Tennis star Novak Djokovic is set to be deported from Australia after losing a last-ditch court bid to stay in the country.
Judges rejected the Serbian’s challenge to the government’s decision to cancel his visa on “health and good order” grounds.
The world number one’s hopes of defending his Australian Open title and winning a record 21st Grand Slam in Melbourne are over.
Novak Djokovic, 34, said he was “extremely disappointed” but accepted the ruling.
He said in a statement: “I will co-operate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.”
It was not immediately clear when he would leave.
Novak Djokovic’s supporters fell silent outside the courtroom as the decision was announced.
Australian PM Scott Morrison welcomed “the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe”.
“Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected,” he said.
Novak Djokovic launched the case after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his ministerial powers to cancel the unvaccinated player’s visa, arguing that his presence in the country risked fanning anti-vaccine sentiment.
It was the second time Novak Djokovic’s visa had been revoked, after a first cancelation over not following Covid entry rules was overturned by a different judge.
During January 16 court hearing before a three-judge panel, Novak Djokovic’s defense unsuccessfully argued that the grounds given by the government were “invalid and illogical”.
Chief Justice James Allsop said the federal court’s ruling was based on the lawfulness and legality of the minister’s decision, not on the “merits or wisdom of that decision”.
Full reasoning for the ruling will be made public in the coming days, he said.
Deportation orders usually include a three-year ban on returning to Australia, though this can be waived in certain circumstances.
The January 16 decision marks the end of a 10-day saga over Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa.
There has been much public anger in Australia over the player’s attempt to enter the country unvaccinated. The federal government has repeatedly said people must comply with the strict laws in place to deal with the pandemic, and that no-one is “above the law”.
Novak Djokovic was originally granted a medical exemption to enter Australia by two different independent health panels – one commissioned by Tennis Australia, the other by the state government of Victoria – after testing positive for coronavirus in mid-December.
However, the Australian Border Force detained him on January 5 for not meeting federal coronavirus requirements.
A judge later overturned that decision, but the government stepped in on January 14 to revoke the visa again, saying doing so was in the public interest.
Although Novak Djokovic is not vaccinated against Covid-19, he has not actively promoted anti-vax disinformation. However, Australian anti-vaxxers have been using the hashtag #IStandWithDjokovic on social media.
Australian opposition politician Kristina Keneally accused the government of a “litany of failures” in dealing with Djokovic’s visa application, as she questioned why the tennis player was granted a visa to begin with.
The government “mishandled Novak Djokovic’s case, undermined Australia’s border security settings, and provided a lightning rod for the anti-vaccination movement”, she argued.
In his statement on January 16, Novak Djokovic said he was “uncomfortable” with the focus placed on him because of the visa row.
“I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” he said.
Italy’s Salvatore Caruso, who is ranked 150th in the world, will now replace Novak Djokovic in his match against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic on January 17.
Novak Djokovic’s entry to Australia has been delayed over an issue with his visa.
The No 1 tennis player arrived in Melbourne on January 5, where authorities noticed that his team had made a mistake on his application.
Novak Djokovic is due to play in the Australian Open, after being exempted from vaccination rules.
However, the Serbian player’s team had not requested a visa that permits medical exemptions for being unvaccinated.
All players and staff at the tournament must be vaccinated or have an exemption granted by an expert independent panel.
Djokovic has been quizzed for hours about his visa status and exemption evidence in a room in Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport and is still awaiting a decision. He has not spoken about his vaccination status, but last year he said he was “opposed to vaccination”.
Australia’s border force had sought clarification from the Victorian state government about his visa application, the Melbourne-based Age newspaper reports.
But state government Minister Jaala Pulford tweeted that Djokovic’s application would not be supported. Visa approvals were a matter for the federal government, she added.
Meanwhile, the player’s father, Srdjan Djokovic said his son was being held in a room guarded by police.
“I have no idea what’s going on, they’re holding my son captive for five hours.
