Australian Open 2021 men’s singles final: Novak Djokovic defeats Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2
Polarising Serb delivers a performance of sheer brilliance and opportunism to crush Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
- Djokovic wins in straight sets
- Second set to Djokovic 6-2
- Djokovic wins first set 7-5
- Osaka sorry for ‘Jenny’ gaffe
- Amazing stats point to upset
- ‘Delicious nastiness’ awaits
Serbia’s world no.1 Novak Djokovic has won his ninth Australian Open men’s singles title with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 over fourth-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic continued his mastery of Melbourne Park when claiming a ninth Australian Open title with a decisive triumph over Daniil Medvedev on Sunday night.
In a decider that was far less competitive than expected given the recent form of Medvedev, the Serbian superstar prevailed after a tight opening set to run rampant in what became a rout.
The 33-year-old claimed his 18th major title with a 7-5 6-2 6-2 victory in just 1hr 53min over the rattled Russian.
Djokovic, who has moved to within two major titles of the record held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, battled an abdominal issue in Melbourne from his third round against Taylor Fritz onwards.
He said a week ago that had it been a regular tour event, he would have withdrawn. But the opportunity at stake was too big to not test the waters and his body and nerve have held.
Accused prior to the final by John McEnroe of exaggerating his issues, Djokovic certainly did not appear hindered in any way on Sunday night.
Prior to the final, the world No 1 had been defiant. Djokovic said he was not going to roll over and hand the ascendancy to players such as Medvedev, who will move to a ranking of three.
Noting chatter this might be the major where the next generation took over, the right-hander was firm.
The talk was premature and not based on reality.
“We can talk about it all day, but with respect to the other guys, they still have a lot of work to do,” he said.
“I’m not going to stand here and hand it over to them. I’m going to make them work their ass off for that.”
A moment in #AusOpen history ðŸ†ðŸ’™@DjokerNole | #AO2021pic.twitter.com/QnyGXKYM3Q
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
On Sunday night he punctuated the point in emphatic fashion against a player who entered the final seeking a 21st straight victory.
Medvedev had defeated Djokovic in three of their past four outings, including the ATP Tour Finals in London last November.
But doing so over five sets on the biggest stages, such as the Australian Open final, is another matter.
Medvedev pressed for a period but the longer the decider went, the more Djokovic made it clear that he remains a rung above the rest, particularly on Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic, who has now won 21 Australian Open matches in succession, started in magnificent fashion when claiming the first three games of the match in just eight minutes.
Medvedev, who was playing in his second major final after a five set loss to Nadal in New York in 2019, rallied after his nerves settled to issue a challenge to the champion.
Among the many weapons Djokovic possesses is an ability to raise his game when the pressure is at its highest, as it was at 5-all in the opening set.
He reduces errors, chooses the right ball to attack and tests the nerves of his opponent on critical moments. And this ability again worked in his favour as Medvedev wilted.
When the Russian broke Djokovic’s serve in the opening game of the second set, it appeared the testing final predicted by Laver, among many others, might eventuate.
But Djokovic, who will soon surpass Federer in terms of the all-time hold on the world No 1 ranking, rebounded immediately and then hit the accelerator, leaving Medvedev flat-footed.
The Serbian reaped success against Medvedev by chipping sliced returns down the centre to three-quarter court or deeper.
This forced the fourth seed to make his own pace and, in doing so, his unforced error count began to spike.
After failing to retrieve a service break when trailing 2-4, he obliterated a racquet. And it was not long before he faced a two set deficit.
In the 2019 US Open final against Nadal, Medvedev had rallied from this position to force a deciding set against the Spanish legend.
But the contrast in body language from that match to Sunday night was stark. He had thrown his best punch at Djokovic in the first set, only for the blows to come back harder and faster.
It bewildered him. He gestured in frustration to his coaching box, swore at himself and looked anything but the prospective champion he had presented as over the past fortnight.
READ BELOW FOR A RECAP OF OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE MATCH
Will Swanton9.50pm:Peerless Djokovic makes Rod Laver Arena his own
Novak Djokovic said he wanted a private court in Melbourne. Well, he had one all along. Rod Laver Arena.
The polarising Serb won a ninth Australian Open by beating Daniil Medvedev in a performance of sheer brilliance and opportunism. After a month of controversial comments about Melbourne’s lockdown laws and his dubious injury status, Djokovic had the final say where it mattered most … on the scoreboard.
He secured his 18th major championship and confirmed himself the undisputed king of Melbourne Park with a supreme display of ball striking and nerveless self-belief. The House Only Half Full sign went up at Rod Laver Arena because of pandemic regulations but Djokovic, the pantomime villain of men’s tennis, had more crowd support than usual after a throng of Serbian fans swooped on a large portion of the 7477 tickets.
