Australian Open: Djokovic prevails in epic battle

Serb crowned champion as Nadal outplayed in five-set thriller.


Afp January 29, 2012

MELBOURNE:


Defending champion Novak Djokovic battled past Rafael Nadal in an epic, five-set Australian Open final which clocked in at five hours and 53 minutes — the longest title match in grand slam history.


Djokovic fought back from losing the first set to take a 2-1 lead, but was then taken to a gripping fifth set by a resurgent Nadal before winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 for his third consecutive major title.

The nail-biting match of wildly swinging fortunes, played in front of an enthralled crowd was also the longest in the tournament’s history.

Despite the heart-breaking loss for world number two Nadal, the Spaniard said that the encounter against Djokovic had been a highly memorable one for him.

“I will never forget this match,” said Nadal. “Even though I lost, it was something really very special for me. I will keep coming back here a lot and I will keep fighting. I’ve really had a fantastic two weeks.”

Djokovic, who picks up a cheque for $2.4 million, has now beaten the Spaniard in three consecutive grand slam finals and seven consecutive title matches overall. The Serb was fulsome in his praise for his fallen rival after match.

“Rafa, you’re one of the best players ever,” said Djokovic. “You’re one of the most respected guys on the tour. We made history tonight, and unfortunately there couldn’t be two winners. But I wish you all the best for this season and I hope that we will have many more matches like this and many more finals.”

Djokovic’s win, his fifth grand slam title, means he joins a rare company. Only Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer (twice) and Nadal have previously won three consecutive grand slams in the open era.

See-saw battle

Djokovic struggled to get into the match early on against his never-say-die opponent, and fell a set behind but, re-energised, found his rhythm in the second to level and then went into the lead after bagging the third set.

But Nadal dragged himself back into the contest through sheer force of will, saving three break points in the fourth set and eventually winning it. The fifth set saw another nerve-wracking see-saw battle before Djokovic was able to down Nadal. The Serb ripped off his shirt in celebration and marched to his players’ box, flexing his muscles and then hugging his coach as he claimed his third Australian Open title.

Mattek-Sands, Tecau win mixed doubles

Meanwhile, American Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Horia Tecau of Romania won the Australian Open mixed doubles title, beating Indian-Russian pairing Leander Paes and Elena Vesnina in a match tie-break.

The eighth seeds ran away with the decider after Paes and Vesnina levelled the match, winning 6-3, 5-7, 10/3 in one hour and 42 minutes.

Novak Djokovic

“Rafa, you’re one of the best players ever. We made history tonight, and unfortunately there couldn’t be two winners. But I wish you all the best for this season and I hope that we’ll have many more matches like this and many more finals.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2012.

COMMENTS (1)

johar | 12 years ago | Reply

oh no, NOT AGAIN:(

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