“This is not just a fight for Novak, but a fight for the whole world. If they don’t let him go in half an hour, we will gather on the street” Novak’s father said in a statement released to the media.
Djokovic’s coach and fellow Grand Slam champion Goran Ivanisevic posted a photo of himself on Instagram from a room in Melbourne, along with the caption: “Not the most usual trip Down Under.”
Earlier, Australia’s prime minister said Novak Djokovic would be refused entry to the country unless he provided evidence that he could not be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Scott Morrison said the tennis player “could be on the next plane home” if the proof was insufficient.
The tournament’s organizers say the defending champion has not been given special treatment, but the decision has infuriated many Australians. Australia is seeing tens of thousands of Covid-19 cases for the first time after enduring some of the world’s strictest restrictions.
Scott Morrison said Novak Djokovic would be required to present evidence upon arrival that he has a genuine medical exemption from vaccination.
The Australian Open begins on January 17 in Melbourne.
The tournament’s chief executive, Craig Tiley, said 26 athletes had applied for medical exemptions. “A handful” had been granted, he said, under guidelines set by federal regulators.
“We made it extra difficult for anyone applying for an application to ensure it was the right process and to make sure the medical experts deal with it independently,” he told Channel 9.
More than 90% of Australia’s over-16 population is fully vaccinated, but some people still cannot travel interstate or globally because of current measures.
Many Australians had previously accused the government of allowing the rich and famous to do as they please while ordinary people remained separated from sick and dying loved ones.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka has defeated Belarusian Victoria Azarenka in a compelling US Open final and claimed her third Grand Slam title.
The 22-year-old fourth seed Naomi Osaka won 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 for her second US Open title.
Naomi Osaka was overwhelmed in the first set and was in danger of trailing 3-0 in the second before recovering to win 10 of the next 11 games to take momentum.
Victoria Azarenka, 31, playing in her first major final since 2013, lost serve for 5-3 in the decider.
The Japanese shrieked with joy as she took her second match point, then calmly laid out on the court and stared at the New York sky as she contemplated her latest achievement.
Naomi Osaka’s level raised considerably as Victoria Azarenka was unable to maintain the intensity she showed in a one-sided opening set.
The fight back ensured Naomi Osaka, who won the 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open, maintained her record of winning every Grand Slam final she has played in.
Her maiden victory at Flushing Meadows in 2018 came in straight sets against Serena Williams in a hostile environment following the American’s infamous argument with umpire Carlos Ramos.
This second success could not have been more different.
This year, Naomi Osaka had to fight back from a set down against an inspired Victoria Azarenka – and navigate a tricky decider which could have swung either way – on a virtually empty Arthur Ashe Stadium because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Naomi Osaka looked a little lost as Victoria Azarenka overwhelmed her in a fast start, hitting 13 unforced errors and struggling to cope with the Belarusian’s proactive play and controlled aggression.
Eventually, though, the mental resilience which the Japanese says she has developed over recent months came to the fore.
That resulted in a major momentum shift in Naomi Osaka’s favor as Victoria Azarenka threatened to move 3-0 ahead in the second set.
The former world No 1 maintained that level in the decider to earn a 4-1 lead, but was unable to convert one of three break points to move 5-1 ahead.
That might have proved costly when Victoria Azarenka immediately put the set back on serve, only for Naomi Osaka to battle back again by winning what proved to be the final two games.
The Grand Slam rules state: “Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site.
“The referee, in consultation with the Grand Slam chief of supervisors may declare a default for either a single violation of this code.”
Novak Djokovic was the heavy favorite to win the men’s singles title at the US Open, which is being played behind closed doors and is the first Grand Slam to take place since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Going into the match against 20th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, Novak Djokovic had not lost a singles match in 2020.
Novak Djokovic was aiming for an 18th Grand Slam triumph to move closer to rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who are not playing in New York, in the race to finish with the most men’s major titles of all-time.
