An emotional Novak Djokovic spoke to Nine’s Jim Courier in the post-match.
On the match and Jannik Sinner:
I’m lost for words right now, to … my God. It feels surreal to be honest… you know, it was over four hours, [finishing at] almost 2am. Reminiscing to 2012 when I played Rafa in the finals – that was six hours almost. But the level of intensity, and I guess the quality of tennis, was extremely high, and I knew that that was the only way for me to have a chance to win tonight against him [Sinner]. You know, he won the last five matches against me. He had my mobile number, so I had to change my number for tonight. No jokes.
Jokes aside, I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one, you know, in the last couple of years. I have tremendous respect for him. [He’s] an incredible player. He pushes you to the very limit, which is what he did tonight to me. So, he deserves a great round of applause, obviously, for his performance.
Some legends stayed up ’til 2am. Margaret Court, thank you so much for being here tonight. I cannot thank enough for the support to all the people. I mean, you guys have been incredible tonight. Honestly… incredible. I love our passionate relationship. Every year, [it’s] something different, you know? And tonight it has been one of, if not the best, nights atmosphere-wise, support-wise I ever had in Australia for sure.
Novak Djokovic celebrates his win.Credit: Getty Images