Tennis News - World number one Novak Djokovic scales new heights in Australia
Last updated 2/6/2012 3:21:12 PM
ennis News - World number one Novak Djokovic scales new heights in Australia
World number one Novak Djokovic followed up his outstanding victory over Andy Murray by beating Rafael Nadal in the longest Masters final in modern history.
It took the world's best player won a spectacular battle that could have gone either way right up until the final point of the final which took five hours and 53 minutes of tennis of stunning quality.
Djokovic eventually squeezed home 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 after coming back from 2-4 in the final set to win his fifth Grand Slam.
A measure of the quality of the tennis was displayed by the vast numbers who stayed on in the Rod Laver court until the bitter end which finished at 0137 local time.
Djokovic beat the second seeded Spaniard in their previous six meetings and has now triumphed at the last three successive majors to firmly establish himself as the best of the best ahead of Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
Despite the great players over the Open tennis years this is undoubtedly the strongest quartet since the halcyon days of Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Tony Roche and Kenny Rosewall.
Djokovic started at a distinct disadvantage to his opponent who had a days extra rest after his semi final victory over Federer while Murray also took him to five sets in a match which lasted ten minutes short of five hours.
The Serb fell to the floor after hitting the winning forehand, threw off his shirt and celebrated with his team in the stands.
"Rafa is one of best players ever and one of the most respected guys on tour," said Djokovic, who will hold all four Grand Slam trophies if he wins the French Open in June.
"Unfortunately there couldn't be two winners and I hope we have many more matches like this."