Dominant Djokovic sweeps to record ninth Australian Open title

Novak Djokovic obliterated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win his ninth Australian Open title and extend his record-breaking reign in Melbourne on Sunday 21 February 2021.

Djokovic stormed to a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 as the big Russian’s serve malfunctioned handing the Serbian maestro the initiative.

The Serbian is now just one Grand Slam win away from drawing level with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as the most successful men in the history of men’s singles Majors.

Djokovic dropped five sets en route to the final and battled an abdominal injury that nearly forced him to pull out after the third round, but was on another level on Sunday, showing why he is tracking to be an all-time great.

Unforced errors and a wobbly second serve meant that Medvedev couldn’t really get going, and after Djokovic secured a tight first set there was no looking back.

How the Australian Open was won by Djokovic

Medvedev overcooked two forehands on his opening service game, then sent one into the net to hand the Serb the first breakpoints, then a wild backhand saw him immediately on the back foot.

Djokovic consolidated with a serve to love before the Russian finally got off the mark with a wobbly hold for 1-3. 

A failed drop shot and net volley from the Djokovic allowed Medvedev to break back and get back into the set.

Long rallies became the order of the day and it went with serve until some brilliant groundstrokes from Djokovic earned three break points at 6-5. Medvedev saved two but not the third to lose the opening set.

Undeterred, Medvedev kept the pressure on to break Djokovic’s opening serve in set two, but the Serb immediately struck back.

Djokovic would win three games in a row, despite the disruption of two fans being ejected in an apparent refugee protest, as he took control.

The world number one raced to a 5-2 lead with Medvedev smashing his racquet in frustration as the set and the championship began slipping away.

A deflated Medvedev dropped his opening serve in set three and never looked like finding a way back as Djokovic drew on his experience to close out the match, dropping to the court in celebration. 

The win reinforced Djokovic’s status as world number one, where he will mark his 311th week when the new rankings come out on Monday, surpassing Federer’s record of 310.

Medvedev will move to a career-high three in the rankings, behind Nadal.

Read: Osaka claims second title in straight sets triumph