Djokovic wins epic final
Defending champion Novak Djokovic battled past Rafael Nadal in an
epic, five-set Australian Open final which clocked in at 5hr 53min - the
longest title match in grand slam history - early Monday. Djokovic
fought back from losing the first set to take a 2-1 lead, but he was
then taken to a gripping fifth set by resurgent Nadal before winning
5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 for his third consecutive major title.
Djokovic, who picks up a cheque for Aus$2.3 million (US$2.4 million),
has now beaten the Spaniard in three consecutive grand slam finals and
seven consecutive title matches overall.
It was a match of wildly swinging fortunes, which started before 8:00
pm on Sunday, but did not wind up until 1:40 am on Monday. The Serb had
cut a frustrated figure in the first set, slamming his racquet to the
ground when he was broken for the first time and falling one set behind.
A re-energised Djokovic found his rhythm in the second set, levelling
the match on his fourth set point and, starting to dictate, ran away
with the third set, overpowering Nadal and breaking him to love to win
it 6-2.
The 25-year-old from Majorca, deposed from the top ranking by
Djokovic after his defeat in last year's Wimbledon final, dug deep in
the fourth set, getting back into the contest through sheer force of
will. The Spanish left-hander saved three break points in the eighth
game, producing a fist-pumping celebration when he levelled at 4-4. But
then to add to the mounting tension, action was suspended while the roof
was closed and the court dried due to rain.
When play restarted the set went to a tie-break, with Nadal clinching
the set at his first opportunity, as Djokovic went long and wide on the
forehand.
In a dramatic fifth set Nadal secured a crucial break in the sixth
game. But with the Spaniard now suddenly looking the more likely winner,
Djokovic battled back to break.
A stunning 31-shot rally at the start of the ninth game left Djokovic
on his back, and Nadal then fought off a break point to hold. But
Djokovic broke in the 11th game when Nadal netted with a backhand, and
he saved a break point before serving out for the championship. The Serb
ripped off his shirt in celebration and marched to his players' box
flexing his muscles and then hugging his coach.
The match outstripped the 1988 US Open final between Mats Wilander
and Ivan Lendl, which lasted 4hr 54min, and also beat the Australian
Open record of 5hr 14min set by Nadal and Fernando Verdasco.
AFP |