Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to win a record-extending ninth Australian Open title.

The No.1 world player impressively charged into a 3-0 lead in under 10 minutes, as he took notice of three Medvedev forehand errors to break serve at 1-0. Djokovic’s threatening forehands at 6-5 rushed Medvedev, and he landed a backhand passing shot winner up the line to earn three set points. Medvedev’s mistakes were piling up as he continued to fire forehands and backhands into the net.

After dropping serve in the second set, Djokovic fully gained control of the championship match. Medvedev’s failure to shorten rallies and countless careless errors helped Djokovic break serve for the fifth time, winning the second set. The top seed went into the next set with his eye on the prize, capitalizing on double faults to earn a breakpoint early on. Djokovic’s confidence only grew as Medvedev’s hopes of winning his maiden major championship faltered. Djokovic proceeded to win the title on his first championship point as he charged to the net and struck an overhead winner shot. At the trophy ceremony, Medvedev congratulated Djokovic, saying, “Congratulations to Novak and your team. Nine Grand Slams in Australia and 18 in total is an amazing thing, and it is probably not your last one.”

Djokovic’s recent victory strongly contrasts with his performance at the U.S. Open (2020), where he smashed his racket in a fit during his quarterfinal win over Alexander Zverev. But in this final, Medvedev was the one to destroy his racket.

33-year-old Novak Djokovic has won 18 major championships, falling just behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Deservedly so, the top seed has kept the No.1 ranking from March of last year.