Novak Djokovic has become the latest tennis player to test positive for the new coronavirus.
Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all revealed they have tested positive for Covid-19 after playing at Djokovic’s Adria Tour competition.
The 33-year-old world’s No 1 played fellow Serb Troicki in the first event in Belgrade.
In a post on Twitter, Novak Djokovic said it had been “too soon” to stage the tournament.
“I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm,” he said.
He said the tournament had been organized with “a pure heart”, “good intentions” and a belief that they had “met all health protocols”.
“We were wrong and it was too soon,” he said.
The remaining Adria Tour events in Banja Luka and Sarajevo have now been canceled Novak Djokovic’s brother Djordje, who is a director of the tournament, has confirmed.
“Unfortunately, due to all the events that happened in the last few days, we have decided that the most important thing right now is to stabilize the epidemiological situation, as well as for everyone to recover,” he said.
A statement on Novak Djokovic’s website said: “Immediately upon his arrival in Belgrade [after the second event] Novak was tested along with all members of the family and the team with whom he was in Belgrade and Zadar. He is not showing any symptoms.”
There have been no ATP Tour events since February because of the global pandemic and the Adria Tour, which is not an ATP Tour event, was one of the first competitions to be staged since then.
The first leg in Serbia attracted 4,000 fans, and players were later pictured dancing close together in a Belgrade nightclub.
Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov played Croatia’s Borna Coric on June 20 in the second leg in Zadar, Croatia.
With Croatia easing lockdown measures, players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules and were seen embracing at the net at the end of their matches.
Pictures on the tournament’s social media site from June 19 showed Grigor Dimitrov playing basketball with Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic, while he also put his arm around Borna Coric before their match.
Alexander Zverev, Marin Cilic and Andrey Rublev, who also played in the Adria Tour, have tested negative, but suggested they will all now self-isolate for up to 14 days.
The ATP Tour season is set to restart on August 14 and the US Open will be held without fans from August 31 to September 13, despite some players voicing concerns about travelling to New York.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic saved two championship points in Wimbledon’s
longest singles final to retain his title in a thrilling win over world No 2 Roger
Federer.
Roger Federer led Novak Djokovic 8-7 40-15 on his serve in the final set but
the Serb fought back to win 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 13-12 (7-3) in four
hours and 57 minutes.
Novak Djokovic, 32, has won 16 Grand Slams – and four of the last five.
The Swiss said letting slip two championship
points in his Wimbledon final loss to Novak Djokovic was “such an
incredible opportunity missed”.
It is the second time Roger Federer, 37, has been involved in the longest
singles final at Wimbledon – and ended up losing too – after he was beaten by
Rafael Nadal in 2008.
Roger Federer has lost his past five meetings with Novak Djokovic in Grand
Slams, last beating the Serb at Wimbledon in 2012.
He still holds the all-time men’s Grand Slam record of 20 singles titles but
Novak Djokovic now has 16 with Rafael Nadal on 18.
Roger Federer, who during Wimbledon set two new landmarks in winning his 100th match at the championships and his 350th match at a Grand Slam, said holding the record was not what motivated him as a player.
Novak Djokovic saw off five set points in an even third set before dominating the tie-break to seal victory.
He is now in outright 4th place on the all-time list of Grand Slam men’s singles titles, moving clear of Roy Emerson and closing the gap on Roger Federer (20), Rafael Nadal (17) and Pete Sampras (14).
The former world No 1 will move back into the top 10 when the latest rankings are released on Monday.
It is Novak Djokovic’s first title since winning Eastbourne in 2017.
Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray to win his sixth Australian Open title.
The world No 1 won 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to claim his sixth Melbourne title, tying the record of Australia’s Roy Emerson.
Novak Djokovic, 28, also draws level with tennis greats Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver on 11 Grand Slam titles.
Andy Murray, 28, has now lost all five Australian Open finals he has played, four of them against Novak Djokovic.
