Novak Djokovic beat Russian Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to claim an 18th Grand Slam crown.
The Serb’s 7-5 6-2 6-2 win leaves him just two titles short of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s joint record of 20.
Djokovic described his latest accolade as an “emotional rollercoaster” after the match.
Coming into the match Djokovic was the reigning back to back champion in Australia and had never lost a final at Melbourne Park, while the fourth seed Russian has lost his only previous final to Nadal at the US Open back in 2019.
The tie had all the makings of an upset with the Russian coming in off the back of an ongoing 20 match unbeaten streak against the Australian Open’s most successful champion.
It took the Serb just shy of two hours to claim glory as his usual rage inducing brand of spectacular tennis thwarted everything the Russian could throw at him.
The Serb raced into a three-game lead in the first set before Medvedev equalled the standings at 5-5. The reigning champion outlasted the Russian to claim the first set 7-5.
The second set appeared to be where the occasion engulfed the 6’6 Russian. Djokovic’s class saw him ease through the second 6-2.
Another 3-0 lead in the third put Djokovic just about on the brink of an 18th crown with little resistance coming back from Medvedev.
A technically sound overhead volley wrapped up the third and final set 6-2 in favour of Djokovic who collapsed on the court in triumph.
Medvedev’s fiery outburst in the third set encapsulated both the youthful inexperience of the Russian challenger in Grand Slam finals and the bewildering steely exterior of the Serb.
Now a nine-time champion down under, Djokovic has nothing but affection for Australia speaking to BBC Sport after the match.
“I love you each year more and more. The love affair keeps going”
“Emotionally it was one of the hardest tournaments that I’ve ever had, to be honest,”
“It was very challenging to keep my mind serene and focus on what matters the most.
“I’ve put a lot of energy and time to be sitting here with the trophy.”
