Djokovic prevails in classic
January 29, 2012 15:06:43 UK
World number one Novak Djokovic retained his Australian Open title with a classic five-set victory over Rafael Nadal in Melbourne.
Djokovic eventually prevailed 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5 in a gruelling encounter, the longest match in the history of the tournament, to secure a fifth Grand Slam title and his third consecutive major, following his wins at Wimbledon and the US Open.
Spaniard Nadal made a great start by taking the first set, before Djokovic roared back in style to edge ahead 2-1, only for the left-hander to restore parity in a thrilling fourth set tie-break.
Djokovic then fell a break down in the final set, but hit back and broke decisively in game eleven, before serving out for the title.
The energy-sapping encounter lasted almost six hours and was also the longest final in Grand Slam history.
Djokovic's victory was his seventh in succession over Nadal, all of which have come in tournament finals, including both Wimbledon and the US Open.
However Nadal still holds a 16-14 career advantage over the Serb, who will now target the French Open to complete a full set of Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic is 3.25 to take the honours at Roland Garros, with Nadal 1.72 for a seventh French Open crown, while Roger Federer is 9.00.
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