Novak Djokovic wobbled alarmingly, but ultimately also won his eighth Australian Open final. The dominance of the three top stars of the tennis scene continues.
Melbourne (AP) - With closed eyes Novak Djokovic enjoyed the moment of his eighth triumph at the Australian Open, the Melbourne dominator redeemed clapped with the frenetic Serbian tennis fans.
When the 32-year-old had freed himself from the difficult situation against the Austrian challenger Dominic Thiem and had risen again to number one in the tennis world, he was able to laugh again. "It was definitely one of the most difficult finals I've had here. I was about to lose that match," Djokovic admitted. "I am blessed to have this trophy in my hands again."
Despite all the euphoria after his 6: 4, 4: 6, 2: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4, the Serb also got serious and turned his attention to topics away from tennis triumphs. "This is a reminder to us that we should stick together more than ever," said the 32-year-old.
The record winner of the Australian Open thought in his victory speech about his friend and mentor, the basketball player Kobe Bryant, who recently died in a helicopter crash. As did the victims of the Australian bushfires, which helped raise more than six million Australian dollars for the season's first Grand Slam tournament. "I hope that a disaster like this never happens again," said losing Thiem.
The first Austrian Australian Open finalist put pressure on the favorites in the gripping final act of the two-week tournament. However, he did not use his chance due to the weak phase of the Serbian for his first Grand Slam title in his third final in one of the four most important tournaments.
When a forehand of the 26-year-old Thiem landed just sideways on the defending champion's first match ball, Djokovic stretched both index fingers up and patted his heart. With a lot of effort, the Serb expanded his impressive winning streak in Melbourne. In his eighth final of the Australian Open, too, he remained undefeated and will replace Spaniard Rafael Nadal as number one on Monday after a shaky appearance against the Zverev conqueror.
Djokovic enthusiastically kissed the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup, clapped the ball children and wrote extensive autographs for the large Serbian fan community. As the first man, he has won Grand Slam titles in the professional era since 1968 in three decades. For the 17th success in one of the four most important tournaments, he earned the equivalent of around 2.5 million euros and moved closer to the record Grand Slam tournament winner Roger Federer from Switzerland (20) and Nadal (19). "It is unreal what you do all these years," said Thiem. The title series of the "Big Three" lasts for three years.
Thiem had underlined his claim against Nadal and Zverev in the quarterfinals to be ready for his first Grand Slam title. "You were close and you definitely have a lot more time in your career. And I'm sure you'll get one of the Grand Slam trophies. More than one," said Djokovic to Thiem.
In the tennis crime thriller over four hours, Djokovic appeared physically and mentally strained in the meantime. Djokovic shook from the second set. When the Serb took too much time on a serve for the second time, he received a second warning and had only one serve. The prompt consequence: the decisive break for Thiem to equalize sentences. Djokovic slammed referee Damien Dumusois on the side when he changed sides and scolded: "You make yourself famous, well done."
Thiem suddenly dominated the action and secured set three without too much resistance. The previous year's winner received medical advice and left the pitch behind. "Novak Djokovic still doesn't look good physically," said Boris Becker, a TV expert at Eurosport, about his former protégé.
Djokovic had caught himself again in the fourth set, and the break to 5: 3 was successful. Suddenly the game turned in favor of the favorite, who was again the better player in the end and played off his huge experience.
Men's tableau
ATP ranking
game schedule
Previous winners
Results
Direct comparison Djokovic - Thiem