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Djokovic Wins Epic Thriller
January 29, 2012

Novak Djokovic celebrating his victory over Rafael Nadal in the men’s final of the 2012 Australian Open — the longest Grand Slam title match in history. (AFP Photo) Novak Djokovic celebrating his victory over Rafael Nadal in the men’s final of the 2012 Australian Open — the longest Grand Slam title match in history. (AFP Photo)
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Melbourne. Defending champion Novak Djokovic battled past Rafael Nadal in an epic five-set Australian Open final which clocked in at five hours and 53 minutes — the longest title match in Grand Slam history — and ended early on Monday.

Djokovic fought back from losing the first set to take a 2-1 lead, but he was taken to a gripping fifth set by resurgent Nadal before winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 for his third consecutive major title.

Djokovic, who picks up a check for 2.3 million Australian dollars ($2.4 million), has now beaten the Spaniard in three consecutive Grand Slam finals and seven consecutive title matches overall.

It was a match of wildly swinging fortunes which started before 8 p.m. on Sunday and did not end until 1:40 a.m. on Monday.

“Good morning, everybody,” Nadal told the crowd afterwards. “I will never forget this match. Even though I lost, it was something really special for me.”

Djokovic had warm words for his gritty opponent.

“Rafa, you’re one of the best players ever. You’re one of the most respected guys on the tour,” he said. “We made history tonight, and unfortunately there couldn’t be two winners.

“But I wish you all the best for this season and I hope that we will have many more matches like this and many more finals.”

The Serb had cut a frustrated figure in the first set, slamming his racket to the ground when he was broken for the first time and falling one set behind.

A re-energized Djokovic found his rhythm in the second set, leveling the match on his fourth set point. Starting to dictate, he ran away with the third set, overpowering Nadal and breaking him to love to win it 6-2.

The 25-year-old from Mallorca, deposed as world No. 1 by Djokovic after his defeat in last year’s Wimbledon final, dug deep in the fourth set, getting back into the contest through force of will.

The Spanish left-hander saved three break points in the eighth game, fist-pumping in celebration when he leveled at 4-4.

But then, to add to the mounting tension, action was suspended while the roof was closed and the court dried due to rain.

When play restarted, the set went to a tie-break with Nadal clinching the set at his first opportunity as Djokovic went long and wide on the forehand.

In the dramatic fifth set, Nadal secured a crucial break in the sixth game. But with the Spaniard now suddenly looking the more likely winner, Djokovic battled back to break. A stunning 31-shot rally at the start of the ninth game left Djokovic on his back, and Nadal then fought off a break point to hold.

But Djokovic broke in the 11th game when Nadal netted with a backhand, and he saved a break point before serving out for the championship.

The Serb ripped off his shirt in celebration and marched over to his players’ box while flexing his muscles before hugging his coach.

The previous longest Grand Slam final was 4:54, the 1988 US Open match won by Mats Wilander over Ivan Lendl. The longest previous Australian final was 4:27 in 1988, with Wilander winning against Pat Cash.

Nadal rested on the net before the trophy presentation.

AFP, AP