On cloud nine
Djokovic thrashes Medvedev for ninth title Down Under
Peerless world No. 1 Novak Djokovic demolished Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win his ninth Australian Open title and extend his record-breaking reign at Melbourne Park. The victory took the Serbian’s Grand Slam tally to 18, just two shy of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s men’s record of 20.
IN the climax of a tournament overshadowed by Covid-19 pandemic uncertainty, Novak Djokovic remained an unbreakable force as he thrashed Daniil Medvedev to claim a record-extending ninth title.
The world number one’s 7-5 6-2 6-2 triumph under the lights at Rod Laver Arena secured his 18th Grand Slam title, bringing him within tantalising reach of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s all-time record of 20.
But it was a rollercoaster ride to get there, with Djokovic dropping five sets en route to the final and battling an abdominal injury that nearly forced him to pull out after the third round.
Despite admitting it was a gamble to keep playing, with a risk the injury could get worse and affect the rest of his season, the 33-year-old chose to continue and it paid off.
“Thanks to this court, the Rod Laver Arena, I love you each year more and more – the love affair keeps going,” said a relieved Djokovic, while paying tribute to Medvedev.
“Daniil, a class act, great guy and great person,” he said.
“I really like him off the court ... but on court he’s definitely one of the toughest players I have ever faced in my life.
“It’s a matter of time till you hold a Grand Slam.”
Much like Dominic Thiem in last year’s final, Djokovic faced an opponent desperate for success and his own seat at the Grand Slam table.
Unlike Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets, Medvedev never really threatened.
The Serbian made a mockery of the Russian’s 20-match winning streak and his pre-match barb that all the pressure to win was on the champion.
He broke Medvedev seven times for the match and closed out the one-sided contest with a net-rush and a brilliant leaping volley.
“It’s never easy to find words when you have just lost the final of a Grand Slam,” said Medvedev.
“But congrats Novak and his team. I mean, nine Grand Slams in Australia and 18 total is amazing and probably not the last one.”
“I really wanted to make this match long and more entertaining, but today was not the day,” he added.
Having extended his unbeaten record in nine finals at Melbourne Park, Djokovic roared in triumph and wrapped up his team in a group hug.
He now has won six Grand Slam titles after the age of 30, equalling Nadal’s record.