2020 Australian Open Men’s Final Open Thread: Novak Djokovic v Dominic Thiem

by Staff | February 1st, 2020, 7:03 pm
  • 125 Comments

The decades’s first Grand Slam will be decided tonight as Novak Djokovic battles Dominic Thiem for the 2020 Australian Open title

This will be their 11th meeting, first in a final. Djokovic leads 6-4 but Thiem has won four of the last meetings including two straight in Grand Slam play.

The 7-time champion Djokovic enters on a 13-match winning straight in Melbourne. And this event he’s lost just one set and is a perfect 7-0 in the final.


Thiem comes into his first hard court Slam final after two tough 4-set wins over Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev. He’s the first Austrian to make the Australian Open final as he tries to win his first career Grand Slam title.

Thiem has come up short in the last two French Open finals to Rafael Nadal.

ITF TOURNAMENT NOTES
* Seven-time Australian Open champion DJOKOVIC is bidding to win his 8th Australian Open title and extend his all-time record for most men’s singles titles here.
* Djokovic is also bidding to win his 17th Grand Slam title and close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the top of the all-time list for most Grand Slam men’s singles titles.
* Djokovic is bidding to become the 3rd man in history to win at least 8 titles at the same Grand Slam event. Nadal, who has won 12 titles at Roland Garros, holds the record for most titles at the same Grand Slam event. Federer is the only other man to have won 8 titles at a Grand Slam event, having won 8 titles at Wimbledon.
* At 32 years 256 days, Djokovic is bidding to win his 5th Grand Slam title since turning 30 and equal Nadal’s Open Era record for most Grand Slam men’s singles titles won after the age of 30. Since celebrating his 30th birthday on 22 May 2017, Djokovic has won 4 major titles – at Wimbledon in 2018 and 2019, the 2018 US Open and here last year.
* Djokovic is bidding to win his 78th Tour-level singles title and claim sole ownership of 5th place on the Open Era list for most Tour-level men’s singles titles won, ahead of John McEnroe.

* THIEM is bidding to become the 150th Grand Slam men’s singles champion in history. Marin Cilic, the most-recent first-time major winner, became the 149th different man to win a Grand Slam title at the 2014 US Open.
* Thiem is bidding to become the first player born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam men’s singles title. At 26 years, 152 days, he will become the youngest men’s Grand Slam champion since Cilic (25 years 345 days) won the title at the 2014 US Open and the youngest men’s Australian Open champion since Djokovic in 2013 (25 years 250 days) if he wins tonight.
* Thiem is bidding to become the 2nd Austrian player – man or woman – in history to win a Grand Slam singles title. 1995 Roland Garros champion Thomas Muster is the only Austrian player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
* Thiem is bidding to avoid becoming the 4th man in the Open Era to lose his first 3 Grand Slam finals – after Ivan Lendl and Andy Murray, who both lost 4 Grand Slam finals before winning their first major titles, and Goran Ivanisevic, who lost his first 3 Grand Slam finals before winning his only major title at 2001 Wimbledon.
* If he wins his first Australian Open title on his 7th appearance here, Thiem will go joint-4th on the Open Era list for most attempts before winning the Australian Open title, alongside Lendl and Marat Safin. By reaching the final here for the first time, he went joint-8th on the Open Era list for most attempts before reaching the Australian Open final, alongside Fernando Gonzalez.

Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 6-4
An 11th meeting for the pair, their 5th on a hard court, their 4th at a Grand Slam and their first at the Australian Open. All 10 of their previous meetings have come at Grand Slams, Masters-1000 events or the ATP Finals.

This is the first time that Djokovic and Thiem will meet in a final at any level.

Djokovic won the pair’s first 5 meetings between October 2014 and May 2017, dropping only one set to Thiem during that time. Thiem defeated Djokovic for the first time at Roland Garros in June 2017 – and of their most-recent 5 meetings, Thiem has won 4, with his only defeat to Djokovic in that time coming in the semifinals at Madrid-1000 last year.

SUNDAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN SCHEDULE
3pm
Men’s Doubles Final
(12) R. Ram/J. Salisury v (WC) M. Purcell/L. Saville

Men’s Singles Final
NOT BEFORE 7:30PM
(5) Dominic Thiem (AUT) v (1) Novak Djokovic (SRB)

WUNDERGROUND.COM SUNDAY FORECAST
A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.

LADBROKES ODDS
Novak Djokovic 1/4 v Dominic Thiem 14/5

US TV SCHEDULE
ESPN will have live coverage of the men’s final at 3:30am ET.

