different. Back then, the Serbian player was detained upon arrival and eventually deported after not meeting the country’s strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

A year later, with a historic victory in hand and with Djokovic poised to return to the top of the ATP rankings, that chapter now seems to be finally closed for good:

Advertising