Australian Open: Novak Djokovic Beats Dominic Thiem To Win Eighth Title In Melbourne Park

Novak Djokovic defended the title in a hard-fought Final against Dominic Thiem, recovering from two sets down to outclass the Austrian for his eighth Australian Open title in Melbourne Park.

Besides winning the title, Djokovic is yet to lose in the final of the tournament and despite slacking in first three sets, he rallied to claim the victory in a five-setter, 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 that lasted for over four hours.

"I would like to start by saying congratulations to Dominic for amazing tournament," said Djokovic. "It wasn't to be tonight but it was a tough match and you were very close to win it. You definitely have a lot more time in your career I'm sure that you will get one of the slam trophies... [Even] more.

The second-seeded player was off to an impressive start until the second set when he double-faulted at 4-4 and committed unforced errors repeatedly that handed Dominic a cruise through the set and claimed six straight games until 4-1 in the third set which he lost.

Things began to take a new dimension in the fourth set when claimed an early lead and serve out to win the set to force a five-set Final. Djokovic again claimed an earlier for 5-3 and sealed the victory with a backhand shot for Dominic to hit wide on return.

Lifting his 17th Grand Slam trophy, the 32-year-old told the crowds, "I would like to say this is a reminder that we should stick together more than ever. Stay close to the people who love you."