Djokovic Wins Australian Open Men's Title - East Idaho News
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Djokovic Wins Australian Open Men’s Title

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1 29 12%20ADjokovic?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1327858843766Scott Barbour/Getty Images(MELBOURNE, Australia) — History was made in Melbourne early Monday morning.

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in five sets, 5-7, 6-4, 2-6, 6-7, 7-5 to win in the Australian Open Men’s title, in the longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era. Djokovic’s third straight Grand Slam championship came in a match that lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes.

After the match, Djokovic paid tribute to Nadal.

“You are one of the best players ever,” Djokovic said. “You are one of the most respected guys on the tour. We made history tonight, unfortunately there couldn’t be two winners tonight but I wish you all the best for the season.”

With the victory, the 24-year-old Djokovic wins his fifth Grand Slam championship and third Australian Open title. He will retain his world’s No. 1 ranking.

For Nadal, it’s his third straight loss in a Grand Slam final. The 10-time Grand Slam Champion will remain No. 2 in the world rankings.

The previous record for the longest Grand Slam final was 4 hours and 54 minutes when Mats Wilander beat Ivan Lendl in 1988 to win the U.S. Open.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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