Photo Getty Images
The Scot becomes only the second man – behind his former coach Ivan Lendl at the US Open – to lose five finals at the same Grand Slam since the open era began in 1968.
Andy Murray was expected to head straight to the airport after the final to return to London and his wife Kim, who is due to give birth to their first child in the next two weeks.
Novak Djokovic has now won four of the past five major tournaments, including three in a row, and will try to complete his career Grand Slam with a first French Open title in June 2015.
Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in four sets to win his second US Open and 10th Grand Slam title.
The world No 1 won 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 in New York, and will end the year with three of the four tennis majors.
Novak Djokovic, 28, held his nerve in front of a heavily pro-Federer crowd at Flushing Meadows.
Roger Federer, 34, had been hoping to win his 18th major title and first for three years.
In a raucous night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, after the start of play was delayed by more than three hours because of rain, the Swiss looked to have a real chance in the third set.
However, Novak Djokovic broke the Federer serve six times and saved 19 of 23 break points as he battled his way to a 27th win in 28 Grand Slam matches this year.
Novak Djokovic took another step towards joining the very best in history with a 10th major title, moving him within one of Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver in the all-time list.
Defeat by Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final in June means Novak Djokovic was just one win short of completing the first calendar Grand Slam in men’s tennis since Laver in 1969.
“It’s been an incredible season, next to 2011 the best of my life,” said Novak Djokovic.
He won three Grand Slam titles four years ago.
“I’m enjoying this year more than I did any previous one because I’m a husband and a father, and that makes it sweeter.”
Five-time champion Roger Federer was playing his first US Open final since 2009, and drew one of the loudest cheers of the night when he told the crowd: “I’ll see you guys next year.”
Roger Federer said it was “always tough” facing Novak Djokovic, adding: “I think we both walk away from it knowing more about our games and more about each other.
Novak Djokovic has beaten Andy Murray to win his fifth Australian Open title in Melbourne.
World’s No 1 came through 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-0 in three hours and 39 minutes.
It was a third win over British number one Andy Murray in a Melbourne final and brought him an eighth Grand Slam title.
Andy Murray, 27, has now won two of the eight Grand Slam finals he has played in, having lost all four in Australia.
“I would like to congratulate Novak – it is a fantastic record and thoroughly deserved,” said Andy Murray.
“It is probably my most consistent Grand Slam throughout my career but I just haven’t been able to win.”
Andy Murray, who underwent back surgery towards the end of 2013 and was playing in his first Grand Slam final since winning Wimbledon earlier that year, added: “I’m closer than I was a few months ago.
“I’ll try to come back next year and have a slightly different outcome in the final.”
Andy Murray, who will return to fourth in the world rankings on February 2, had chances in each of the first three sets of the final but ultimately lost his way and his temper as Novak Djokovic won 12 of the last 13 games.
Novak Djokovic, a week younger than his opponent, did look vulnerable at times, hurting his hand in a fall and appearing to struggle with an ankle problem early in the second set.
The Serb saw off one final moment of danger at break point in game seven, gesturing to coach Boris Becker to become more animated, but he required no assistance.
Andy Murray was a rapidly fading force, double faulting to drop serve at 5-3, and winning just 11 points in a fourth set that disappeared in under half an hour.
Novak Djokovic celebrated by throwing his racquet into the crowd, while a furious Andy Murray smashed his in despair.
“I’m honored to be standing here as a champion for a fifth time,” said Novak Djokovic after collecting the trophy from Australia’s Roy Emerson, the only man to win six titles.
Novak Djokovic has won this year’s Wimbledon title after beating Roger Federer in a thrilling final.
Novak Djokovic, 27, came through 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 6-4 to win his second Wimbledon and seventh Grand Slam title.
After letting a championship point slip in the fourth set, the Serb won Wimbledon’s first five-set final since 2009.
Novak Djokovic has won this year’s Wimbledon title after beating Roger Federer in a thrilling final
Novak Djokovic had lost his previous three major finals, and will now reclaim the number one ranking from Rafael Nadal.