POLL


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2019 French Open Men’s Final Open Thread: Rafael Nadal v Dominic Thiem
Novak Djokovic v Dominic Thiem For The Australian Open Title, Who’s The Pick?
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125 Comments for 2020 Australian Open Men’s Final Open Thread: Novak Djokovic v Dominic Thiem

chofer Says:

Well, it’s about to begin…

Why changing threads constantly, tennis-x? What’s wrong with the Finals pick thread?

At least I know you’re wide awake, too!!


Van Persie Says:

Nole idemoooo!


chofer Says:

From the possibility of getting ahead 5-1 to 4-4.

This is getting interesting. Djolo last three games erratic; Thien finds empty spaces with his FH really well.

Question: Why Djoko is not willing to volley once he has Thiem pinned down? A key aspect is that the Austrian is more willing to close it out at the net those kind of points.


chofer Says:

Well, its 4-3 but Thiem serving…


chofer Says:

That Thiem volley to erase BP. What I was saying… more adventurous.


chofer Says:

4-4 now


Daniel Says:

Indeed, Djoko had chances to a double break up, first 6 games he eas way better and somehow Thiem maintained his serve. Also Djoko was serving impecable till thay 4-2 game and serve.
Now 0-30 and chance to finish this set.


chofer Says:

Djoko let Dominic into the 1st. set.

Now he’ll probably gets a TB for penance.


Daniel Says:

SP and Djoko misses a FH DTL pasing shot long. Thiem again brave coming to the net


chofer Says:

It’s Thiem the pro who made most radical changes to his basic game? Because I think so.

It’s just not only his physicality (which he always had)
But he’s not hesitant to go forward.

Somehow, after all these years, Djkoko still is…


Daniel Says:

Thiem DF on ser point. Too much presssure, he had only one game that did not went deuce this set.

Djoko as expected is playing great, he started on a row and bar that game was flawless. Could come to the net mor, agree with chofer on that end.


van orten Says:

No shot making at all .. just rallies rallies and rallies … tennis is boring


chofer Says:

A lousy service game by Thiem gives Djoko the set 6-4.

He also hit his most clever shot of the set: a moonball to Thiem’s Bh for BP. It paid.


chofer Says:

Could come to the net mor, agree with chofer on that end.

The scary thing Daniel is that he CAN play better than this.


chofer Says:

Now proving it to open second set.


chofer Says:

It’s not a secret Djoko succes at Wimbledon, like Borg, are on his returns and LEGS.

But the Swede legend volleyed better. So does Thiem.


Daniel Says:

Now is Djoko’s time to return the favor with a DF down BP. 2-1 Thiem and serve.


chofer Says:

Dkoko stopped moonballing to Thiem’s BH. Playing FH o Fh it’s not good strategy.


chofer Says:

And it’s a break for Thiem. Terrible strategy to try a flat winner to Thiem’s BH that sailed long. It was a high topspin Bh, Djoker!!


chofer Says:

Thiem kryptonite is a high ball to his BH. When Novak has the opportunity, well inside the baseline, tried a flat winner instead of a high looping shot which also has margin to get in.

There’s nothing Dominic can attack with a deep, looping ball to his BH.


chofer Says:

Other than try a lob…


Tennis Lover Says:

Djoker the Faker is the enemy of tennis


chofer Says:

Thien with the break advantage second set.

Djoko haerd me, started to variate spins over Thiem’s BH. Thiem misses. That’s the way.


chofer Says:

Djoko, the lousy volleyer


Daniel Says:

Rules apply to all. Djoko taking more than 25 seg twice in same game, got a warning and then lost 1st serve. Made a DF and got broken. He is pissed, but did not went to tourney director complain.


chofer Says:

Too many mistakes the last games.

Thiem with a chance to close it out second set. First set was better.


Daniel Says:

Thiem serving for 2nd set.


chofer Says:

Thien doesn’t have to do anything extraordunary. Djoker lost the plot strategically, completely.

If anything, it’s the Austrian who has a better idea where to play now. Let’s see.

Srange sec. set. More breaks than in a women’s match. Unusual.


chofer Says:

Djoko pissed with umpire for lasting 30 years to serve.

Doesn’t bode well.


chofer Says:

Did Novak tried a FH down the line the whole match? He’s feeding Thiem’s FH at will. Strange.


chofer Says:

Another terrible volley. Thiem helped.


chofer Says:

Well, now I can say upset alert.

