Novak Djokovic makes tennis history with Australian Open title

Novak Djokovic has won a historic ninth Australian Open men's singles title, achieving the feat thanks to a straight sets drubbing of Russia's Daniil Medvedev.

The pair played a hard fought first set which Djokovic claimed 7-5, before the world No.1 and reigning Australian Open champion dominated the second and third sets to earn a thoroughly convincing 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory.

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After an entertaining first set, Djokovic found another gear to dominate the rest of the match, only interrupted briefly by a protest in the crowd which saw two patrons quickly escorted out of Rod Laver Arena by security.

There was no stopping Djokovic after the lively first set, with Medvedev clearly frustrated entering the third and final set.

Djokovic's ninth Australian Open triumph was also his 18th grand slam victory, edging him ever closer to the record mark of 20 shared by longtime rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The 33-year-old overcame an abdominal injury to put on a tour de force in the final, shrugging off criticism of his tactics in the process.

A jubilant Djokovic tossed his racquet into the stands after ending the match with a lob smash.

Both players made a point of talking up the other after the match, with Medvedev praising Djokovic for helping him up the rankings after meeting the world No.1 back when he was ranked outside the top 500.

"Because I was shy, I didn't speak. He was asking the questions, talking to me like a friend," Medvedev said.

"I was really surprised. It never changed since I was 600 in the world or four in the world - you're a great sport, great person. So congratulations."

The final win improved Djokovic's career record at the Australian Open to an astonishing 82-8, and impressively brought Margaret Court's all-time record of 11 Australian Open wins within reach - however several of Court's titles came prior to the Open era.

Nevertheless, Djokovic's stranglehold over

ROAD TO TITLE

1st rd: bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 6-3 6-1 6-2

2nd rd: bt Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3

3rd rd: bt 27-Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-2

4th rd: bt 14-Milos Raonic (CAN) 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-1 6-4

QF: bt 6-Alexander Zverev (GER) 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 6-4 7-6 (8-6)

SF: bt Aslan Karatsev (RUS) 6-3 6-4 6-2

F: bt 4-Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 7-5 6-2 6-2

With AAP

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