🇦🇺 ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
🇫🇷 ðŸ†
🇬🇧 ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†
🇺🇸 ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†@DjokerNole, take a bow ðŸ‘#AO2021 | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/5pJjfgJqop
Djokovic began his month-long stay in Australia by requesting a shorter quarantine period and private houses complete with backyard courts for players. He said mid-tournament an abdominal injury made it unlikely he would finish the event but lo and behold, he won it by suffocating Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2, completing a tournament that could only begin after 72 players had completed hard lockdown after their arrival in Melbourne. One of the competitors trapped in her hotel room for two weeks, American Jennifer Brady, who trained by hitting balls against a mattress she placed against the wall, was beaten 6-4 6-3 by Japan’s Naomi Osaka in an all-too-brief women’s decider on Saturday evening.
There was drama in the fourth game of the second set when a protester yelled long and loud enough for Djokovic to halt a rally and look up at the stands. The person wore a T-shirt saying “End Systemic Racism” and was shouting, “Free the refugees!” Security ejected the protester before the point Djokovic had abandoned was replayed. Djokovic won that game and put a finger to his lips in an attempt to get everyone to shoosh.
Medvedev was riding a 20-match winning streak and was expected to sternly test the world No 1, but Djokovic has come to virtually own RLA with an unprecedented number of titles. Every time Djokovic had an opportunity to pull ahead, he grabbed it. Every time he needed to wriggle free from difficulty, such as an early loss of serve in the second set, he managed to. When he trailed 0-1 in that set, he grimaced and winced and doubled over like he was in agony. He sprinted through the set and looked inconvenienced no more, further fuelling debate about whether he’s a hypochondriac or heroic.
Medvedev needed the fight to go all night to test Djokovic’s fitness and patience. The Serb’s mood swings had been less reliable than his actual ground stroke swings all fortnight, but Medvedev never really got a look in. It was a masterclass from Djokovic on how to perform when it matters most. He missed nothing, made everything. The Russian neatly smashed a racquet as the match slipped away, more from helplessness than anger as Djokovic moved just two major titles shy of the all-time men’s record of 20 held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Daniel Sankey9.39pm:DJOKOVIC WINS IN STRAIGHT SETS
A flawless Novak Djokovic has claimed his ninth Australian Open men’s singles title, crushing Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
The Djokovic Dynasty continues 👑@DjokerNole extends his record for most men's singles titles at the #AusOpen, claiming his ninth crown. #AO2021pic.twitter.com/VdjCS5OhVG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
Daniel Sankey9.21pm:Medvedev ‘in full meltdown mode’
As Novak Djokovic took a 3-0 lead in the third set — seemingly on the verge of yet another Australian Open crown — his Russian opponent Daniil Medvedev was struggling to comprehend just what was happening.
“He’s in full meltdown mode,” former Australian Davis Cup star Sam Groth said in commentary.
Medvedev managed to control his emotions as he held serve to get it back to 1-3 in the third set — but he desperately needs a break in one of Djokovic’s next two service games to stay in the match.
Courtney Walsh9.02pm:SECOND SET — DJOKOVIC 7-5, 6-2
Novak Djokovic has tightened his grip on the Australian Open final when claiming the second set in convincing fashion over Daniil Medvedev.
The Serbian has been far more composed from the baseline than the Russian, who is clearly frustrated at the predicament he finds himself in.
Medvedev smashed his racquet in anger after failing to retrieve a service break when trailing 2-4 in what was an error-riddled second set by the Russian.
Novak Djokovic races to a two-set lead and Medvedev's racquet pays the price. LIVE: https://t.co/ohHxoJVR8H#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/PacQj3VJyv
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) February 21, 2021
The fourth-seeded Medvedev actually started the second set in better fashion against the world No 1, whose level dipped for a brief period after a strong finish to the first set.
But the advantage did not last long as Djokovic responded immediately to the delight of his vocal fan base inside Rod Laver Arena, countering the service break.
The Serbian reaped some success against Medvedev by chipping sliced returns down the centre to three-quarter court or deeper.
This forced the world No 4 to make his own pace, something that saw him become increasingly error prone.strike some errors.
As the set progressed, Medvedev’s unforced error count rose. A backhand error to drop his second straight service game was a clear indication that his concentration had slipped.
With the final just over an hour old, Djokovic was clearly in the ascendancy as he moved to a set and 4-1 lead. He seized another break to close out the set by thundering a return at the feet of his increasingly rattled rival.
Daniel Sankey8.52pm:Djokovic breaks, leads 4-1 in second set
Ominous signs for Russia’s Daniil Medvedev as Novak Djokovic breaks in the fourth game of the second set for a 3-1 lead.