My jinxing superpowers are outstanding:))


mira pajic Says:

come on nole if u want to win… thell marian vajda to call ubers and order few burger and eat them instantly…that vegan grass eating diet is ok for most of players…but not for this small austrian hitlerski kurvin sin thiem


Daniel Says:

Djoko is collapsing on serve, a lot of DF. He knows he will have to speed up serve but he can look at the clock and pace himself properly.

Thiem going DTL, what Djoko should be doing.


chofer Says:

Thiemplaying his Fh rather comfortably. That means Novak is playing bad now.

He’s not moving Thiem to his BH side. Plus, rushing his own BH. bad omen.


chofer Says:

Djoko is collapsing on serve, a lot of DF

And Goran on the bench about to be fired:)


Daniel Says:

This looks like RG 2015. Bit a bit worst because there Djoko did not fold, Wawa took it to him.

Stange path for him now, remind me of those Murray matches here also.

Thiem 3-0, but at least Djoko got a BP last game.

Finally a BH DTL winner!


Tennis Lover Says:

Why does not someone punch the Djoker’s face? drama after drama…such a shame


chofer Says:

Not to diminish Thiem’s will here. But a long time seeing Nole playong that bad in Australia.

He’s the opposite of clinical today. I don’t even think he’s thinking well.

Plus, the Austrian seems the fresher. What a fitness freak Dominic is.

And to think I had him for an upset at Roland garros this year!

Maybe two, then.


chofer Says:

Really people, how bad a volleyer Nole is? Compared to the rest of his game, I mean.


Tennis Lover Says:

Dom should destroy this fake GOAT the djoker aka faker


Daniel Says:

Djoko broke back and those time calls serving 4-4 completely shattered him. Didn’t win a game after and looks lost on court.

At least he held this last game easily and should gauge his game form next 2 sets if still plant to leave here with a victory.


chofer Says:

Well, that was a McEnroe volley from 1984.


RZ Says:

Just checked in on the score. This looks like it’s a crazy match.
Rooting for my boy Thiem but still expecting the AO King to pull through


chofer Says:

Daniel

I’ve never seen hom so lost in Australia. Not even in defeat to wawrinka.

This could end in a 4th. set. I don’t know if Domibic knows how big an opportunity he has.


FedExpress Says:

Nole playing all dirty tricks he can now.

Medical for what?


chofer Says:

RZ
It’s not crazy good. Trust me.


chofer Says:

It’s not like Dom is playing out of his mind.

But it’ll be interesting for tennis if he wins. And a big boost for RG, the other Slam I see him winning.


Tennis Lover Says:

Here comes the djoker the faker…absolutely horrible. This man is a pure shame to tennis.


Wog Boy Says:

Just to repost here:

Congratulations Thiem on your first HS, good job, you are the man, well deserved.

I do expect to see some apologies here when I wake up tomorrow morning, I don’t know if some people were blind to see how much Thiem improved in a space of 12 months and for everyone with common sense and knowledge Thiem was favourite, but whatever.


chofer Says:

I saw Dom live back in 2015 in Argentina. He only come forward to shake hands at the end of the match.

The most improved player of the so-called next-gen by leaps and bounds. Clearly.


Tennis Lover Says:

There comes the dulusional Djoker fan with his teeny-weeny commiseration. Shame to Djoker and his horrible fans.


chofer Says:

To be fair to Djoko. He dissapeared after set 1.

Nevermind the trolls.

He’s objectively not playing well thus far.

And I couldn’t care less if he loses here. But truth to be told…


Daniel Says:

After long game where again Djoko gad BP, Thiem finlly held and is 2-1 up. Can he do it and break Djoko’s strenghold of AO?!
He seems more free and going for his shots and when Djoko try to be more agressive Thiem slice him and keep in the point. Djoko will have to add another gear to force a decider.

At least he serves first and last 2 games held easy. But Thiem is winning the more important points, lost coult of how many deuce games therer were on his serve.


FedExpress Says:

A loss here and Noles quest for most GS take a big hit.


RZ Says:

It’s clear how much Thiem has improved, especially on hard and indoor courts. His volley has come a long way and he has much better court positioning for groundstrokes.


Dave Says:

This just like against Wawrinka. US Open and French Open. Wins the first set as Wawrinka warms up and then loses the next 3 in a row. And you could see that happening today even when Theim was losing, it didn’t feel like he was losing because he was always playing on his terms, Djokovic wasn’t. Thiem is a much more consistent and better version of Wawrinka. And he will be a match up nightmare for Djokovic from here on out. The only thing Djokovic can do at this point is play consistently more aggressive and go for his shots way more often. This style of play against aggressive players that are zoning will never win anymore.


chofer Says:

I knew the medical timeout was coming…

Incredible. He had no signs of shoulder pain whatsoever.

