Novak Djokovic claims ninth Australian Open crown with straight-sets win over Daniil Medvedev in men’s final

Djokovic kisses the trophy after winning his ninth Australian Open title (AP)

Novak Djokovic’s dominance at the Australian Open has continued, with the world number one winning his ninth men’s title — and third straight — by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Pre-match predictions of a five-set thriller come to nothing, as Djokovic dismantled the fourth-seeded Medvedev in under two hours, triumphing 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic has a perfect record in Australian Open finals and now has won three consecutive championships for the second time in his career.

The victory also gave him an 18th major singles title, just two shy of the men’s record held by his contemporaries Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, who had been troubled by injury earlier in the tournament, said it was a satisfying feeling to win another Australian Open.

“It has been a roller-coaster ride for me, especially in the last couple of weeks,” Djokovic said during the presentation ceremony.

Djokovic thanked Australian Open organisers for staging the tournament amid the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic.

“There are a lot of mixed feelings about what has happened in the last month or so with tennis players coming to Australia,” he said.

“But I think when we draw a line in the end, it was a successful tournament for organisers. I want to congratulate the head of Tennis Australia (chief executive) Craig Tiley for making an effort.

“They did make a great effort. It wasn’t easy. It was very challenging on many different levels.”

The presentation ceremony had earlier been interrupted by booing and whistling when Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka addressed the crowd.

Ms Hrdlicka was booed when she spoke about COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as when she thanked the Victorian government for their assistance in holding the tournament.

Medvedev, who was bidding to become the third Russian to win the Australian Open men’s championship, had won three of his past four encounters against Djokovic.

But he was his own worst enemy at times on Sunday night, racking up 30 unforced errors during his defeat.

Medvedev paid tribute to Djokovic, who he described as a “great sport”.

“Nine grand slams in Australia, 18 titles, is amazing and probably not your last one,” said Medvedev, who was playing in his second final of a major.

“I have no words to say.”

Djokovic said it was “a matter of time” before Medvedev won a major.

“He’s definitely one of the toughest players that I ever faced in my life,” he said.

Medvedev’s appearance in the Australian Open final will lift him to a career-high ranking of three.

Djokovic takes control early

Djokovic was in cruise control in the early stages of the first set after he established a 3-0 lead.

Despite losing his opening service game, Medvedev was unflustered. He held serve and then broke back in the fifth game when Djokovic mistimed an overhead smash at 15-40 down.

As the set progressed it seemed a tiebreak would be needed to decide its outcome, however Djokovic made sure he had a say in the matter.

Leading 6-5 with Medvedev serving, Djokovic brought up three set points with a brilliant backhand passing shot. Medvedev saved the first two, but Djokovic converted on the third via an unforced error from his opponent.

Medvedev, who had won 20 straight tour-level matches before the final, started the second set on the right note when he clinched a service break in the opening game.

But Djokovic got the break back immediately, robbing Medvedev of the opportunity to build momentum early in the set.

Medvedev’s serve let him down again in the fourth game. Unforced errors on both his backhand and forehand wings cruelled his chances of holding serve, allowing Djokovic to leap out to a 3-1 lead.

A set and a break up, Djokovic could smell blood, while Medvedev was becoming increasingly frustrated. He let his emotions boil over in the seventh game when he smashed his racquet on the court after falling behind 2-5.

His mood only darkened when he dropped serve in the next game, as Djokovic took a two-sets-to-love lead.

When Djokovic broke Medvedev in the second game of the third set, his victory was a mere formality.

He kept his nose in front throughout the set, forcing Medvedev to play catch-up in his attempt to stay in the final.

Djokovic held serve to lead 5-2 and he wrapped up victory in the following game when he broke Medvedev for the seventh time.