Roger Federer, 32, had hoped to surpass Pete Sampras with an eighth title and become the oldest winner in modern times.
The Swiss was willed on by much of the 15,000-strong crowd throughout the final, with chants of “Roger! Roger!” ringing around Centre Court when he reeled off five successive games from 5-2 down in the fourth set.
Novak Djokovic recovered his nerve to fend off break points in the decider and clinch a dramatic win after three hours and 56 minutes, before kneeling on the turf and eating some grass – just as he had done after winning in 2011.
Rafael Nadal has won his second US Open title in New York after beating world number one Novak Djokovic in a pulsating four-set final.
Rafael Nadal, 27, held on magnificently in the third set to go on and win a gripping contest 6-2 3-6 6-4 6-1 in three hours and 21 minutes.
One incredible 54-shot rally – the longest in the tournament by 20 shots – summed up a battle that thrilled the 23,000 spectators in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Rafael Nadal has now won 13 Grand Slam singles titles and moves within one of Pete Sampras in the all-time list, with Roger Federer leading on 17.
And after missing last year’s US Open during a seven-month absence with a knee injury, Rafael Nadal is now set to regain the number one ranking.
Rafael Nadal has won his second US Open title in New York after beating world number one Novak Djokovic in a pulsating four-set final
“Having this success is amazing,” he said.
“I never expected it. That’s life and I’m lucky to have what I’m having.
“I really love the competition, I really love the sport. All my career I dreamed to be involved in matches like today. I enjoy every moment.
“These things are not forever. In a few years I won’t have this chance. I try my best, I have passion and that’s all I can do.”
Monday’s final was a predictably electrifying, punishing contest as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic met for the 37th time – taking them past the rivalry of John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl to set a new record since the Open era began in 1968.
It was their sixth Grand Slam final and third at Flushing Meadows, after Rafael Nadal won in 2010 and Novak Djokovic took revenge in 2011.
Scottish tennis player Andy Murray won his first Wimbledon title and ended Britain’s 77-year-wait for a men’s champion with a brilliant victory over world number one Novak Djokovic.
Andy Murray, 26, converted his fourth championship point in a dramatic final game to win 6-4 7-5 6-4 and claim his second major title.
Andy Murray won his first Wimbledon title and ended Britain’s 77-year-wait for a men’s champion with a brilliant victory over world number one Novak Djokovic
In an atmosphere reminiscent of his Olympic final win last summer, Andy Murray was willed on by the majority of the 15,000 spectators on Centre Court, thousands watching on the nearby big screen and millions more around the country.
And after a gruelling three hours and 10 minutes in temperatures exceeding 40C (104F), Andy Murray finally followed in the footsteps of Fred Perry’s 1936 win at the All England Club.
Fred Perry used to leap over the net in celebration, but Britain’s new champion roared in delight before sinking to his knees on the turf.
The final game had been a battle in itself, with Andy Murray seeing three match points slip by from 40-0 and fending off three Novak Djokovic break points with some fearless hitting, before the Serb netted a backhand to end the contest.
Andy Murray then headed into the stands to celebrate with his family and support team, before parading the trophy around Centre Court.
Serb Novak Djokovic won his fourth Australian Open title after beating Briton Andy Murray in Melbourne final.
Novak Djokovic, 25, was the stronger man over three hours and 40 minutes, winning 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-2, as Andy Murray struggled to cope with blistered feet and an increasingly rampant opponent.
“I played a good second set,” said Andy Murray.
“I created quite a few chances, but didn’t quite get them. That was the difference.”
And despite admitting that the blister “hurt when I ran”, he insisted: “It had no bearing at all on the result.”
Novak Djokovic secured his sixth Grand Slam title and became the first man in 46 years to win for three years running in Melbourne.
“It’s an incredible feeling winning this trophy again,” said the champion.
