Novak Djokovic: From ‘villain of the world’ to Melbourne’s darling as he gets revenge for last year’s debacle

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his 10th Australian Open with his family and coaching staff at Melbourne Park. Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Oliver Brown
© Telegraph Media Group Limited

Amid convulsive emotion for Novak Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena, it was Nick Kyrgios who cut to the essence of it all. “We created a monster,” he wrote.

He did not intend it as a compliment to his fellow Australians. On the contrary, it was a statement on the pious posturing that had led to the Serb’s demonisation 12 months earlier and the bloody-mindedness he has channelled to deliver one of sport’s most delicious acts of vengeance.