"His meltdown after the win in final spoke loudly" - Serena Williams' ex-coach on Novak Djokovic's emotional rollercoaster at Australian Open
Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou has shared his thoughts on Novak Djokovic's emotional rollercoaster run at the Australian Open.
A year after getting deported from the country due to a controversy over his medical exemption, Djokovic braved a torn hamstring to put together another triumph Down Under.
The fifth seed had injured his hamstring during his title run at the Adelaide 1 International. However, Djokovic dropped only one set in seven matches at Melbourne Park, including a straight-sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, to win his 10th Australian Open title.
This achievement also put the Serb level with Rafael Nadal (22) for most Grand Slam singles titles by a male player.
After the win Djokovic uncharacteristically broke down, releasing all of his pent-up emotions from a year ago as well as from the injury-affected 2023 tournament. Mouratoglou has now tweeted about the memorable run:
"Before the Australian swing, the biggest challenge for Novak was to deal with emotions coming back a year after the drama and perform in that environment. His meltdown after the win in the final spoke loudly. Challenge completed."
Before the Australian swing the biggest challenge for Novak was to deal with emotions coming back a year after the drama and perform in that environment.
His meltdown after the win in final spoke loudly.
Challenge completed.
With his latest triumph at Melbourne Park, Novak Djokovic has returned to the World No. 1 spot for a record-extending 374th week.
"I'm motivated to win as many Slams as possible" - Novak Djokovic after 10th Australian Open triumph
Novak Djokovic knows that he's inching towards the end of his career at 35. And the Serb wants to make the most of his remaining active years by continuing to win the biggest titles in the sport - the Grand Slams.
After his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title last weekend, Djokovic told Eurosport that he likes being in the discussion of the greatest players of all time.
“I am motivated to win as many Slams as possible. At this stage of my career, these trophies are the biggest motivational factor of why I still compete," he said. "I never really liked comparing myself to others, but of course, it's a privilege to be part of the discussion as one of the greatest players of all time."
"If people see me this way, of course, it's very flattering because I know that I give as much effort and energy into trying to win Slams as anybody else," he added. "I still have lots of motivation. Let's see how far it takes me. I really don't want to stop here."
these past two weeks 
A perfect 🔟 these past two weeks 🏆
@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 https://t.co/9tweLm22gd
Djokovic will look to go sole top of the all-time Grand Slam leaderboard at Roland Garros later this year.