I hope he continues the match. Otherwise his rep will be tainted forever.


Daniel Says:

Yeah chofer, he looks defeafed. But this third ser I thought he would at least get a break back, nothing is going his way. Sometines this happens in a tennis match and is more frustrating. The players “needs” a break to help them get back on track. And seems those are not to be so far. Let’s see this 4th set. Maybe one slip by Thiem, one DF at wring time or UE and Djoko can wake up. We saw him come from behind many, many times before. Don’t know if in GS final though🤔


chofer Says:

Dave

That’s entirely wrong. Wawrinka played better with a good Djoko. This is not good Djoko at all.


Wog Boy Says:

Yes chofer, his game went through the window and serving too, but Thiem has to do something with that too. He is big match player and has very good head.


Daniel Says:

Agree Dave, his court positioning is way better.

Thiem is gonna be a nightmare for big 3 constantly now. He is reaching his peak fitness and tennis wise. Hope he can avoid injuries as well


chofer Says:

WogBoy

Agree Dom is a big match player. Disagree he’s playing lights out. He doesn’t need to dothat to beat 6-4 6-2 Nole.

A more logical score would be the one Dom did to him at the Masters Cup.

It’s closer than this. Even if he CAN win against Djokovic, certainly.


Daniel Says:

Djoko getting much needed help from net cord now. Held an important game he faced BP with some nice points at the net.
Seems that 3 straight breaks phase from end of set two to set 3 where he lost 6 straight games are over. He has to focus on his serve and wait an opening, Thiem feel extra pressure close to end of set, he was neves this close to winning a GS before.


chofer Says:

Perhaps Thiem finally got into the Big 3 heads, regardless of tennis,

Which is a GOOD thing.

Sometimes we forget the mental aspects.


chofer Says:

I wonder why Djokovic seems gassed. Is he possum?


chofer Says:

If I were Thiem, I would try to closethis in this set.

You don’t want to play 5 with Djoko in the midst of a comeback.

Interesting moment.


Tennis Lover Says:

Djoker has brought disgrace to the game of tennis. He is doing the same here with his slow tactics in Australia .


chofer Says:

Massu was always so intense. Seems like an NBA coach.

Djoko’s bench is half-dead.


Daniel Says:

They are all business this set. Djoko’s shot starting to get more sting, Thiem serving 3-4. From now on any blink can define set / match


chofer Says:

Boris Becker must be grinning somewhere.


Daniel Says:

Here is the opening Djoko needs, that untimely DF. 1 BP gone, 1 more to breka and serve to force 5th


chofer Says:

Well, the match might be crazy. But it’s not good.

Dom, what did you do?


FedExpress Says:

That miss by Domi at 15-0 cost him bigly

5th set. He serves first though


Van Persie Says:

I am still hoping here, that Nole wins this match. Hajdee!


chofer Says:

If I were Thiem, I would try to closethis in this set.

You don’t want to play 5 with Djoko in the midst of a comeback.

Interesting moment.

February 2nd, 2020 at 7:43 am

I WARNED


chofer Says:

Well, the match can redeem itself if both played a 5th. set TB.


Dave Says:

Thiem is still absolutely the favorite and deserves to win today. Djokovic has been dissappointing, even he hasn’t been able to play on his terms. Everyone has been talking about his improved serve. I’m not seeing it show up today.


Daniel Says:

Fifth it is. Completely open and anything can happen.
On experience and coming from 1-2 down I give the slightest edge to Djoko. He still is 7-0 in AO finals.


chofer Says:

Honestly, Federer deserved to win at Wimbledon too on tennis display.

But there’s only one winner. Regretfully.

And you have to take the chances. That has nothing to do with “deserving”. Mentality plays a part, too.


van orten Says:

Pusher tennis at its best !! Again he will win with less winners and less unf errors as his opponent.

Tennis is a pusher game now


chofer Says:

It’s not wise to give Houdini so many chances


Daniel Says:

Djoko breaks first and is back in wall mode. Thiem making some long errors he was not doing 15 min ago. Made those in that game he was broken and this last as well, overhitting.

Djoko as always can rely on his returns to keep him on play


chofer Says:

On the contrary Van Persie

With all the open court at his disposal, Thiem went for too much on his FH. That’s ill-advice shot. He was not “pushing”. Djoko broke after that.


