A hard-fought win crowns a tennis champion!
On Sunday,Novak Djokovicbecame the2020 Australian Open‘s winner in men’s singles, defeating Dominic Thiem in five sets, (6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4) in a match that lasted almost four hours at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
This is the eighth time Djokovic, 32, has won the Australian open and his 17th Grand Slam title overall. OnlyRoger FedererandRafael Nadalhave won more titles, with 20 and 19 respectively.
“It wasn’t meant to be tonight, tough luck. It was a tough match and you were very close to win it and you definitely have a lot more time in your career and I’m sure you will get one of the grand slam trophies — and more. More than one,” he said.
Going on to pay tribute toKobe Bryant, Djokovic — who wore a green jacket with “KB” embroidered on it alongside the lateNBA player’s jersey numbers— said that his death was a reminder that “there are more important things in life” than competitions.
“This is a reminder to all of us that we should stick together, now more than ever, being with our families, stay close with the people that love you,” he said. “Of course, we are part of a professional sport. We compete and try our best, but obviously there are more important things in life. It’s important to be conscious and humble about things that are happening around you.”
Novak Djokovic.Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic.Mike Owen/Getty Images
Dominic Thiem.Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Austria’s Thiem, 26, entered the match hoping to win his first major championship after taking out Alexander Zverev in the semifinals on Friday. Djokovic on the other hand, headed into the final with seven previous Australian Open wins under his belt.
Djokovic scored a spot in the final after beatingRoger Federer.
At the women’s singles final on Saturday, Sofia Kenin edged out Garbiñe Muguruza to claim a victory.
First-place champs of the tournament, on both the men’s and women’s sides, receive $4.12 million Australian dollars (just over $2.75 million) inprize moneyfor their efforts. Runner-ups walk away with about $1.4 million each.
Ahead of the final, Thiemspoke withtennis legendJohn McEnroeabout earning a spot in the final, calling the feat “unreal.”
“What a start to the season so far,” he said at the time, later adding: “I try my best and, of course, I try everything to win, but … if I walk off the court as a loser [on Sunday], I still have to be patient and I still have to trust the process, but I’m looking forward a lot.”
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Quinn Rooney/Getty Images; Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Djokovic’s ploy for the Australian Open title comes one week after the death of basketball starKobe Bryant, whom the tennis pro called his“friend” and “mentor.”
On Jan. 26, Bryant died at age 41 in a Calabasas, Calif.,helicopter crashthat also killed his 13-year-old daughterGiannaandseven other peopleon board. Since the tragedy, countless athletes and celebrities haveshared tributesto the late icon, including Djokovic.
He added at the time: “When I needed some advice and support, he was there for me. He was my mentor, my friend, it’s just heartbreaking to see what has happened to him and his daughter. It’s unbelievable.”
source: people.com
