MELBOURNE (Australia): Novak Djokovic overcame a five-set thriller against Dominic Thiem to win the Australian Open and claimed a record eighth title on Sunday.
The indomitable Serb, who also returned to world number one, stretched his unbeaten streak this season to 13.
But it wasn’t an easy battle as he had to rally from two sets to one down to beat the fifth-seeded Austrian 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a nearly four-hour marathon.\
“Definitely my favourite court, my favourite stadium in the world and I’m blessed to hold this trophy once again,” said Djokovic, who had beaten Roger Federer in the semis.
It was Djokovic’s 17th Grand Slam title, moving him within two of Rafael Nadal and three of Roger Federer on the all-time list.
Victory put him alongside his fellow legends as only the third man in history to win eight or more titles at the same Slam after Nadal (12 at the French Open) and Federer (eight at Wimbledon).
He will regain his world number one when the new rankings are released on Monday, beating Nadal. Federer remains third with Thiem moving up a place to a career-high fourth.
Djokovic had never before won a Slam final in seven previous attempts when finding himself two sets to one down.
“You and two other guys (Nadal and Federer) brought men’s tennis to another level. I am happy I can compete in these times,” said Thiem. “I fell short today but I hope soon I can compete with you again.”
With Djokovic still looking distracted, Thiem served out the set — the first the Serb had dropped in an Australian Open final since 2015.
“It wasn’t meant to be tonight,” Djokovic told Thiem. “Tough luck. It was a tough match. But you were very close to winning it. “You know, you definitely have a lot more time in your career and I’m sure that you will get one of the Grand Slam trophies. And more. More than one.”
