Novak Djokovic extended his own record of Australian Open wins to nine with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 win over Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s Australian Open final.
This is where AFP Sport remembers DjokovicThe incredible success and records he set on the way to becoming the undoubted King of Melbourne Park:
– First Serb: 2008 –
He will become the first Serbian to win a Grand Slam in Melbourne at the age of 20, after stepping into the big time with an emphatic straight-set win in the semi-finals against Roger Federer, who was unbeaten for 16 years, with Matches.
In the final, he defeated the French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4: 6, 6: 4, 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 2).
“Every player dreams of winning a Grand Slam. I still don’t know exactly what I’ve achieved in the last two weeks,” he said.
– Three years waiting period ends: 2011 –
It was three long years ago Djokovic secured a second major triumph and he attributed his success to a gluten-free diet.
It was a golden year in which he won three of the four Grand Slam titles.
He lost just one set for the entire fortnight, including winning again over defending champion Federer in the semifinals before beating Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in the playoff.
Djokovic said he decided to change his team and backroom behavior, as well as his diet, after a disappointing 2010.
“Things outside of court didn’t work for me, you know?
“I had to try to find the best possible solution and get back on track. I did that.”
– The longest final: 2012 –
DjokovicThe first successful Grand Slam title defense involved endurance that was rarely seen on a tennis court.
After a five-set bout against Murray in the semifinals, he then had to fight Rafael Nadal for almost six hours in a war of attrition to win the title.
It was the longest Grand Slam final of the Open era and ended at 1:37 a.m. on Monday after the pair ran onto the pitch at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Djokovic At the end of the epic game, which he won 5: 7, 6: 4, 6: 2, 6: 7 (5: 7), 7: 5 in 5 hours and 53 minutes, he roared off his shirt and roared in celebration .
“Physically it was the hardest game I’ve ever played,” said an exhausted Nadal after addressing the crowd: “Good morning!”
– Title hat trick: 2013 –
Djokovic was the first man in the Open era to win three straight Australian titles after beating Murray 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-2.
The Serb was also stretched by Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round before prevailing 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 12-10.
“It is definitely my favorite Grand Slam, my most successful Grand Slam. I love this place,” he said Djokovic.
– Revenge on Wawrinka: 2015 –
Djokovic was upset by Wawrinka, the eventual champion, in the 2014 quarter-finals, but returned to his best a year later.
After taking revenge on the Swiss in the semi-finals, he rolled over Murray for the title again and added a humiliating 6-0 bagel to the Scotsman in the last set to put Andre Agassi on the all-time list with eight Grand Slam titles to put.
His 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-0 victory was his first as a father after Mrs. Jelena had given birth to Stefan three months earlier.
“I think it has deeper meaning and higher value in my life because I am a father and a husband,” he said Djokovic.
– ‘Djokovic Slam ‘: 2016 –
The records continued to fall when he took a sixth crown in Melbourne to hit Roy Emerson’s pre-Open-era record, winning a third major title in a row after Wimbledon and the 2015 US Open.
He would go on to the “Djokovic Slam “at the French Open to keep all four majors at once.
He defeated Murray for the fourth time in the championship game 6: 1, 7: 5, 7: 6 (7: 3).
“It’s an incredible feeling, especially because I managed to make history tonight and hit Roy Emerson’s six Australian Open record,” he said after winning his 11th Grand Slam crown to um Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg to meet list.
– Sampras darkened: 2019 –
After two years battling injuries, including elbow surgery, he beat old rival Nadal’s challenge 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in the final to claim a record title at the seventh Australian Open and the 15th Grand Slam the title of his childhood idol, the great American Pete Sampras.
“It was definitely a sign of destiny to play tennis and be as good as Pete.” Djokovic said. “To surpass him with Grand Slam titles, I’m speechless.”
– Big Eight: 2020 –
Djokovic won his eighth title and his 900th match win at Tour level along the way.
Federer was sent in straight sets in the semifinals, but 26-year-old Dominic Thiem gave up Djokovic his toughest final fight since the Nadal epic in 2012.
Djokovic Eventually he fought his way back from two sets to one to secure his 17th major 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
“Obviously, at this stage in my career, grand slams are the ones I value the most. They are the ones I prioritize,” he said.
– Stomach for the fight: 2021 –
Djokovic looked on the way out when he was barely able to run against Taylor Fritz in the third round due to an abdominal injury, but somehow survived in five sets.
He couldn’t train between games, but got fitter and stronger with each round.
When his injury healed, he scored four sets against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev before racing past Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semifinals.
Another Russian awaited the decision for the championship, but world number four Daniil Medvedev walked the way of the Serbs’ eight previous bosses when he went rampant Djokovic Just 1 hour and 53 minutes to win 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and extend his perfect record in the finals at Melbourne Park.
