The Hat-Trick Man

Novak Djokovic is like a cat that has nine lives. Just when you think he’s knocked to the ground, he finds a way to get back up again stronger than ever. This is what happened during this year’s Australian Open, when the Serb barely survived Wawrinka’s spirited performance in the last 16th, to then make it all to way to winning the title. 

Many thought the Serb will not be able to recover after his gruelling encounter with the Swiss, but a day off and some trendy ice baths did the trick and Novak was back to his usual best just in time for his quarterfinal match with Czech Tomas Berdych. And the world number 1 was in total control from start to finish, dismissing Berdych’s challenge to advance to the semis. 

This was where faith threw in a helping hand, as he faced an exhausted David Ferrer next. The hard-working Spaniard was wrecked following the marathon win over Nicolas Almagro, so his body could not cope with Djokovic’s immense pressure. The ranging bull totally dominated the dispute, winning it 6-2,6-2,6-1 to advance to the final. 

Novak is one lucky guy. While he benefitted from an easy day at the office, his opponent in the final, Briton Andy Murray, had to endure a titanic battle with all time great, Roger Federer, in the semifinals. Although he was able to stay with Djokovic for the first two sets, Andy’s body eventually collapsed early on in the third, facilitating a successful defence for Novak who has now won three successive titles Down Under. 

The final, a repeat of last year’s US Open final, gave the Serb the perfect opportunity to avenge that loss. He now leads 11-7 in head-to-head meetings with the Brit, who has lost his third Melbourne final and is now 1-5 in Grand Slam finals. 

Moving past the drama of their previous clashes, Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray in four sets to claim his third consecutive Australian Open title. Visibly affected by his marathon semi with Federer, Andy failed to live up to the occasion. 

The proud Serb did not shy away from celebrating his success with the rest of the world

photos: GETTY IMAGES