Djokovic extends incredible hard-court record may miss 2023 Aussies Open

With 646 victories and 64 ATP titles, Novak Djokovic is one of the most decorated hard-court players in tennis history.

Novak has accomplished everything on his favourite surface, winning multiple titles at hard-court Majors, all Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals.

Using his incredible mental strength, skills and stamina, Djokovic is almost unbeatable after taking the opening set in the hard-court ATP finals.

The Serb has won the opener in 55 hard-court ATP finals and produced staggering 54 titles, losing the only match to Stan Wawrinka in the 2016 US Open finals.

Novak is 21-0 in the hard-court Masters 1000 finals after the initial advantage, never losing focus and doing everything right en route to the trophy.

Djokovic claimed his ninth Australian Open title at the start of 2021 and had to wait almost 20 months to take the opening set in a hard-court ATP final.

It came in Tel Aviv, in Djokovic's 6-3, 6-4 victory over Marin Cilic in the title clash. Eager to extend his excellent form, Novak conquered Astana last week, becoming the fifth player with 90 ATP titles.

It was Djokovic's 54th win from 55 hard-court ATP finals, winning the first set against Stefanos Tsitsipas and claiming a 6-3, 6-4 victory in an hour and 15 minutes.

Djokovic took 19 points more than Tsitsipas, dropping seven points behind the initial shot and delivering one break in each set to cross the finish line.

Stefanos never found the rhythm on the return and sprayed 25 unforced errors to squander his chances for a comeback.

Novak held at love in the encounter's first game, and Stefanos followed that in game two for 1-1.

Djokovic grabbed the third game with a forehand down the line winner and moved 3-2 up with a service winner in game five.

Tsitsipas missed a forehand in the eighth game and faced two break points. Djokovic drew another loose forehand from his opponent to clinch a break and move 5-3 ahead.

The Serb served for the set in game nine and landed an ace for 6-3 in 32 minutes.

The Greek fended off break points at 1-1 in the second set and fired a forehand winner to bring it home. Novak pushed strong on the return at 2-2 and grabbed a crucial break that sent him closer to the finish line.

He cemented the lead with a hold at 15 in game six and brought the eighth game home at love for 5-3.

Stefanos prolonged the battle with a hold at 15 in game nine, and Novak served for the title. Djokovic painted a backhand down the line winner at deuce in game ten and sealed the deal after Tsitsipas' backhand mistake to lift the trophy. 

Meanwhile, Djokovic's inability to play at certain Grand Slam tournaments could continue in 2023. 

The Serbian star missed both the Australian Open and US Open this year due to his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Djokovic was dramatically deported out of Australia in January after previously being given a medical exemption to enter the country. 

His ultimate absence allowed Rafael Nadal to edge past both Djokovic and Roger Federer for most Grand Slam titles won.

While Australia continues to ease their COVID-19 rules, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley admitted Djokovic's participation in 2023 remains up in the air with the government required to waive his ban. 

"It's not a matter we can lobby on," Tiley said.

"Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we'll follow any instruction after that.

"It's a matter that definitely stays between the two of them and then depending on the outcome of that we would welcome him to the Australian Open."