The Australian Open 2023 final between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas ended in disappointment for the Greek. The two top tennis players battled for the crown at Rod Laver Arena, but it was Djokovic who prevailed.
Among the celebrities and well-known dignitaries enjoying the unique spectacle offered by Novak and Stefanos was Bill Gates.
Even @BillGates enjoyed that rally 👏#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/TfL7nsanA3
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2023
Greek tennis sensation and world #4 Stefanos Tsitsipas missed being crowned world number one after his three set loss to Novak Djokovic who won his 10th grand slam title tonight with this victory at the Australian Open.
Tsitsipas played a brave game but was outplayed by the more experienced and mentally strong Djokovic 3 - 6, 6 - 7, 6 - 7.
Admittedly Djokovic did seem rather frustrated a few times during the second set, and was seen having an intense exchange with his box, not to mention a few falls on the court which were a cause for alarm given his hamstring injury.
More than 45,000 fans gathered at Melbourne Park to watch the finals between the Greek and Serb tennis stars, whilst inside the Rod Laver Arena was at full capacity.
The VIPs
Among the audience were the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Microsoft Founder Bill Gates, Aussie cricket legend Ricky Ponting and his wife Rianna Jennifer Cantor, Golden Globe winning Hollywood actor Rachel Griffiths, TV personality and former Collingwood boss, Eddie McGuire, Opposition leader Peter Dutton, and former federal treasurer Peter Costello.
Before the finals, Djokovic hoped fans will behave when he played Tstisipas at Rod Laver Arena as he chased a record-equalling 22nd men's grand slam singles crown.
"The Serbs and Greeks historically get along very well. I just don't think there's going to be any conflict on and off the court in terms of the crowd," Djokovic said.
"I'm confident that people will support their respective players in a respectful way, and let's see what happens.
"I hope that all the people who are going to come to the finals are going to be there for tennis and sport because that's what we all wish for.
"We all wish that players, fans, focus on tennis, celebrate this beautiful sport, marvel at one of the most special matches throughout the year, which is a slam final."
Djokovic said after his semi-final that he expected both players would have big followings on Sunday night with Melbourne’s Serbian community once again offering their champion great support.
“I’m really excited and privileged to be in that final against Tsitsipas,” Djokovic said.
“The Serbian and Greek communities are big, for sure. The Serbs and Greeks historically get along very well. I just don’t think there’s going to be any conflict on and off the court in terms of the crowd. On the contrary, I’m confident that people will support their respective players in a respectful way, and let’s see what happens.”
The fans, on both sides did behave, but one side left disappointed.
READ MORE: The Serbs and Greeks historically get along very well, says Djokovic.
