Whatever you think of Novak Djokovic, his 10th Australian Open crown has made him the true king of the Australian Open.
The 36-year-old claimed a massive 6-3 7-6 7-6 win over Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas but there is little doubt his celebrations weren’t as big as most people would expect after a grand slam win.
Asked how he celebrated his 2023 title, Djokovic said: “With media and doping controls,” admitting he got back to his room at 3am.
Amid questions over how injured his hamstring truly was, controversy when his dad Srdjan seemingly unwittingly posed with pro-war Russians after Novak’s quarterfinal win and a return Australia, where he was deported in 2022, Djokovic admitted it was “one of the most challenging tournaments I have ever played in my life.”
But it’s not to say that Djokovic hasn’t gotten loose after taking out the Australian Open before, despite being a well-known teetotaller.
Ahead of the Australian Open men’s final, freelance tennis social media creator Bastian Fachan posted a behind the scenes story from after the 2012 final via Twitter.
At the time, it was Djokovic’s fifth major title and third at Melbourne Park, coming after a five-hour and 53 minute epic against Rafael Nadal that is still the longest match in Australian Open history and the longest grand slam final of all-time.
Athletes at the top of the sport have to deal with anti-doping testing, but after nearly six hours of exhausting action, Djokovic: “was so dehydrated that the officials gave him beers so he could pee for the anti-doping control”.
It’s where an incredible Australian Open story kicks off.
“But Djokovic usually never drinks alcohol, so at 3:30am, tipsy and all, Djokovic crashed the volunteer party, got on a podium, took the mic and started yelling ‘I’M ON A HIIIGHWAAAY TO HEEELL’ + other bops.
“After 6+ hours on court, + 2 hours at anti-doping, with press still to do, Djokovic gave the volunteers the time of their lives. Legendary.”
Readers were hoping it was true and chief reporter for The Age Chip Le Grand was quick to confirm it did in fact happen.
“I was at that party,” he tweeted. “The funniest line from Djokovic was when he got on stage and apologised for only having one beer that night. Cue mock boos from the crowd of tournament staff and volunteers.
“Then he lifted up the trophy (which was filled with beer) and declared: ‘But it came in a very big cup!’
“Cue Djokovic scull and crowd goes nuts.”
