Google News Stefanos Tsitsipas recounts Novak Djokovic beating him in 2023 Australian Open final
by DZEVAD MESIC
Stefanos Tsitsipas, 25, admits he felt the 2023 Australian Open was his "moment" but then Novak Djokovic prevented him from achieving his dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion.
Tsitsipas, ranked at No. 6 in the world, reached his second Grand Slam final in 2023 January at Melbourne Park. After losing to Djokovic in his first Slam final at the 2021 French Open, Tsitsipas clashed against the Serb in his second Major final as well. Unfortunately for Tsitsipas, the outcome was again the same as he once again ended up losing to Djokovic - the Serb beat the Greek in straight sets in the 2023 Australian Open final.
"This year’s final was close. I was there, playing a final at the Aussie Open and it felt like that was my moment, big things were coming. I wasn’t able to close through, but I really need to keep on pushing," Tsitsipas told the United Cup.
"Novak has a lot of finals under his belt and I feel like with the right consistency, with the right attitude, moments like this would occur again. There’s a lot of effort behind that and I’m willing to keep up with all the intensity that is required in order to get there."
Tsitsipas would have achieved his biggest goals had he beaten Djokovic
Going into the 2023 Australian Open final, a lot was at stake. Had Tsitsipas defeated Djokovic in the final at Melbourne Park, he would have become a Grand Slam champion and would have also reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time. Instead, Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open title and replaced Carlos Alcaraz at the top spot after the opening Major of the 2023 season.
After failing to land a Grand Slam title or reach the world No. 1 ranking in 2023, Tsitsipas enters the 2024 season hoping this would be the year when he achieves his two biggest dreams. It remains to be seen if Tsitsipas can land a Grand Slam and reach the top spot in 2024.