| Match: Finished | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D. Thiem (AUT) (5) | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| N. Djokovic (SRB) [2] | 6 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Completed Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Set won by N. Djokovic | 4 - 6 | N. Djokovic leads 2 to 3 |
| Set won by N. Djokovic | 3 - 6 | N. Djokovic has tied the match at 2 sets all |
| Set won by D. Thiem | 6 - 2 | D. Thiem leads 2 to 1 |
| Set won by D. Thiem | 6 - 4 | D. Thiem has tied the match at 1 set all |
| Set won by N. Djokovic | 4 - 6 | N. Djokovic leads 0 to 1 |
Novak Djokovic will be hunting an eighth Australian Open title when he plays Austrian Dominic Thiem in the men’s singles final on Sunday evening. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the match from 7:30pm (AEDT).
The world number five Dominic Thiem is through to his first Australian Open final and will be playing for his maiden grand slam title.
Thiem dropped the first set in his semi-final, but turned it around by winning two tie-breakers to defeat young gun Alexander Zverev in four sets 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6. The Austrian struggled to make inroads on Zverev’s serve, which was back at its best in this tournament, however.
The 26-year-old fought through a five-set match against Australian Alex Bolt, and beat seeds Taylor Fritz, Gael Monfils and world number one Rafael Nadal to reach this point of the 2020 Australian Open.
Djokovic is the current Australian Open champion, and has won seven Australian men’s singles titles in the past 12 years.
To get here, the Serbian defeated Roger Federer 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 in their 50th meeting. While it took Djokovic a little while to settle on serve, he recovered before the set was out and took it in the tiebreak 7-1.
Djokovic broke Federer once in both the second and third sets to take the win in two hours and 18 minutes.
The world number two has only dropped one set – in the first round against Jan-Lennard Struff – on his road to the final, dispatching the likes of Yoshihito Nishioka, Diego Schwartzman and Milos Raonic in dominant fashion.
Djokovic has a two-win advantage in the head-to-head match-up, leading six wins to four. Thiem has won four out of their last five meetings, though.
They last met at the ATP Finals in Great Britain, Thiem winning that encounter 6-7, 6-3, 7-6.
Prediction
Everywhere you look experts are seeking out statistics to give Thiem a chance in this match. However, the odds remain in Djokovic’s favour for his eighth Australian Open title.
After some exhausting victories this tournament, Thiem will need more than a Sweet Caroline rendition and crowd support to be any chance of winning the championship.
Experience should see Djokovic get the job done this evening.
Novak Djokovic to win.
Will there be a new grand slam champion on Sunday evening or can Djokovic win his 17th?
Follow the action on The Roar with live scores and a blog of the match from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Start time: 7:30pm (AEDT)
TV: Channel Nine
Online: 9Now
Odds: Dominic Thiem $4.45, Novak Djokovic $1.21
Ranking: Thiem 5, Djokovic 2
Head to head: Thiem 4, Djokovic 6
Career titles: Thiem 16, Djokovic 77
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Thiem played impeccable tennis,mostly. Djokovic played impeccable tennis , mostly. They only lost points trying to outgun the other. Novak's experience shone through Djokovic has won 905–187 (82.9% in ATP Tour). Thiem is 65%W in Slams,56% in ATP. Suggests that he still has some way to go. (Federer has won 1000+ and at 84%W.)
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me this evening and following The Roar's coverage throughout the Australian Open. A great couple of weeks of tennis ending with Novak Djokovic and Sofia Kenin as the 2020 Singles Champions.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
The countdown is on for AFL!
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Novak Djokovic starts by congratulating Thiem on his tournament and expects him to be back here very soon... to lift "one... no, more than one Grand Slam trophy" "Huge respect to Dominic's team and family, you always pay such great respect to me and my team... I wish you good luck for the year." "I would like to thank my team and my family. My brother is here, thank you for coming out here and spending some quality brother time (laughs)." He pays respect to Kobe Bryant, a huge mentor in his life. He has on his green jumper KB, #8 and #24 and a love heart to honour the Lakers superstar. "It is a reminder to all of us that we should stick together.. be with our families, stay close to the people we love. "There are more important things in life... it is important to be humble with all the things that are happening around you." Djokovic thanks the crowd and all though who came out to support any tennis player during this tournament, mentioning them all: men, women, doubles, juniors, wheelchair... "This tournament sets a high standard... "I'm blessed to hold this trophy once again!"
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Runner up Dominic Thiem gets a great reception from the Melbourne crowd - he'll be back for more Slam finals you'd have to think! Thiem starts by congratulating Novak on his "amazing achievement" "[Novak and team] have brought men's tennis to a new level, proud that I can play and compete in this era of tennis" Comments on the bushfires and the terrible times for this country, that have happened and continue... he hopes the country can recover and never see another disaster like this again. "One of the best events... absolutely pleasure to be here, to come here and I already look forward to next year."
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
The chair umpire receives his gift forms role in tonight's match.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Cheers Sarah, cya at the AFL blogs
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Thanks for following along with the blog tonight, great to have so many offering their thoughts on the match as well.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
The presentations begin. A four hour show for the crowd tonight to cap off another great fortnight of tennis at Melbourne Park. Over 800,000 people attended and saw some brilliant matches. It was a pleasure to blog some of those matches for The Roar.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Plenty of twists and turns in that one! Djokovic too good in the first, Thiem swung the momentum in the second and third irritating Djokovic (who also saw the doctor twice), but in the fourth and fifth sets the mental strength of Novak came to the front. Battling from the 2 set to 1 deficit, the Serbian started hitting his first serve again, finding the lines and secures an eighth Aus Open - he really is the King of the Australian Open! Thiem showed plenty in this final, had the crowd on his side and very nearly got his first Slam today. He fought hard in the second set to get the momentum, battled with Novak, but pulled up just short today. Novak continues the dominance for the Big 3 and in the process his Grand Slam titles now span three decades. Thiem 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4 Djokovic 6 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 6
JGK
Roar Guru
Yawn. "Another day, another Doug".
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Well done joker! Just isn't Thiem time yet but at his age with the players around to be his 3rd slam final he is damn close
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
GAME SET MATCH AND CHAMPIONSHIP NOVAK DJOKOVIC Thiem misses it and Novak Djokovic wins his eight Australian Open title. Novak Djokovic recovers from a 2 set to 1 deficit to win his 17th Grand Slam 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Austrian Dominic Thiem. Thiem 2 Djokovic 3
Adzy
Roar Rookie
Joker got back into the match after his 'injury' break. Very tactical. Thats the difference between the best and the rest.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Thiem going for the backhand winner up the line, misses it. Championship point... Thiem 2 | 4 | 15 Djokovic 2 | 5 | 40
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Fairly long rally, Djokovic pushes Thiem wide on his forehand, Thiem plays it too long up the line. Thiem 2 | 4 | 15 Djokovic 2 | 5 | 30
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Serve! Ace from Djokovic. Thiem 2 | 4 | 15 Djokovic 2 | 5 | 15
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Thiem gets to go for it here - sets up for the forehand down the line winner. Thiem 2 | 4 | 15 Djokovic 2 | 5 | 0
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Last chance saloon and with way this match has flowed wouldn't surprise if we get a break but expect Novak to serve it out.