MELBOURNE, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- As he clutched unfamiliar runner-up silverware on his favored center court, with great rival Rafael Nadal watching on in the stands while his newest Spanish opponent Carlos Alcaraz stood nearby, Novak Djokovic basked in the adulation of a rowdy Rod Laver Arena on an unforgettable chilly Sunday night in Melbourne.
The 38-year-old inevitably ran out of gas against world number one Alcaraz in four sets, perhaps forever banishing his hopes of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
But Djokovic stole the show of the trophy presentation following an engrossing final that may have been his last match at Melbourne Park.
Giddy fans chanted "Nole, Nole" repeatedly as if he had won an 11th Australian Open title, such was the reverence on display for the Serbian.
It's the type of hysteria that Djokovic had never really been showered with before despite being the most accomplished male tennis player in history.
This was the moment that Djokovic had always craved having for so long been in the shadow of Nadal and Roger Federer, adored players who were feted wherever they played.
In his younger days, Djokovic spent a record 91 consecutive weeks stagnant at world number three as Nadal and Federer traded majors in the most compelling rivalry the sport had ever seen.
Djokovic became flustered by being seen as a third wheel. He tried to win over the public with humorous antics, but it only made him feel less serious and weighty compared to the gravitational pull of his two rivals.
Eventually, Djokovic let his indefatigable game do the talking and overtook an aging Federer and battered Nadal to become the undisputed best player.
His remarkable fitness, dedication and willpower ensured he has had the type of longevity that defied logic.
But Djokovic has never been able to shrug off controversies on-and-off the court, most notably when he refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and thus was deported from Melbourne before the 2022 Australian Open.
Much like when he emerged on the scene, Djokovic found himself overshadowed and faced with a paradox in the twilight of his career.
Even though he was the best men's player the game had seen by almost every metric, Djokovic would never be loved and feted by the masses like his fellow superstar peers.
But that all changed in the course of an astounding backend of the Australian Open, starting with a never-say-die Djokovic somehow pushing his beleaguered body to outlast Jannik Sinner in a semifinal for the ages.
For all his titles over the years, that might have been Djokovic's greatest ever victory, a triumph so astounding that it had even hard-bitten critics begrudgingly in his corner.
By the time of the blockbuster final against Alcaraz, sentiment was on Djokovic's side with the crowd willing him on - reminiscent of how fans used to feverishly support Federer and Nadal over him.
It wasn't quite enough to lift him past 22-year-old Alcaraz, a supremely talented opponent who one day might break his records. But Djokovic had finally won over the fans.
"I want to just say in the end that you guys, particularly, the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia," an emotional Djokovic said in his acceptance speech.
"That much love, support, positivity. I tried to give you back with good tennis over the years.
"I must be honest and say I didn't think I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again. I owe you (the crowd) the gratitude.
"God knows what happens tomorrow let alone in six months or 12 months. It has been a great ride. I love you guys."
The way Djokovic ended his speech hinted at a possible farewell, perhaps suggesting that this might be his final season on tour before he joins Nadal and Federer in retirement.
If this is the end of the road, Djokovic will feel a contented figure. A 25th slam might prove out of reach, but finally winning over the public might just be the finishing touches to his legendary career. ■