“It’s definitely my favourite Grand Slam, my most successful Grand Slam. I love this court.”
After losing an opening set he probably should have won, with five break points to none for Andy Murray, the top seed turned the tables in the second by grabbing the tie-break.
Novak Djokovic won his fourth Australian Open title after beating Andy Murray in Melbourne final
Andy Murray had been in charge but was disrupted when serving at 2-2, a feather floating down onto the court following a missed first serve, and after removing it he promptly double-faulted and smacked a forehand wide.
He won just one more point in the tie-break as Novak Djokovic took control to level after two hours and 13 minutes of action.
The physicality of the contest appeared to be taking its toll when Andy Murray then required treatment for blisters at the changeover.
He failed to capitalise on 0-40 at the start of the third and that proved to be the decisive moment as he began to grimace between points, clearly struggling to move freely.
It took two hours and 52 minutes of absorbing but rarely thrilling tennis for the first break of serve to arrive, and it went to Novak Djokovic.
A thumping forehand into the corner set him on the way at 4-3, and despite saving two break points from 0-40, Andy Murray could not resist any longer and netted a forehand.
Novak Djokovic went on a run of eight out of nine games as he moved two sets to one up and the Briton’s serve unravelled, the double-fault count rising to five after just two in his other six matches in Melbourne.
Unhappy with the umpire for not clamping down on shouts from the crowd, and with his movement hindered, Andy Murray cut a dispirited figure as Novak Djokovic powered towards another major win.
In marked contrast to his opponent, the Serb was relishing the closing stages and romped home towards match point, one delicious drop shot verging on the cruel.
Novak Djokovic wrapped it up on serve when Andy Murray netted a backhand and did a jig of delight on court before heading over to celebrate with his support team.
With six Grand Slam victories, he matches the likes of Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Don Budge and Jack Crawford in the all-time list – and there could be plenty more to come.
Briton Andy Murray battled past Roger Federer in five sets to reach his third Australian Open and sixth Grand Slam final.
Andy Murray, seeded third, will face world number one Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final after beating Roger Federer 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 6-2.
It required a dramatic four hours on Rod Laver Arena, with Andy Murray dominating for the most part but Federer’s brilliance keeping him alive.
Andy Murray served superbly, firing down 21 aces, only for Roger Federer to dominate the two tie-breaks.
And after failing to serve out the match in the fourth set, it looked as though Andy Murray might have missed his chance when it came down to a fifth.
However, just like he did in winning his first major title at the US Open, Andy Murray rose to the occasion in the deciding set and raced away with it.
Roger Federer had needed five sets to win his quarter-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga two days earlier, and he was overpowered this time.
An early break when Roger Federer framed a backhand was enough as Andy Murray rediscovered the potent serving of the early stages, closing it out when Federer sent a forehand long.
The major concern around Andy Murray before the match had been that he had not been tested in five straight-sets wins, but a thumping forehand winner on the second point suggested he was not suffering from a lack of intensity.
Returning superbly, he kept Roger Federer on the back foot from the outset as the Swiss struggled to win any free points on serve.
Andy Murray missed a break point in the opening game and forced another three two games later, grabbing the break with a cross-court forehand at the fifth opportunity.
Roger Federer saw an ace fly past him after fashioning his first chance of the match in game four, and he would not earn another break point until the fourth set.
Andy Murray saw out the opener in 45 minutes and continued to dominate in the second, but Roger Federer at least began to gain a foothold.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion provided enough flashing winners to keep his large following happy and made it to the sanctuary of a tie-break, which he dominated.
Andy Murray battled past Roger Federer in five sets to reach his third Australian Open and sixth Grand Slam final
Two wayward forehands from Andy Murray gave Roger Federer the perfect start and, after being pegged back to 5-5, the Swiss played a magnificent backhand pass after the Scot failed to put away a smash.
The set was his but the momentum did not shift. Andy Murray slapped a forehand wide on an early chance in the third set but visibly geed himself up after a strong hold at 3-2, and moments later broke to love.