After losing the first set, Medvedev started brightly in the second, breaking the world no.1’s serve in the opening game. However, Djokovic was able to break straight back before holding and then breaking again in what could well be a match-turning moment.
As Djokovic consolidated the break for a 4-1 lead, Medvedev bounced his racquet in frustration — a sure sign that he knows he’s on the back foot in this match.
In his element ðŸ¡
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
After an early break from Daniil Medvedev, @DjokerNole wins four games in a row to lead the Russian 4-1 in the second set.#AO2021 | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/Lv21QheA07
Courtney Walsh8.35pm:Djokovic raises his game when it matters
Among the many weapons Novak Djokovic possesses is an ability to raise his game when the pressure is at its highest.
He reduces errors, chooses the right ball to attack and tests the nerves of his opponent on critical moments.
In the Australian Open final against Daniil Medvedev, it was this ability to focus at the death of the opening set that has given him the early lead, with Djokovic claiming the first set 7-5.
It became a far tougher and physically testing set than what appeared was on the cards early on.
Eyes on the prize 👀@DjokerNole breaks Daniil Medvedev when it matters most to take the opening set, 7-5 in 42 minutes.#AO2021 | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/rAxT8WSOSq
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
In a blistering opening, the two-time defending champion seized the first three games of the final in just eight minutes. In sparkling touch early on, he won 12 of the first 15 points.
The Serbian started with an ace down the middle. It was his 101st for the tournament. Despite the side strain, his ability to thump both of his serves flat and hard had been a feature of his play throughout the past week in Melbourne.
The Russian started nervously. He made three forehand errors in succession to give his rival an opportunity to break and was forced into a backhand mistake to drop serve.
The 17-time major strategy was directing a lot of traffic to the Medvedev forehand, which is considered a strength of the 25-year-old, and it reaped early dividends.
But Medvedev was able to hold serve in the fourth game to get on the scoreboard. He then broke the tournament favourite to 15 to retrieve the break in a scintillating game.
You could cut the tension with a knife. 😅#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/xpLSQBg28F
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 21, 2021
There were two notable points in the game. In the first extended rally, it was Medvedev who was able to break his rival, who failed with a drop shot in a bid to end the point.
On the next, Djokovic shanked a smash and then netted a bounce smash to concede the early advantage. Within 20 minutes, the final was back on level terms.
The longer rallies tended to favour Medvedev. Mindful of this, Djokovic was aggressive. The quality of the ball-striking was high. Despite slugging groundstrokes, errors were infrequent.
Leading 6-5, the eight-time Australian Open champion made his move. A blistering forehand winner gave him the first point.
A stunning backhand pass gave him three chances to win the set. On the third, when Medvedev erred with a forehand, the opening set was Djokovic’s in just over 40 minutes.
Daniel Sankey8.30pm:FIRST SET — DJOKOVIC 7-5
If you needed an illustration of just why Novak Djokovic is so difficult to beat at the Australian Open, take another look at the 12th game of the first set of this men’s final.
With Daniil Medvedev serving in a bid to take the set into a tie-breaker, Djokovic noticeably lifted his level, wining four straight points to win the game to love against his shell-shocked opponent.
There was little in the stats to separate the pair in the first set — Medvedev shading the aces tally (5-2), while both players hit 12 winners apiece.
The telling factor was the second service percentage, with Djokovic winning 80 per cent compared to just 38 per cent for the Russian.
Daniel Sankey8.20pm:First set goes down to the wire
If early indications are anything, we could be set for an Australian Open classic at Rod Laver Arena tonight.
After Novak Djokovic broke serve then held to love for a 3-0 lead, the signs were ominous for Daniil Medvedev. But the Russian has worked his way back into the match, getting back on serve and pushing the world no.1 around the court at will.
Both men’s court speed has been in full display tonight, and with the match at 5-5 in the first set, there’s little between them in the stats, with Medvedev just shading the winners 11-8.
Game face 🔛🔒@DjokerNole x @DaniilMedwed#AusOpen | #AO2021pic.twitter.com/ktzMoWbpYv
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
Agencies8.05pm:Osaka apologies for ‘Jenny’ gaffe
Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka told Jennifer Brady she was “so sorry” on Sunday after making an embarrassing gaffe with the American player’s name.
After beating Brady 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday to win her second Melbourne Park title, the ever-polite Osaka started her victory speech by asking if she preferred being called Jennifer or Jenny.
“Jenny,” replied Brady.
Omg no ðŸ˜ðŸ˜© I promise you my mind thought I called her Jenny in that moment and I was so confused why the crowd was laughing. I’m so sorry 😣 https://t.co/fqS3nPBb1C
— NaomiOsaka大å‚ãªãŠã¿ (@naomiosaka) February 21, 2021
Osaka then told the crowd: “Firstly, I want to congrat Jennifer,” which brought laughter from the 7,000-plus spectators on Rod Laver Arena.
