Tennis has witnessed countless phenomenal athletes over the years, a trend that continued at this year’s Australian Open.
Several veterans and young stars went head-to-head at the Grand Slam, even with the soaring heat in Melbourne.
Veteran ATP star Stan Wawrinka showed his class in his last-ever Australian Open before retirement, as did his fellow icon Gael Monfils.
On the WTA Tour, world number one Aryna Sabalenka showed her class once more, although she was beaten by Elena Rybakina.
Novak Djokovic named the ‘strongest competitor’ in tennis history
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz then produced stunning levels in the men’s final, with the Serbian having received high praise during that match at Rod Laver Arena.
Replying to a fan who suggested he changed his mind about prime-Alcaraz being superior to prime-Djokovic, Patrick Mouratoglou issued a strong statement in return.
He wrote on X: “I said that tennis-wise, I believe that Carlos is superior because tennis evolves, but a tennis match (and even less a GS final) is not only about tennis but more about mental.
“Novak is the strongest competitor in history and his motivation is back!”
Mouratoglou certainly knows that area of the game, having coached Serena Williams to 10 Grand Slam titles.
Novak Djokovic’s career achievements before his Australian Open final
Djokovic stunned the tennis world by reaching the Australian Open final, which he did with a semifinal victory over Jannik Sinner.
The current world number four certainly wasn’t the favorite to come out on top, even with his record 10 titles in Melbourne and joint-record 24 Grand Slam titles.
The Serbian, now approaching his 39th birthday, boasts a huge 101 ATP titles in his career, having also climbed to world number one.
Djokovic has well over 1,000 wins to his name and just 233 losses, earning $191,252,375 in career prize money.
READ MORE: Serena Williams’ ex-coach suggests how she’d get on if she played doubles with Venus now
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