Novak Djokovic creates history as he returns to world No. 1 spot following Australian Open win over Stefanos Tsitsipas

Djokovic, 35, produced a stellar display as he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the men’s final to win his 22nd Grand Slam title, putting him level with Rafael Nadal.

And with that win Djokovic returns to the top of the men’s rankings and in doing so will record the biggest jump any man (since 1973) has ever made to get back to the summit.

Four men (Carlos Alcaraz, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Carlos Moya) have all made the jump from No. 4 to No. 1 but no-one has ever gone from five (which is where Djokovic was) to the top spot.

He will now turn his sights to Steffi Graf’s record for the most weeks as world No. 1 for either men or women, which is 377.

If Djokovic can maintain his status as world number one through the week of February 27 then he will break that record.

Then attention will once again turn to the Grand Slam race, with Djokovic level with Nadal on 22 and Roger Federer out of the picture following his retirement.

Despite his injury woes in Melbourne, Nadal will remain favourite when it comes to Roland-Garros, his home away from home, but Djokovic will feel confident for Wimbledon and the US Open.

Exclusive: Djokovic says latest triumph ‘one of the most important wins in my life’

Djokovic has told Eurosport that sealing his 10th Australian Open title with his straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday was “one of the top two or three most important victories I have had ever”.

“This is one of the top two or three most important victories I have had ever, considering the circumstances, after what happened last year and stuff happening off the court.

“It required a lot, mentally, to keep it together, so I feel a big release now. It is like a balloon with no air. It is over, and I am going to enjoy it.

“I work as hard as anyone else. I’ve managed to find a formula for success where I work to keep improving. That is the only way to progress. If you stagnate, you risk going backwards.

“The mentality and willpower are always there. It all came to fruition in the last couple of weeks. There is always a place for this wonderful trophy.”

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