Novak Djokovic has branded his win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 2023 Australian Open final as ‘the biggest victory of his life’ and claims he had ‘no clue’ about the jacket he wore with the number 22 on it at the ceremony.

Djokovic beat Tsitsipas on Sunday to win the Australian Open for the 10th time and record his 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall – which sees him equal Rafael Nadal for the most major men’s singles titles in history.

The 35-year-old Serbian was spotted wearing a jacket with the number 22 on it as he picked up the trophy, which fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios labelled as ‘elite energy’.

Djokovic spoke to Eurosport about the jacket following his victory and said: ‘I don’t know [when it was made].

‘People won’t believe me, but I had no clue about this jacket. I took a different jacket for the ceremony but my team told me to put on this one. It was nice of them.’

Djokovic was emotional in his on-court interview following his historic victory over Tsitsipas, referencing events last year in which he was engulfed in a political row over coronavirus vaccinations as it saw him deported from Australia and barred from playing after spending time locked up in an immigration facility.

‘Good evening everyone. First of all I have to say I am touched by Stefanos’ words. Thanks so much for being so kind and respectful.

‘It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. I think the more disadvantaged a childhood you have, the stronger you become and we are the proof of that. Don’t let anybody take that dream away from you.

‘Water it like you would water the flowers. Even if you can only find one person in the world that supports you, dream big and you can make it.

‘I would say this is probably the biggest victory of my life, considering those circumstances. Thank you so much – and hopefully see you next year.’

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