Osaka apologised later on Twitter and said she was mortified at her blunder. “Omg no (crying emoji),” the Japanese player wrote. “I promise you my mind thought I called her Jenny in that moment and I was so confused why the crowd was laughing. I’m so sorry.”
Daniel Sankey8.03pm:Medvedev breaks back
We’ve got a match, folks.
Just when it looked like the first set was slipping away from Daniil Medvedev, the Russian has broken back to get things back on serve at 2-3.
Daniel Sankey7.55pm:Djokovic secures early service break
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has come roaring out of the blocks at Rod Laver Arena, breaking Daniil Medvedev’s serve for a 2-0 lead early in the first set.
After taking the first point of his opening service match, Medvedev lost four in a row to concede the break before Djokovic won his service game to love for a 3-0 lead.
It's the perfect start for the world No.1 👌@DjokerNole races to a 3-0 lead in the opening set against Daniil Medvedev.#AO2021 | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/1EnV691I4r
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
Daniel Sankey7.48pm:Djokovic holds serve to begin final
We’re underway in the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, with the world no.1 and top-seeded Serb holding serve for a 1-0 lead. Djokovic was a $1.75 favourite with the TAB as the match began, with the Russian a $2.05 outsider.
🚨 Special delivery for @RodLaverArena 🚨#AusOpen | #AO2021pic.twitter.com/Ryn2VavLnO
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
Agencies7pm:Amazing stats point to Aus Open upset
Novak Djokovic heads into tonight’s Australian Open final unbeaten on eight previous occasions in the title match, but knowing he will need to be at his mental and physical best to overcome red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev.
Medvedev, the world number four, is unbeaten since last November, including a straight-sets drubbing of the Serb at the ATP Finals in London.
In fact, Medvedev has won three of the past four matches contested between the pair.
“He’s just so solid. Also, I heard (commentator) Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it’s true,” Djokovic said.
“You know, he’s definitely a very smart tennis player.”
ð”¼ð•§ð•–ð•£ð•ªð•¥ð•™ð•šð•Ÿð•˜ ð•¥ð• ð•¡ð•ð•’𕪠ð•—ð• ð•£ ðŸ†@DjokerNole 🆚 @DaniilMedwed
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
Who is your #AO2021 champion?@Kia_Worldwide | #Kia | #MovementThatInspires | #KiaTennis | #AusOpen
Djokovic is into his ninth decider at Melbourne Park as he targets an 18th Slam title to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each.
But the 33-year-old said while experience was clearly an advantage, Medvedev would be a formidable adversary.
The Serb holds the phenomenal record of never losing a final on Melbourne’s famous blue courts in eight attempts spanning 13 years.
Djokovic will also be playing his 28th Grand Slam final. It will be the Russian’s second.
“Of course it contributes to more confidence, prior to coming into the finals, knowing that I never lost in the finals or semi-finals just makes me feel more comfortable being on the court,” Djokovic said.
Medvedev, who has dropped just two sets so far this tournament, said that despite having all the momentum he will go into the final as the underdog.
The Russian, who also reached the 2019 US Open final, losing to Nadal, has the weapons to trouble Djokovic, with a big serve, unrelenting returns and exceptional movement as he targets a maiden Grand Slam title.
Twelve of his 20 straight wins have been against top-10 players.
“Playing Novak seven times already is just a huge experience,” he said. “(But) I think when he’s in the zone he doesn’t miss. He goes down the line, cross, forehand, backhand, he doesn’t miss. That’s what is the toughest part of playing against him.”
— AFP
Will Swanton6.45pm:‘Delicious nastiness’ ahead in final
A delicious nastiness is simmering beneath the men’s Australian Open final after a women’s decider that was so swift and predictable that patrons should have asked for their money back. There was a general air of, is that it? Another example of why women’s finals should be best of five sets.
Daniil Medvedev can be a cranky bugger when things aren’t going his way. They’re unlikely to all go his way on Sunday night against Novak Djokovic. He’s an articulate and likeable bloke off the court, but he plays with a sneer. If the crowd gives him a hard time, he will give it right back, and then some. If Djokovic starts bunging on the injuries or time-wasting, Medvedev will return the favour, making his displeasure known. If he believes the umpire has stuffed up – previously he’s hit the chair with his racquet in a threatening little act.
If Djokovic gets a rough ride from the bogan element of the Rod Laver Arena crowd, which was completely out of line during his match against Taylor Fritz, he will explode at them like he did then. Throw all that on top of Medvedev straining for his first major title, and Djokovic being desperate for his 18th, and both of them being willing to get down and dirty, and the cocktail is delicious.
Read Will Swanton’s full match preview here.
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