Daniel Says:

Brave Djoko serving and volleying down BP


RZ Says:

You crack the door open for Djokovic and he busts it wide open.


chofer Says:

Brave Djoko serving and volleying down BP

And Thiem should have lobbed that


chofer Says:

At least it’s just one break…


Daniel Says:

2 more holds and Djoko does it, or an insurance break.

Thiem at least is still going for his shots unleashing that beauty BH


Daniel Says:

Thiem saves a virtual MP with some nice serves. Djoko to serve 4-3.

Now is gonna get more nervy and tense, but Djoko seems back to his old self. Thiem will need to cut errors and attack wisely to try to revert


Daniel Says:

Time to serve big Djoko


chofer Says:

Kudos to Thiem for still being offensive.

Other player would still be thinking this never would have been a 5 setter. And already capitulated.


Daniel Says:

1 more game!

Pressure on Thiem now


chofer Says:

It’s telling Djoko could win this without making a damn drop shot right.


Dave Says:

Daniel,

I was thinking the same thing. It’s time to serve big. When team is fighting for his life from the baseline he is so dangerous.


van orten Says:

R.I.P Tennis


chofer Says:

I can’t telñl if Djoko will serve big.

I do tell Thiem will go for broke on every shot.


van orten Says:

Let’s hope for the resurrection


Van Persie Says:

Nole, once again king in Melbourne. So happy 🥂😁


Van Persie Says:

Congrats to Thiem, Feel for him but I am sure he will next one in France. I can tell

Yes, Thiem played a great 2nd and 3rd set, but he could not keep it up. Hard to do it against Iron Man Nole 🙂


RZ Says:

The contenders need to wait one more year to try and dethrone the AO King. Good coup attempt by Thiem.

Congrats to Djokovic and his fans here.


chofer Says:

Djokovic was vulnerable today. And he won anyway.

Nothing’s really changed in men’s tennis up to now.

There’s no “moral” winner. You win the last point, you’re the champion. It’s cruel but simple.

The Big 3 still inexpugnable.

Onto French Open.


Dave Says:

The French Open is going to be very interesting. Especially to see which part of the draw Thiem goes to. Nadal can lose to Thiem this year at the French. The French is wide open because of Thiem.


vk Says:

All the hue and cry about roger winning grand slams in his thirties. Both rafa and nole have five grand slams in thier thirties to roger’s four.

Congrats to the Nole!


Daniel Says:

He’s done it, marathon man once again.

Last 2 Slams in 5 sets one saving MP and this fighting himself to get back. Showing they are coming harder and harder to get.

#17, Record extending 8th AO and back to #1 where he is safe to enter top 3 all time behind only Sampras (he most likely will pass after Miami) and Federer.

Ties Nadal with 5 Slams wins after 30. And also 2 behind him. He was never just 1 behind but RG things can change.

Thiem facing the Murray curse 0-3, but seems kind obvious its just a matter of time and when he’ll win his 1st Slam.


chofer Says:

Dom is certainly closer than the other contenders. But to dethrone a healthy Nadal in the FO he’ll need to pull the trigger when he’s ahead, I think.

Something he couldn’t do today. Congrats to Nole fans and more hrd work for Dom (who would surely be presented with another chance)


Daniel Says:

Yeah. vk but lets see of they will win a Grand Slam when 36 and a half😜

Before 2017 they were 17/14/12, fast forward to today and they are 20/19/17, Fed add 3 but Djoko and Nadal 5 each. Seems Fed is right when he said they may both catch him.

With this win, Djoko a year younger and how Djoko is a co-favorite in every Slam he plays, I’ll say he looks good to reaching that ir even passing.

RG 2020 may be the turning point in this debate, will Nadal win it, Djoko 2nd career Slam or Thiem finally win his?!


mira pajic Says:

and once again king prevails…..for many haters here i hope u get hemoroids from so much anger hate and jealousy….even vegan grass eating nole can beat germans like fed thiem and zverev…imagine what he could do if he eat some meat….which is sadly poisonous and unhealthy today so i dont blame him


Master yoda Says:

When i am 900 i will ask their doctors for advice. An out of breath 25 year Old that is a marathon runner 33 year Old. Technology Beats biology once again. Of cource I am talking about cicling, track, basketball,…. Tennis is clean.


van orten Says:

Roger at 32 – biggest rivals Rafa 27y djoker 26 y multiple slam winners !!!!

