Once again Novak Djokovic has his hands on the Australian Open crown after coming through a roller-coaster encounter with Dominic Thiem on Sunday.
The world No.2 looked at times to be down and out, but conjured up a way to battle back in a thriller that lasted one minute shy of the four-hour mark. Coming out on top to win 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, in front of a record 31,020 fans on the Rod Laver Arena. It gifts the Serbian his 17th major title to edge him nearer to Roger Federer’s all-time tally of 20.
“I am grateful to have an opportunity to win another Australian Open trophy.” Djokovic said during his press conference.
“Obviously at this stage of my career, Grand Slams are the ones I value the most. They are the ones I prioritize. Before the season starts I try to set my form, shape for these events where I can be at my prime tennis, mental and physical abilities.”
Besides a payment of AUS$4,120,000 for winning the Melbourne major, Djokovic has also achieved a series of milestones in his record-breaking career.
Here are 10 facts about his historic victory down under.
- Back on top: Sunday’s triumph in Melbourne means Djokovic will rise back to world No.1 in the ATP rankings for the first time since November 3rd last year. He has already held the position for 275 weeks in what is the third longest reign of all-time. Only Pete Sampras (286 weeks) and Federer (310 weeks) have held the position longer.
- Another decade, winning: The Serbian has become the first man in the Open Era (1969 or later) to win a major title over three different decades. Something that has only been achieved by Ken Rosewall between 1953-1972.
Decade Titles won 2000-2009 Australian Open – 2008 2010-2019 Australian Open – 2011-2013, 2015-2016, 2019
French Open – 2016
Wimbledon – 2011, 2014-2015,2018-2019
US Open – 2011, 2015, 20182020-present Australian Open – 2020 - Age is just a number: Djokovic is the fourth man in the Open Era to win multiple titles at the Australian Open after their 30th birthday. Joining Rosewall, Federer and Andre Agassi. Overall, he has won five grand slams since reaching the milestone age. Something only previously achieved by Rafael Nadal on the men’s tour.
- Melbourne magic: Since 1969 the Australian Open men’s title has been successfully retained on 14 occasions. Djokovic now accounts for four of those following his triumph over Thiem. He also retained the title in 2012, 2013 and 2016. Over the past 20 years, only two men have managed to retain the title apart from Djokovic. Agassi did it once in 2001 and Federer did it twice in 2008 as well as 2018.
- The eight-time winners club: Besides extending his record as the most decorated male singles player in Australian Open history, Djokovic joins another prestigious group. He is only the third man to win the same grand slam eight or more times. The other two are Nadal with 12 French Open titles and Federer with eight at Wimbledon.
- Surpasses McEnroe: Djokovic has now won 78 ATP titles so far in his career. Overtaking John McEnroe to sit in fifth place on the all-time list. He is also just six trophies behind rival Nadal. However, Djokovic still has a long way to go if he wishes to break Jimmy Connors’ record. The American ended his career with 109 titles, which is six more than Federer’s current tally.
- Melbourne momentum: Djokovic has now won 75 main draw matches at the Australian Open. The second highest in history after Federer with 102 victories. Although the Swiss Maestro is six years older than Djokovic.
- Top five successes: Since his grand slam debut back in 2006, the 32-year-old has defeated 31 top five players. Becoming the first member of the Big Three to do so. At the Australian Open specifically, he has recorded a total of 15 wins. More than twice of what he has achieved at any other grand slam.
Top five wins:-
-Australian Open 15
-French Open 5
-Wimbledon 5
-US Open 6 - The comeback: It might have been his 26th appearance in a major final, but Djokovic encountered a new territory against Thiem. It was the first time he has come back from two sets down to win. He has previously contested five-set finals on multiple occasions, but in all of those meetings he had an initial lead of two-sets.
- Sweet 13: Djokovic has now won all 13 of his first matches on the ATP Tour this season. Something he last achieved back in 2016. So far this year, nine out his 13 wins were in straight sets.