WATCH: How players get their name engraved on trophy after Grand Slam triumph

Monday, 30 January 2023 at 21:10

Updated at Monday, 30 January 2023 at 19:31

byTom Grant

For many, Novak Djokovic's name was already engraved on the 2023 Australian Open trophy well before the event even began.

Perhaps, from the moment it was announced that he would be again allowed into the country following last year's deportation controversy due to his vaccination status.

And, as the great Serb stood on the Rod Laver Arena, expelling 12 months of emotion as he once again claimed the main prize in Australia, it was time for the behind-the-scenes team to get to work in scribing his name on the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy for a remarkable tenth time.

Images released by official Australian Open channels show the moment the engravers, tasked with getting the new champs name on the trophy in double-quick time before the closing ceremony, get to work in getting Djokovic's name on the prize.

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Watching events unfold on a TV despite being metres away, the unnamed scribe can be seen standing in his protective mask before starting the all-important job as Djokovic points to his head and heart in triumphant celebration.

And whose to say he won't be writing that name another few times as Djokovic showed little signs that his dominance is over. Check out the video below.