Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic thrashes Daniil Medvedev to clinch 18th Grand Slam crown

World No. 1 and top seed Novak Djokovic brushed aside a challenge from 4th-seeded Daniil Medvedev in a one-sided Australian Open 2021 men's singles final as he won a record-extending 9th title at Melbourne Park. Djokovic dominated the Russian from the word go at the Rod Laver Arena as he needed only an hour and 53 minutes to wrap up the final 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

With the win, Djokovic also extended his record of not losing a final at what has been his favourite Grand Slam. Djokovic won his first title at the Australian Open in 2008 and has made it a hat-trick of titles in Melbourne. Djokovic also extended his impressive Australian Open record to 82-9 with a win percentage of more than 90 percent.

Djokovic is now only 2 majors away from equalling Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's joint-record of 20 Grand Slams -- the most by a men's singles player in the Open Era. While Djokovic took his tally to 18, Nadal, who suffered a quarter-final exit at the Australian Open, missed an opportunity to go past Federer's tally of 20. To go with his 9 Australian Open titles, Djokovic has won 3 titles at the US Open, 5 Wimbledon titles, and a French Open crown.

Djokovic had to put behind a forgettable end to the 2020 season as he defaulted at the US Open shortly after the controversy surrounding



an exhibition tournament he organized in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Serb did not have a good start to the season as he was hampered by a back injury. that did not allow him to train between matches. At one point in his third-round match, Djokovic looked like the injury concern would get the better of him as he trailed USA's 27th seed, Taylor Fritz, but managed to push through and clinch a 5-set win.

Djokovic was complaining and cribbing about the 14-day mandatory quarantine period before the Australian Open but nothing could distract him from what he was going to do on the court. Djokovic edged past the likes of Milos Raonic, Alexander Zverev and in-form wildcard entrant Aslan Karatsev to reach the final.

On Sunday, it was a near-perfect show from Djokovic as he overcame a first set wobble to get the match done in just an hour and 53 minutes. Djokovic didn't look like he was going to be beaten as he did not drop a game en route to the top step of the podium at Melbourne Park. Djokovic had an incredible first-serve percentage of 71 as he used his perfect service to get out of jail whenever Medvedev tried to put pressure.

After having conquered Melbourne 9 times, Djokovic is certainly looking hungrier for more. The magic number of 20 might not be far away.