Indefatigable world No.1 Novak Djokovic is already preparing to go “back to work” as he targets sporting immortality following his epic Australian Open final triumph over Rafael Nadal.
First it was Roger Federer, then Nadal but now that he’s taken the game to extraordinary new levels, it’s the all-conquering Djokovic looking to join Rod Laver in the most exclusive club in tennis.
Serbia’s tennis super-Novak will head to the French Open in May striving to become only the second player in the 45-year open era – and just the third in history – to have held all four grand slam men’s singles trophies simultaneously.
“I want to get my first final at least in Paris. I have never been in finals there and I have a feeling that I’m ready this year to achieve that,” Djokovic said after denying Nadal 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 (7-5) 7-5 in the longest men’s grand slam final in history.
The brutal five hour, 53 minute encounter – which started before 8pm on Sunday and finished at 1.37am on Monday – eclipsed Mats Wilander’s four hour, 54 minute win over Ivan Lendl in the 1988 US Open final.
It was also the longest match in Australian Open history, surpassing Nadal’s five hour, 14 minute semi-final win in 2009 over countryman Fernando Verdasco, and left both combatants almost out on their feet at Rod Laver Arena.
“The fact that we played almost six hours is incredible, incredible,” Djokovic said.
“It was obvious on the court for everybody who has watched the match that both of us, physically, we took the last drop of energy that we had from our bodies.
“It’s probably the longest finals in the history of all grand slams – and just to hear that fact is making me cry, really.
“I’m very proud just to be part of this history.”
But still he wants more.
“I’m prioritising grand slams this year, as every year, and Olympic Games. I think that’s one of my highest goals,” Djokovic said.
“The grand slams matter the most.”
Djokovic’s latest triumph over Nadal, from a service break down in the fifth and deciding set, placed the 24-year-old alongside his vanquished Spanish foe and fellow all-time greats Federer, Pete Sampras and Laver as only the fifth man in professional tennis to win three consecutive majors.
And after thwarting Nadal for a seventh straight time in nine phenomenal months, Djokovic will arrive at Rolan Gdarros also hoping to become the first man since Donald Budge in 1937-38 to complete a non-calendar year grand slam sweep.
The Serb vowed to do whatever it takes to repeat, if not exceed, what he achieved during his mighty 2011 season when he landed 10 titles, including his three slams, and snared the top ranking for the first time with victory over Nadal at Wimbledon.
“I’m going to have some weeks off now and I’m going to try to enjoy this victory as much as I can,” Djokovic said.
“Then back to office, back to work, preparation. There is much that awaits for me.”
Djokovic’s 14th success over Nadal in the 30th instalment of their enthralling series earned him a fifth career major, elevating him above the likes of Jim Courier, Guillermo Vilas and Australia’s 1950s great Lew Hoad.
But this was easily the hardest earned of the lot.
Apart from the nigh indestructible Nadal, Djokovic had to overcome an untimely nine-minute rain delay to close the roof at Rod Laver Arena and then climb off the canvas in the dramatic fifth set.
Nadal had just played a miraculous game to hold serve from love-40 for 4-4 in the fourth set when the roof was shut.
But when play resumed, the Serb held his nerve and serve to go up 5-4 before the set was decided in a tense tiebreaker.
Djokovic stood on the brink of victory at 5-3, but Nadal was not done yet and he sent the capacity crowd into a frenzy when he forced a deciding set when the top seed dragged a forehand wide.
Re-energised after drawing level, Nadal had seized the advantage in the fifth set with a break to go 4-2 up, but was unable to consolidate as Djokovic – against all odds – roared back.
Showing no signs of the fatigue and breathing problems he suffered in his near-five-hour, five-set semi-final win over Andy Murray on Friday night, Djokovic continued to club winners from all parts of the court.
When he finally prevailed, the Serb fell on his back in jubilation before ripping his shirt off to celebrate his third Open crown to go with his 2008 and 2011 titles.
