Novak Djokovic mainly cruised through Australian Open 2020, he but found himself in trouble when it mattered the most. He was down 2-1 in the final of the tournament against Dominic Thiem, and it looked like the Serbian wouldn’t capitalize on his great run. Still, as many times before, Djokovic gathered his composure and delivered another impressive comeback to capture his eight career and second consecutive Australian Open title.
After winning the first set with ease, Djokovic struggled in the second and third set. His serve wasn’t there and he was visibly tired. Thiem used the opportunity to win both sets and get just one set away from winning his first career Grand Slam.
“I was on the brink of losing the match. Dominic … disrupted my rhythm in my game at one point. He was a better player,” said Djokovic. “Probably one point — and one shot — separated us tonight.”
After the third set, Djokovic took a break and had a consultation with his doctor and trainer. Then he returned to court, and everything changed. The 32-year-old looked revitalized and managed to mount a comeback, which saw him win the fourth set with 6-3 and then have an early break in the fifth to win it 6-4 and close out the match.
“It was anybody’s game, really. I knew that very early in the fifth set, it was crucial for me to make a break,” Djokovic said. “I had that mental edge again, and that was enough to win it.”
Novak Djokovic’s eight Australian Opens are an absolute record in men’s category, with the second most being six won by Roger Federer in Open Era and Roy Emerson in the Amateur Era. Djokovic also climbed to 17 career Grand Slams, with only Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (19) having more.
