“What a joy,” says Novak Djokovic after the match.

The Serbian, number one in the world, defends his title and wins the Australian
Open. He defeats number three, Andy Murray from Great Britain 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2
to become the first man in the Open era, to win three titles in a row. That was
Djokovic, fourth appearance in the finals at the Australian Open.

Novak saved four break points during the match, and had not being broken since
the quarter finals against Berdich. He looked tight in the beginning of this
final match, and understandably, since the scores were so even, 6-7, 7-6. But
starts to look fresher as the match progressed. After winning the third set 6-3,
Novack plays a solid fourth set, and closes the match at 6-2.

In the first set, Novak had break points chances, but didn’t convert them. Andy
Murray was able to move him around the court, finding openings and forcing the
tie-breaker, which goes on Andy favor.

In the second set, Andy Murray was the one who had break point opportunities
early on, having Novak serving at 0/40 , but doesn’t capitalize on it. Novack
wins the tie breaker for the set.

The match seems pretty even at this point. but starting in the third set,
Murray’s movement seems compromised by a foot injury and Novack gets the
precious break at 3/3 and closes the set at 6-3. Novak was clearly lifting his
game when needed, and Murray, perhaps, still recuperating from his four hour
match in the semi finals, against Roger Federer, wasn’t able to keep up with.

In the fourth, decisive set, Andy Murray was still fighting for the set. He has
a break point, in the first game, with Novak serving 30/40, but misses a
somehow easy forehand return at the net. At 1-1, Murray, in trouble, seems to
be hurting, touching his legs at times. At 15-30, Novak, looking really string,
works the point, moves Andy around and goes for an inside out forehand winner.
But Andy comes down with a solid, down the middle serve and serves at 30-40.

Still in the final set, Novak works a solid point and breaks down Andy’ s back
hand for the game. Novak holds the next game and Andy serves down a break, at
1-3. He saves two break points, hitting two solid, strong serves, but
eventually loses the game. Novak goes on to serve for the match at 2-5, where
Andy manages to get the first two points. At 0-30, Novak comes to the net and
luckily gets the point after mishitting an overhead. The next point, sensing his
opponent desperation to stay in the match, Novak moves Andy’s around, side to
side, trying to find an opening, which he does. He goes on to serve at 40-30 and
draws an error from Andy’ back hand.

Match is over, and the talented Mr Djokovic, proves that the third time is a
charm. The job is done. Arms up in the air, smile on his face, Djokovic even
tries a little dance move, then Looks around at the crowd… then walks towards
his team to celebrate. They lift him by his arm and congratulate him.

Finally, by his gestures, touching his chest and forehead, Djokovic shows his
spirituality, thanking a higher being and understanding that sometimes there are
more to the game than what one realizes. That besides his physical talents, his
tenacity and mental strength, perhaps, faith is what gives him the extra support
he needs in such crucial matches,

At the trophy presentation, both players thanked the tournament director, the
very popular Craig Tiley for running such a friendly, great event. Novak says
he hope this can inspire other tournaments around the world to do the same. They
also thanked the sponsors Kia, Rolex, Jacob Creeks and others. Kia announced
that they have extended their partnership until 2018.

Novak Djokovic also thanked his team, and said that they deserved that trophy
as much a he did. And so did Andy, thanked his team for the work they have done
with him an also thanked the crowd for being fair.

So, the “Happy Slam” is over, as Craig Tiley calls it, and Djokovic made
history, his name, together with the great Roy Emerson, who also won three
Australian Open titles before the Open era. And someone who certainly would
understand Novak’s feeling at the moment.

“What a great feeling winning this title again. I love this courts ” says the
third time champion, the talented Mr Novak Djokovic

Lucia Hoffman – Tennisvista