Djoker at 32 – biggest rivals Rafa 33 , roger 38 multiple slam winners but come on !!!!


chrisford1 Says:

Not Novak’s best showing at a Slam, that’s for sure. Maybe he will make it up to his fans in the French Open finals.

OK! He won ugly, and he is BACK TO #1.
Great tournament for Dominic.


Daniel Says:

Also important to note that after 2017 Nadal won 5 slams in a 11 Slams spam while Djoko won these 5 out of the last 7. So the trend is pretty clear: Djoko may tie Nadal this dependong on what happens in RG.


Vk Says:

Haha daniel! Of course if they win at 36 and a half you will bring up the number of days then..

By the way how many did roger win as a teenager?😜


vk Says:

@van orten- roger winning in 2004-2007. Biggest rivals- baghdatis, agassi in a wheechair, davydenko, ljubicic, rafa, djokovic in nappies… what a stiff competition!😃


vk Says:

Speaking of trends the djoker pulls two clear of roger for the most number of ao titles. He also has five wimbledons and may tie roger there in three years given what he has done in the last two years. Rafa has two of the last three usos and may tie roger this year at the uso for the most us titles. So it is not only the overhauling of the most grand slams but also rogers record at individual slams seems to be under threat


Czarlazar Says:

If you want to be King, you have to beat the King! Not easy when you’re playing the King of Australia, the longest-serving monarch ever in this realm. Next challenge: to dethrone His clay court Majesty in Paris for the 18th crown.


skeezer Says:

Congrats to the Nole fans here who favored him to win AO. You knew better.
He don’t need to eat meat to win titles, lol.
Thiem is almost there, this was a great experience for him, a good learning one, but he was up against a guy who has waaayyy to much experience in GS finals and was in form; it showed. He’s only been in 3 GS finals. He’ll be there again. Yes, that is a prediction.


Madmax Says:

OH MIRA,

Be quiet. No one hates Novak. You just love scrubbing the bottom of the pot. Wonderful what Novak has done, a serious contender for more slams and well done to Dominic, a humble speech.

As ever, Novak, superb.

Stats:

Novak Djokovic joins Ken Rosewall as the only men to win Grand Slam titles in three different decades.

Rosewall in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, Djokovic in 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.


Madmax Says:

vk,

you may well be right, we will just have to see. Unlikely he will beat the many, many wonderful, records of the Fed, – but certainly, he is a contender for them, if he is around long enough!

Regarding AO, unlikely Roger will win AO again – but you never know and you can never say never! We are just happy to have Roger playing and playing still at BEAST level, even if not at BEST level.

We love him.

Congrats to Novak and his family for the win. His brother spending time with him, awesome to hear this – the close brothers – family, right – a bit like the TX’rs here, well some of ’em anyway!


Andy Mira Says:

Yeah!…Much congrats to Novak & fans!…Truly King of Melbourne!…1 thing for sure…next gens who will seriously challenge him here in the future…

Sorry team Thiem!…He should be aggressive at 5 3 in 4th sets…so close!…yet he let that golden chance sailed away…hopefully he will learn his lessons!..I think he will win one in the future…Go Thiem!!


Giles Says:

Lol He also doesn’t need to eat meat to know when to call for an mto. He is so predictable. When he’s losing rest assured the trainer will be called Faker faker faker!


Daniel Says:

“Haha daniel! Of course if they win at 36 and a half you will bring up the number of days then..“

No need, he just has to win AO 2024, he will then be 36 years and close to 9 months, older than Federer was in AO 2018 when he won his last at 36 and almost 6 months. USO 2023 won’t cut it.😜

That is to put things in perspective longevity wise, Federer won Slams in a 16 years spam, from 2003 to 2018. Nadal so far for 14 years spam and Djoko 13.


Daniel Says:

This is Djoko’s 78th title and now he is chasing Nadal’s 84th.

Also chasing Nadal’s 35 Masters ,1 Masters behind.

Will start his 6th stint at #1 basically chasing Federer, he is just shy off10 weeks from Sampras. If he held after Miami, he surpass Sampras on April 13th.

Ranking can change again in 4 weeks, that if Nadal plays and win Acapulco and Djoko loses before semis in Dubai, they happen the same week and Djoko is already schedule for Dubai with Federer and Tisis, this late February.


j-kath Says:

Well done Novak – it was a tough match…..Thiem is no-body’s walk-over….he nearly got you. Anyway, thank goodness you have edited and toned down your acknowledgement to spectators – I didn’t winge today.


Django Says:

I am glad he didn’t acknowledge spectators. Hope he never does. They really don’t deserve it.

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