Novak Djokovic beats Daniil Medvedev to lift ninth Australian Open title

A very different Australian Open came to a familiar close on Sunday, with Novak Djokovic crowned champion for a record-extending ninth time and Serbian fans hailing a one-sided win over another would-be challenger in Daniil Medvedev. (Twitter/australianopen)  

The world number one’s 7-5 6-2 6-2 win on his favourite court secured his 18th Grand Slam title, bringing him within tantalising reach of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s all-time men’s record of 20. (Twitter/australianopen) 

“I would like to thank Rod Laver Arena. I love you each year more and more. It’s been a love affair that keeps growing. Thank you so much,” Djokovic said as he cradled the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup once again. (Twitter/australianopen) 

With a fortune spent to put on a biosecure tournament amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Djokovic came into the Grand Slam under fire after offending the Australian public for petitioning organisers to ease quarantine conditions for players. He suffered a painful abdominal injury in the first week and had to manage it through the second. (Twitter/australianopen)   

But those challenges were drowned out in the roars of his fans as he thrashed fourth seed Medvedev in a bearpit atmosphere. (Twitter/australianopen) 

Djokovic made a mockery of the Russian’s 20-match winning streak and his pre-match barb that all the pressure was on the champion. He broke him seven times and closed out the one-sided contest with a net-rush and a brilliant leaping volley. (Twitter/australianopen)