Djokovic wins record-extending ninth Australian Open title | Inquirer Sports

Djokovic wins record-extending ninth Australian Open title

/ 06:53 PM February 21, 2021

Novak Djokovic 2021 Australian Open final

Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 21, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Loren Elliott

MELBOURNE – 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 Australian Open title on Sunday.

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 tantalizing reach of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s all-time record of 20.

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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.

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Unlike Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets, Medvedev never really threatened.

Djokovic 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.

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He broke him seven times for the match and closed out the one-sided contest with a net-rush and a brilliant leaping volley.

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Having extended his unbeaten record in nine finals at Melbourne Park, the Serb 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, equaling Nadal’s record.

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TAGS: Australian Open, Daniil Medvedev, final, Grand Slam, MELBOURNE, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, title

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