Novak Djokovic has secured an eighth Australian Open crown and a 17th Grand Slam title – and this might be his most famous.
The Serbian champion fought off a stunning performance from world no.5 Dominic Thiem, coming back from 2 sets to 1 down to claim the trophy again after exactly 4 hours of pulsating tennis, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
Despite winning the first set, it was an uncharacteristically grumpy Djokovic for much of the early stages of the match, especially as Thiem began to take control in the second set.
After furiously telling a vocal pro-Thiem crowd to “shut the f*** up” after a fan yelled out mid-point in the first set, Djokovic’s temper boiled over in the second, when a time violation for taking too long to serve on break point gave the Austrian the opening he needed.
“You made yourself famous, nice work,” Djokovic told the chair umpire, after sarcastically patting his foot – a gesture which could see him fined up to $20,000.
When Thiem duly broke Djokovic twice more early in the third set to storm to a 2 sets to one lead, the Serbian looked all but gone, and a medical time out before the fourth set seemed to confirm the world no.2 was running out of answers.
But he’s not a champion for nothing, Djokovic fighting back to claim the fourth set, 6-4 – and an early break in the fifth set as Thiem’s forehand began to let him down was all the edge he needed.
The epic win also sees Djokovic return to the world No.1 ranking, ousting longtime rival Rafael Nadal, while he also moves ever closer to Roger Federer’s record 20 Grand Slam crowns.
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Former Wimbledon champion, double grand slam winner and Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza has announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 30.…
Rafael Nadal has hailed the brilliance of Alex de Minaur, calling him "a great player" after the Australian forced the Spanish legend to say…
The clay season promises to be one of high level and tight margins. With the Monte Carlo open just around the corner, it will…
In incredible scenes, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's quarter-final clash with Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells was halted abruptly due to a "bee invasion." Less…
Marathon man Jordan Thompson has finally clinched his first ATP Tour title, with the Australian upsetting Norwegian Casper Ruud to lift the trophy in…
Alex de Minaur has earned the perfect 25th birthday present, booking a place in the final of the Rotterdam Open with an emphatic revenge…
