Tennis: Djokovic wins record-extending ninth Australian Open

Novak Djokovic thrashes Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win his 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

A tournament that had to contend with many uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climaxed with Novak Djokovic remaining an unbreakable force as he thrashed Daniil Medvedev to claim a record-extending ninth Australian Open title. The world number one’s 7-5 6-2 6-2 triumph on Sunday under the lights at Rod Laver Arena secured his 18th Grand Slam title, bringing him within tantalising reach of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s all-time men’s record of 20. Djokovic used superb serving and his usual relentless returning and baseline excellence to grab 11 of 13 games in one stretch and beat a visibly frustrated Medvedev for a third trophy in a row at Melbourne Park.