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Novak Djokovic reaffirmed his status as King of Melbourne Park after winning a record-breaking ninth Australian Open title in an emphatic speech. straight set victory over Daniil Medvedev 7-6 6-2 6-2.
Unlike his eight previous titles before him, World No.1’s time Down Under has been featured by quarantine complaints, injury mind games and a polarized fan base checking it around every corner.
But on the ground he proudly stated that he had a love affair with during the first roundDjokovic reminded the world why he currently sits atop the world order by dismantling perhaps the new tennis goalkeeper’s best hope of dislodging the Big Three.
The Serbian’s place among that small group now takes on new significance as he dragged his Grand Slam run to 18 with his last victory over Rod Laver Arena, just two of 20 held by his elders Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
While Medvedev’s steadfast demeanor ahead of Sunday’s clash was short-lived, it was short-lived, as a courageous first-set position that saw the Russian back on his way to a morning break ultimately begged for an unforced error that gave the game the set. Serbian star, 7-5.
For whatever the 25-year-old could throw, Djokovic was more than happy to fire him, as the duo traded games in the second set before the world No.1 showed his ability to think on his feet.
Tactically above, Djokovic was more than happy to coax his opponent into the net, a gaping weakness in the Russian’s game, and shorten the points by pouncing on Medvedev’s looping second serve.
It quickly took effect and saw Medvedev “hit himself in a hole,” as American tennis legend Jim Courier put it, as the underdog struggled to find an answer to the masterclass facing him through the net.
Medvedev self-destructs in the third set
The loss marks the end of a sensational 20-point winning streak for Medvedev, with his vaunted icy sharpness shattered as he made his way through the third to a straight-set loss.
Accepting his latest piece of silverware, a grateful Djokovic put together a long list of heartfelt thank-you messages, but perhaps saved his most humble moment for a very special relationship.
“Finally, I would like to thank this tribunal,” Djokovic said moved in front of the central tribunal.
“I would like to thank Rod Laver Arena. I love you more and more every year. The love story just keeps growing, thank you very much.”
“If you don’t mind waiting a few years” – Djokovic plans more titles
A vocal member of the cohort of players who may have been the least impressed with Victoria’s strict quarantine protocols, Djokovic made some semblance of peace with the matter with his final words.
“There are a lot of mixed feelings about what has happened over the past month or so with the tennis players coming to Australia,” he said.
“But I think when we drew a line at the end it was a successful tournament for the organizers. Tennis Australia I want to congratulate on this effort.
“Look, it wasn’t easy, it was difficult on many levels, but I think they should be proud of themselves of what else they put in to get us to come to Australia and to be here.”
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