Novak Djokovic brilliantly battles back from the brink to claim ‘unreal’ eighth Australian Open title

Novak Djokovic is an eight-time Australian Open champions after he rallied brilliantly from behind to beat Dominic Thiem in the 2020 final.

The Serb star won the first set with relative ease, but found himself on the receiving end of some inspired Thiem play after that.

Thiem, chasing his first Grand Slam title, won the next two sets, leaving him just one away from a maiden major crown.

However, Djokovic was not to be denied, and he dipped into his famed reservoirs of resilience to close out a fine 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win.

“I would like to start by saying congratulations to Dominic for an amazing tournament,” said Djokovic.

“It wasn’t meant to be tonight but you were very close to winning it.

“You have a lot of time in your career and I’m sure you will get one of these Grand Slam trophies – more than one.”

Thiem, meanwhile, was quick to put his disappointment to one side to congratulate Djokovic.

“I would like to start of course with a huge congrats to Novak.

“Amazing achievement and also to all your team. [It is] unreal what you are doing throughout all this years.”

The win gives Djokovic his 17th Grand Slam title and sees him regain the world number one sport from Rafael Nadal.

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