Australian Open: can Thiem end the Djokovic-Federer series?
Dominic Thiem is playing today at 09:30 a.m. (live on Eurosport, in Austria on ServusTV and in our live ticker) at the Australian Open 2020 against Novak Djokovic for his first Grand Slam title. Reason enough to look back at the last five finals in Melbourne.
by Robin Huiber
last edit: Feb 01, 2020, 08:44 pm
2015: Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray 7: 6 (5), 6: 7 (4), 6: 3, 6: 0
It's the third final between Nole and Andy - and it shouldn't be the last. As in previous years (and later), the Serb didn't give his British opponent a real chance to win this year either.
2016: Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray 6: 1, 7: 5, 7: 6 (3)
Lightning start of the defending champion, who let his rival come into the game better as the match progressed. For Murray, it was going to be a series of three consecutive Grand Slam finals, culminating in Wimbledon, where the Scotsman got his last major win so far.
2017: Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal 6: 4, 3: 6, 6: 1, 3: 6, 6: 3
Federer had to wait half a year before the Australian Open 2017, was about to end during the tournament against Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka. And was already 1-3 in the decisive fifth set against Nadal. This was followed by a comeback of epic proportions. And a dramatic ending.
2018: Roger Federer vs. Marin Cilic 6: 2, 6: 7 (5), 6: 3, 3: 6, 6: 1
The roof was closed on that final Sunday in Melbourne - not after the taste of Cilic, which Federer had to surrender in the Wimbledon final the year before. The Swiss started as befitting, but Cilic did not give up. And had the momentum after winning the fourth set. Roger Federer, however, took advantage of a short period of weakness in the Croatian and still got his 20th and so far last major title.
2019: Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal 6: 3, 6: 2, 6: 3
Seventh title for Novak Djokovic, who overtook Roger Federer in this category. And this success was never in question because the Serb dominated his opponent throughout the match. Dominic Thiem will try to do better than Nadal this Sunday.