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Djokovic’s historic Australian Open win is a reminder that principles matter more than victory, and that adversity can be the best medicine.

Last night Novak Djokovic made Australian history, winning his 10th Australian Open title at an electric Rod Laver Arena, defeating up-and-coming Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in straight sets (6-3, 7-6, 7-6).

The win, which Djokovic called “the biggest victory” of his life, puts him on equal footing with Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam men’s single titles and returns him to the world number one spot.

It was an emotional night for the 35-year-old Serbian, who fought a hamstring injury throughout the Open and then saw his father miss last night’s final due to an off-court controversy late last week. On winning, Novak clambered up into the stands with his family and team, where he sobbed uncontrollably for several minutes before the awards ceremony commenced.

Australia has proven to be a centre of gravity for Djokovic, who won his first Australian Open in 2008, and two decades ago launched his professional career at the same tournament.

An Icon of Free Choice

“This has been one of the most challenging tournaments that I’ve played in my life,” Djokovic told crowds during his Churchill-esque victory speech last night. “Given the circumstances, not playing last year… I want to thank everyone who made me come back and made me welcome.”

It was Djokovic’s subtle reference to the humiliating saga he endured last year, when Australian authorities kicked him out of the country for his personal stance on mandated COVID-19 injections.

Critics and the legacy press variously blamed Djokovic’s deportation on his vaccine-free status and visa application errors. However, as reported by the Daily Declaration, Australian Government representatives made it clear their decision to deport the tennis star was to prevent “an increase in anti-vaccination sentiment” and to keep “an icon of free choice” out of the country.

Ironically, then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison claimed that barring Djokovic from entering Australia somehow protected the country, even as the virus was spreading uncontrolled among the ‘vaccinated’ along Australia’s east coast.

‘We Created a Monster’

Australian Nick Kyrgios, who faced Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final, believes the Serb’s deportation only fuelled his desire to take home this summer’s Aussie title. “Haha I told you,” Kyrgios tweeted after Novak’s win. “We created a monster. Well done @DjokerNole.”

Kyrgios was a vocal critic of Australia’s treatment of Djokovic last year. “For the sport, we need him here,” he said at the time. “I just want it to end. I’m feeling for him now, it’s not really humane what’s going on.”

Kyrgios then predicted a principled Novak would channel any feelings of vengeance towards his opponents on court. “He’s going to be very determined to play well and stick it to everyone [because] of what’s going on,” Kyrgios remarked — also warning, “If he’s allowed to play the Australian Open, I don’t want any bar of him.”

‘I Became the Villain of the World’

In spite of how he was treated, Djokovic — who is an Orthodox Christian — has guarded his heart from bitterness. “I don’t hold any grudges. Definitely not against the people of Australia,” he said earlier this month. “I think me being here proves how much I really want to be here and how much I want to play, and how much I like it.”

Nor has Djokovic shied away from discussing what he endured. “All of a sudden, I became the villain of the world which was obviously a terrible position to be in as an athlete and someone who is looking to thrive in its own direction of life and profession,” he said earlier this month. “But that’s something that I had to learn how to handle.”

Novak invested his time off court in further developing the skills that helped him secure his weekend win in Melbourne. “The fact that I wasn’t playing for several months at the beginning of last year allowed me to really get together with my team and work on my body, on my strokes.”

Djokovic’s historic win is a reminder that, even when big sacrifices are required, principles matter more than victory — and victory is still possible in the long run, anyway.

Image via Eurosport.