Novak Djokovic

Djokovic Derails Tsonga-Line

January 28, 2008

Surging Serbian Novak Djokovic won his first ever Grand Slam title on Sunday by defeating surprise finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the men’s final at the Australian Open. Playing under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic needed four sets to wipe out his French opponent, eventually winning, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(2). .

Djokovic lost his first set of the tournament in the opener against Tsonga but rebounded well to take the second and third sets. However, things did not come so easily in the fourth set as Tsonga started to show the fight that he exhibited in knocking off four top-seeded players to get to the final. Adding to the intensity, Djokovic tweaked his left hamstring and needed treatment from a trainer after holding serve to lead 3-2. He managed to persevere and pushed the set to a tiebreak. Once there he dominated, improving his career tiebreak record to 62-24 and clinching the Aussie Open championship.

"I knew the soreness was getting to me," Djokovic said about his hamstring. "I was just trying to be focused and not be nervous, not getting negative energy.”

Djokovic was ecstatic in his reaction to the win, falling to the ground and kissing the new blue court surface. In his post-match speech he acknowledged his appreciation for his family and their support, as well as the remarkable play of his opponent. He also called out the Australian fans for cheering for underdog Tsonga instead of himself.

“I know the crowd wanted him to win more," Djokovic said. "That's OK, it's all right. I still love you guys, don't worry. I'm very, very happy that I won my first Grand Slam here, so hopefully we'll see you here on this stage a lot more often in the future."

Tsonga was the consummate gentleman in his defeat remaining proud of reaching his first major final while commending Djokovic’s play.

“I don't know if I have to be sad or happy of this final, but I feel great. Not everybody can beat the players who I beat. It's very difficult, and I did it, so of course, I'm confident now,” he said. "I'm happy for Novak, because he played unbelievable today."

Djokovic’s win marks the first time that a Grand Slam was won by a player other than Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal since Marat Safin won the 2005 Australian Open. Perhaps this is the beginning of a more competitive era in men’s tennis where Grand Slam results will not be as predictable.

On the women’s side, Maria Sharapova captured her third Grand Slam title by winning her first Australian Open championship. She defeated Serbian Ana Ivanovic in the final by a score of 7-5, 6-3. She did not drop a set through seven matches and seemed determined from the start to return to top form after a rough 2007. Ivanovic is still without a Grand Slam title after losing her first major final at the 2007 French Open to Justine Henin. Sharapova previously won the 2004 Wimbledon and 2006 US Open.

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