Novak Djokovic claimed his first Major crown at the 2008 Australian Open. Three years later, the Serb added the second trophy to his tally and started his dominant run that still goes on. Djokovic has lost only three matches in Melbourne since 2011 and will chase his tenth title in Sunday’s final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Novak came to Melbourne Park with 21 consecutive wins, chasing Andre Agassi’s Australian Open record of 26. Djokovic has scored six triumphs to advance into the final, leaving with a former coach behind and becoming the record-holder with 27 Australian Open wins in a row.
Thus, Novak bested his previous streak of 25 straight victories earned between 2011 and 2014, achieving something it will take some beating in the future. Djokovic experienced a hamstring injury in Adelaide, winning the title but feeling pain in his left leg.
Novak defeated Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round, delivering a bagel in the third set to make a winning start.
Novak Djokovic has won 27 consecutive matches in Melbourne.
The Serb lost the second set against a qualifier Enzo Couacaud in round two, struggling with an injury but recovering in sets three and four to hit the last 32.
Novak had to give his everything against Grigor Dimitrov, despite beating the Bulgarian in straight sets! Djokovic’s injury did not look good, but he gave everything to seal the deal in three sets and preserve energy. Without knowing what to expect, Novak entered the court against Alex de Minaur and wished for the best.
As it turned out, he did not feel any issues with his leg and destroyed the rival in three comfortable sets to send a clear message. Djokovic had the upper hand on serve and return and left de Minaur far behind, eager to score the most dominant victory possible.
It was the 25th consecutive win for Novak in Melbourne, matching his best result from almost ten years ago. With a boost and momentum, Djokovic produced another super fine performance against Andrey Rublev in the quarter-final.
A nine-time champion delivered a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory in two hours and three minutes for a place in the last four. Novak made a convincing start and never looked back, matching Andre Agassi on 26 Australian Open triumphs in a row.
Djokovic’s 27th win came against Tommy Paul in the semi-final, beating the American 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 for a place in his tenth Australian Open final. Paul came back from 5-1 down in the first set to gain a boost. Still, Novak scored a late break and crashed the rival’s resistance in sets two and three.
