Novak Djokovic stormed towards an incredible ninth Australian Open title as his rival capitulated in woeful fashion on the biggest stage.
You can’t dethrone the king.
That’s the message Novak Djokovic sent to the tennis world as he won a ninth Australian Open title, demolishing Daniil Medvedev in straight sets on his favourite court in the world.
The Serbian is yet to taste defeat in a final on Rod Laver Arena and showed once again why he’s unstoppable on the hard courts of Melbourne Park, teaching his opponent a brutal lesson in the Russian’s second grand slam final.
A wild, see-sawing first set gave way to unmatched Djokovic dominance as the world No. 1 stormed towards a 7-5 6-2 6-2 victory, giving him his 18th major singles title — just two fewer than closest rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
In the post-match presentation, Djokovic called Medvedev “one of the toughest players that I have ever played in my life” and has no doubt he will win a grand slam one day — but added in an extra one-liner that cracked up the crowd.
“It’s a matter of time when you hold a grand slam, that’s for sure — if you don’t mind waiting a few more years,” Djokovic said to laughs from the crowd.
“I would like everyone … to appreciate what he has done, a 20-match winning streak in the last couple of months. Amazing.”
Djokovic also addressed the headlines generated pre-tournament by players complaining about quarantine, thanking everyone involved in putting on a successful grand slam in the middle of a global pandemic.
“There are a lot of mixed feelings about what has happened in the last month or so with tennis players coming to Australia. But I think when we draw a line in the end it was a successful tournament,” Djokovic said.
“I want to congratulate the head of Tennis Australia Craig Tiley for making an effort. They did make a great effort.
“Look, it wasn’t easy. It was very challenging on many different levels. But, you know, I think they should be proud of themselves and of what they have put together.
“Thank you guys (the Melbourne crowd) very much for making it possible. Appreciate it. Thank you.”
Djokovic got the better of a wild first set then looked like his usual self in the second, taking command of baseline rallies as Medvedev started to falter. The world No. 4 said after his semi-final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas all the pressure was on Djokovic as the heavy favourite, but Medvedev was the one feeling the heat as he self-destructed in incredible fashion.
His body language disintegrated as unforced errors mounted, while protesters in the crowd caused play to be halted mid-point during the second set, prompting an angry Djokovic to put his finger to his lips and demand silence from a raucous crowd that was finding its voice.
He broke for a 3-0 lead and maintained the rage, surging ahead 5-2 as Medvedev smashed a racquet in frustration before coughing up the set.
The third set was even worse for the world No. 4. Gone was the cheeky self-confidence that has been synonymous with Medvedev’s game as his remarkable implosion continued.
At one change of ends he could be heard muttering to himself: “This is unbelievable.”
Medvedev kept shaking his head and tried to speed through games, which was only making matters worse and exacerbating his temper tantrums.
Up 4-1, Djokovic was never going to give up his advantage and he sealed the result with ease, winning two of the next three games.
Djokovic started in red hot fashion, breaking in the second game then holding serve again for a 3-0 lead.
Medvedev’s serve has been a major weapon for him this tournament but Djokovic was uncharacteristically aggressive on his returns, wanting to stamp his authority on the match from the beginning.
Tennis reporter George Bellshaw tweeted: “Statement start from Novak Djokovic. Big, accurate serving and some heavy hitting off the ground. Will be impossible to handle if he carries on like that.”
Djokovic was bullying Medvedev, claiming 12 points to three in just eight minutes and thumping a stinging forehand return winner to start the fourth game, but his Russian opponent finally settled and held for the first time.
Growing in confidence, Medvedev hit back with a break of his own to make it 2-3 after Djokovic butchered two easy overheads.
Soon it was 3-3 as Djokovic’s extremely aggressive intent on Medvedev’s second serves — not his usual strategy — proved to be hit and miss.
Medvedev was more than willing to go toe-to-toe with the world No. 1 from deep in the court. The Russian rolled through games on his own racquet as the set progressed to 5-5.
The match was rollicking along with frightening intensity as Djokovic earnt three break points to steal the set. Medvedev saved two of them but the Serbian came through in a clutch moment to seal the opener 7-5.
The protest was the only thing that put Djokovic off during the second set but his sour mood didn’t last long. He raced to a 3-1 lead then surged ahead to 5-2 as Medvedev wilted badly.
Djokovic maintained the rage in the third as Medvedev fell apart, allowing the Serbian superstar to clock up his 18th grand slam title.
