Novak Djokovic secured a sensational "La Decima" at the Australian Open on Sunday, obliterating World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 to become the first man to claim 10 trophies in the competition.
With his straight-sets demolition of the Greek star, the 35-year-old also equaled Nadal's all-time record of 22 Grand Slams. The Spaniard had made the record his own last year after he captured an astonishing 14th French Open title in Paris.
Besides matching Nadal in the Grand Slam count, Djokovic's 2-hour 56-minute triumph at the Rod Laver Arena has ensured his return to the top of the men's rankings.
The Serb has already held the World No.1 ranking for a record 373 weeks in the past and will now be back at the pedestal once again on Monday.
Djokovic appeared in complete control throughout the match against Tsitsipas as he won 82 percent points on first serve and committed only 22 unforced errors compared to his rival's 42.
Djokovic appeared in complete control throughout the match against Tsitsipas as he won 82 percent points on first serve and committed only 22 unforced errors compared to his rival's 42.
Additionally, the Belgrade native was better while returning balls on the court, bagging 19 points in that department. His adversary, on the other hand, managed to secure only 12 points on return.
Djokovic raced through to the opening set, breaking Tsitsipas once in the process to grab it 6-3. In the second set, both players elevated the level of their play before it became a tense affair. However, the Serbian stepped up a gear in the tiebreaker, eventually winning it 7-6.
The third set followed a similar trajectory as the second, with Djokovic securing a famous 10th title in Melbourne after outfoxing Tsitsipas in a second consecutive tiebreak.