Djokovic thrashes Medvedev for record-extending ninth Australian Open title | Tennis News – Times of India
The world number one’s 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 triumph under the lights at Rod Laver Arena secured his 18th Grand Slam title, bringing him within tantalising reach of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s all-time record of 20.
Much like Dominic Thiem in last year’s final, Djokovic faced an opponent desperate for success and his own seat at the Grand Slam table.
Unlike Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets, Medvedev never really threatened.
𝑀𝒶𝒿𝑒𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸 𝒾𝓃 𝑀𝑒𝓁𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒The moment @DjokerNole claims his 9th #AusOpen title.#AO2021 https://t.co/2sQVBGF0Wv
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1613904210000
Djokovic made a mockery of the Russian’s 20-match winning streak and his pre-match barb that all the pressure to win was on the champion.
He broke him seven times for the match and closed out the one-sided contest with a net-rush and a brilliant leaping volley.
🇦🇺 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🇫🇷 🏆🇬🇧 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🇺🇸 🏆🏆🏆@DjokerNole, take a bow 👏#AO2021 | #AusOpen https://t.co/5pJjfgJqop
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1613904631000
Having extended his unbeaten record in nine finals at Melbourne Park, the Serb roared in triumph and wrapped up his team in a group hug.
He now has won six Grand Slam titles after the age of 30, equalling Nadal’s record.