The match had all the characteristics of a classic, especially after an amazing opening set from both men, but the number 1 Serb in the world soon gave up and competed with a 7-5 6-2 6-2 victory in less than two hours.
Victorie secures a ninth Australian Open title for the Extension of the record for Djokovic, who is now just two slams behind the historic record of 20 held by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Based on today’s performance, there will be very few bets against him until a day equal – or maybe even exceeded – with that marker.
While the match itself ended as somewhat anticlimactic, the post-match interviews were nothing more than and showed the deep respect and admiration that these two players have for each other.
“Just to tell you a little story, boys,” Medvedev said. “I first practiced with Novak when I was 500 years old in the world or 600 years old in the world in Monaco and he was already world number 1, he had just won Wimbledon. I thought, “Okay, he’s not going to talk to me” or something because the guy was a god to me.
“I came there and because I was shy I didn’t talk, so he asked me questions, talking to me like a friend. I was really surprised and it has never changed since I was 600 years old in the world or four in the world. You are a great sport and a great person, so congratulations. “
Djokovic replied: “I would like to return the beautiful words to Daniil. First of all, the class act. You are a wonderful guy, a wonderful person … We used to spend more time together, we used to practice more in Monaco – “You haven’t called me in years! But it’s nice to see that you’re thinking of good things about me. Thank you very much.”
“I really like Daniil as an off-field person. He’s great, always very friendly, very outgoing, but on the field he’s definitely one of the toughest players I’ve ever faced in my life. while you’re going to have a grand slam, that’s for sure … but if you don’t mind waiting a few more years. “
The guard doesn’t change
It was a fascinating match between intergenerational talents, 33-year-old Djokovic, representing the old tennis goalkeeper, and 25-year-old Medvedev, the future stars who hope to one day dethrone the Serb and his colleagues.
Based on Sunday’s final, that day still seems far away.
Coming into the match, Medvedev had reasons to be confident. The world number 4 has won a series of 20 victories and is only the sixth active player to do so, joining Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro.
But Djokovic looked compelling from the start, breaking Medvedev in his opening game and holding him twice easily to reach a 3-0 lead. However, playing only his second grand slam final against Djokovic’s 28th, Medvedev’s early nerves soon dissipated and he quickly settled into his rhythm.
The turning point in the first stages came when the pair exchanged an amazing rally of 28 shots, Djokovic throwing his last shot into the back of the net to provide the Russian breaking point. Medvedev capitalized properly with an amazing defensive play to force Djokovic into another error and the first set was soon equal.
Just minutes earlier, it felt like the Serb was running away with the opening set, but suddenly the momentum was with Medvedev.
The pair went from foot to foot until Medvedev served to stay in the set at 5-6. As he does so often in crucial moments, Djokovic picked up speed, finding extra length and strength on his turns to break the opponent’s service and close a hard-fought opening set.
This was the eighth meeting between these two great hitters – Djokovic raising his head 4-3 – and he had every reason to be their biggest match to date.
However, after Medvedev emerged well from that early disappointment, breaking Djokovic in the opening game of the second set, he soon collapsed and, in an instant, was left with two sets down. .
There seemed to be very little that the world number 4 could do to prevent the attack, and Medvedev’s rocket bore the weight of his frustration as he smashed it to the floor of the Rod Laver arena.
While Medvedev is undoubtedly proud of his talent to compete with Djokovic – indeed, an amazing shot in the third set brought applause even from his opponent – the experience and mental endurance needed in the moments of adversity in the finals. Grand Slams seem to be missing.
To Medvedev’s credit, he was able to come down with a flourish and hit some amazing field shots while Djokovic tried to close the game.
However, the world number one proved that he was still one level above Sunday’s opponent and closed any late hopes that Medvedev could have won with a series of amazing shots.