Injured in a thigh before the start of the tournament, he was also affected by the impossibility for his father to attend his last two matches due to a diplomatic scandal.

The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia had indeed demanded that Srdjan Djokovic's accreditation be withdrawn after he was filmed celebrating his son's victory in the quarterfinals with pro-Russian supporters.

Q: How do you feel after this victory which concludes complicated weeks?

A: "I feel immense pride and immense satisfaction. When I got into my box, I broke down emotionally and cried, especially with my mother and my brother when I hugged them because until At that moment, I couldn't allow myself to be distracted by everything that was happening off the court: the injury and the rest. It took a lot of mental energy from me. Two and a half weeks ago, because of my leg, I did not give myself a lot of chances to win the tournament. Then, each match was a question of survival. Fortunately, in Grand Slams, there is a day of rest between each match. From the round of 16, my leg didn't bother me as much anymore. I was moving better and I reached one of my best levels in this tournament since playing it."

Q: Now that you are at 22 Grand Slam titles, the men's record shared with Nadal, are you aiming for Margaret Court's all-time record (24)?

A: "I want to win as many Grand Slam titles as possible. At the point where I am, these trophies are the main motivating factor. I really don't want to stop there, I don't have the intention. I know that when I feel good physically and mentally, I can win any Grand Slam tournament, against anyone. But nothing is ever certain. I don't know how many years, nor how many Majors I will still be able to play. It depends on a lot of things and not just my body. It is very important that I have the support of my loved ones and that I can maintain a balance between tournaments and my family life. And at the same time I have to keep this hunger for trophies. I'm 35, and it's not 25 even if I would like it to be,but I think I still have time ahead of me."

Q: Being world No.1 and winning Majors at 35, does that have a special flavor?

A: "I savor these moments more than ever. It will take me several nights of rest to digest all this and realize what we have achieved with my team. I am very proud, obviously, but also relieved because these last three weeks have not been a calm river."

Q: Did you regret the absence of your father in the stands?

A: "I thought things would calm down, but not. We agreed that it would be better if he didn't come. It hurt both of us because these are very special times, "unique. Who knows if they will happen again? I saw him after the game, he was not feeling the best, although he was very happy when he kissed me. I could see he was a little sad. And I too was a bit sad that he wasn't in the stands. But he was there most of the tournament and all's well that ends well."

Statements taken at a press conference

© 2023 AFP