Novak Djokovic defended his Australian Open crown and won a 17th Grand Slam after digging deep into his physical and mental reserves to beat Dominic Thiem in a gripping five-set final.
The Serbian second seed won 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 for a record-extending eighth title at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic, 32, twice called the doctor while trailing before fighting back.
Austrian fifth seed Thiem, 26, still awaits his first major title after losing a third Grand Slam final.
Djokovic, who fluctuated from steely brilliance to emotionally erratic and back again, took the first of two championship points when Thiem pulled a forehand wide.
With Thiem getting plenty of support throughout on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic celebrated by shushing some of the crowd with his finger on his lip and then pointing to his box.
His latest triumph moves him within three of Swiss Roger Federer's all-time leading tally of 20 men's singles titles, with Spain's Rafael Nadal now only two ahead on 19.
The Serb's fightback ensured the wait continues for somebody to break the stranglehold of the old guard, with Djokovic, Nadal and Federer having won the past 13 Grand Slam titles.
No other player has won a men's major title since Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka won the US Open title in September 2016.
Djokovic will also return to the top of the world rankings, replacing Nadal, when they are published on Monday.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation challenges graduates to maximise benefits of community apprenticeship programme
1 hour -
GBC accuses Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh of demolishing its bungalow illegally
2 hours -
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
2 hours -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
2 hours -
OmniBSIC Bank champions health and wellness with thriving community walk
2 hours -
Kora Wearables unveils Neo: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Ghana’s tech-savvy and health-conscious users
2 hours -
NDC supports Dampare’s ‘no guns at polling stations’ directive
2 hours -
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
2 hours -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
2 hours -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
3 hours -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
3 hours -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
3 hours -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
3 hours -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
3 hours -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
3 hours