30. 01. 2011. · Photo: Getty Images
Novak Djokovic is the Australian Open champion for the second time in his career!
The world no.3 defeated fifth-seeded Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in 2 hours and 37 minutes in the Australian Open final on Sunday, clinching his second Grand Slam title.
“I dedicate this title to my family, my brothers, my girl Jelena back home, my people that have been with me for so many years,” an emotional Novak said, holding the trophy at the ceremony.
“It has been a tough period for our people in Serbia,” added Djokovic. “We are trying every single day to present our country in the best possible way, so this is for my country Serbia.”
Nole showed a terrific display today, intelligent play, good tactics, great footwork, reliable serve, courage, determination, faith and mental toughness.
Djokovic posted a love service game to open the match. He had two break points in the second game, but Murray held to level. The Scot was serving to stay in the set at 5-4. He opened the game with a double fault and Novak went on to win two epic rallies – the first with a forehand winner down the line and the second when Murray hit a forehand into the net after a 38 stroke rally. It brought up two set points for Nole and he converted the first for 6-4 in 59 minutes.
Nole raced to 5-0 in the second set with a double break. He earned a break/set point in the sixth game, but Murray held and broke Djokovic’s serve for the first time for 5-2. The Serb managed to break once again to win the set 6-2 in 40 minutes.
There were several exchanges of breaks in the third set, but the crucial was Novak’s in the eighth game for 5-3 lead. The 23-year-old Belgrade native served it out, using his first match point for 6-3 and huge victory.
Match statistics: aces (6-6), double faults (0-4), winners (26-21), unforced errors (33-47), break point conversion (7/18 – 3/4), total points won (106-78).
This was the eighth encounter between Djokovic and Murray, first in Grand Slam tournaments. Nole now leads 5-3.
Nole improved to a 2-2 record in Grand Slam finals. The best Serbian tennis player lost only one set during the event.
“Winning a Davis Cup title and another Grand Slam title. I’m living the dream of a tennis player, definitely,” said Nole after the victory. “I have been more focused and dedicated to the sport than I have ever been before. To be able to win in straight sets against a player like Andy Murray in the finals of Grand Slam, it makes my success even bigger.”
“This was a great match. From the start to the last point, I did what I intended of doing tactically, what I talked with my coach, what I prepared for. It’s the best way that I could ask for to start a season. Both of those guys (Federer and Murray) play their best tennis on the hard courts, as well as I do. But to be able to win against those players in straight sets is incredible.”
“During this tournament I was feeling great on the court,” added the Serb. “The Davis Cup win may have a big role in my great performance here in this tournament. After we won Davis Cup title I was feeling great on the court, just eager to compete.”
Speaking about Murray, whom he has known since they were teenagers, Nole said: “I really have big respect for him and his game, because I think he has everything what it takes to become a Grand Slam champion. I’m sure that very soon he will be.”
Djokovic won six matches en route to the finals. He beat Spaniard Marcel Granollers, Croat Ivan Dodig, his friend and compatriot Viktor Troicki, Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, Czech Tomas Berdych and four-time defending champion Roger Federer.
With the victory, Nole will be no.3 on Monday, January 31, with only 85 points behind Roger Federer.
With two marvelous weeks at Melbourne Park capped by victory in a grand final Sunday night, Djokovic fashioned an emphatic answer to all those questions about whether he could grab his second major trophy.
CONGRATULATIONS NOLE!!!