Two more thunderous aces took him to the set and restored the lead his play deserved.
Roger Federer was not done, capitalising on a sloppy game from his opponent to move 4-1 up in the third, but when the Briton came storming back to level and then broke for 6-5, the end appeared imminent.
Andy Murray powered his way to 30-0, two points from victory, with a thumping forehand followed by a snarl of satisfaction, only for Roger Federer to ignite the crowd with a blistering backhand winner as he recovered the break and forced a second tie-break.
Again, Andy Murray started poorly, dazed by his missed opportunity, and Roger Federer raced through it to force a deciding set – the first time in his long career that the Swiss had played back-to-back five set matches.
Andy Murray might have been expected to crumble, but just as against Novak Djokovic in New York last September, he played a superb final set.
It was Roger Federer who lost his way, framing a backhand under huge pressure to give up the crucial break in game two, and Andy Murray resumed the serving prowess of earlier as he powered towards the finish line.
A forehand down the line brought up match point on the Federer serve, and the Swiss cracked one final time with a mistimed forehand to send Andy Murray back to the Melbourne final for the third time in four years.
However, just like he did in winning his first major title at the US Open, Andy Murray rose to the occasion in the deciding set and raced away with it.
Andy Murray predicted another physical encounter against defending champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s rematch.
“He is an unbelievable mover so I will need to be ready for the pain, but I hope it is a painful match because that means it will be a good one,” said Andy Murray.
Andy Murray ended Britain’s 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam singles champion with an epic victory over Novak Djokovic in the US Open final.
Andy Murray, 25, emulated Fred Perry’s 1936 achievement, winning 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 in four hours 54 minutes in the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
He also reached the Wimbledon final and won Olympic gold this summer.
“When I realized I had won, I was a little bit shocked, I was very relieved and I was very emotional,” said Andy Murray.
Despite his other successes, this result will arguably have a greater impact on his career and the future of tennis in the United Kingdom.
Andy Murray – the new world number three – lost his first four Grand Slam finals to share an Open-era record with coach Ivan Lendl, but like the Czech he has triumphed at the fifth time of asking.
Andy Murray ended Britain's 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam singles champion with an epic victory over Novak Djokovic in the US Open final
And while it is a dream of Andy Murray’s to win Wimbledon, the British number one has long been tipped to make his breakthrough at Flushing Meadows in the final major of the year.
He was the boys’ singles champion there in 2004, hard courts are his favourite surface and he enjoys the atmosphere in New York.
Andy Murray is unlikely to ever forget the atmosphere inside the world’s biggest tennis arena as he celebrated his success, which arrived in his 28th appearance at a Grand Slam tournament.
A swirling wind made conditions troublesome for both players, but it was Andy Murray who coped better in the first two sets and eventually ended Novak Djokovic’s title defence and 27-match hard-court winning run at majors.
“They were incredibly tricky conditions,” said the right-hander from Dunblane.
“Novak is so strong, he fights until the end of every match and I don’t know how I managed to come through in the end.”
After early breaks were exchanged, Andy Murray struck again before moving 4-2 ahead following a game that included a 54-shot rally.
Novak Djokovic rallied to force a tie-break, yet his opponent showed greater belief and took a sixth set point with 87 minutes on the clock.
Andy Murray roared with delight and carried his momentum into the second set, breaking an out-of-sorts Novak Djokovic twice for a 4-0 lead.
A lapse in concentration allowed Novak Djokovic back in and when the Serbian landed a majestic lob for 5-5, Andy Murray clutched his left thigh.
There were no signs of injury, though, as Andy Murray held to 15 and then forced a flurry or errors from the world number two, opening up a two-set lead for the first time in a Grand Slam final.
The crowed urged Novak Djokovic to respond and he did – threatening in game one of the third set before making his move in game three.
Andy Murray was now starting to berate himself and voice his frustrations in the direction of his player box, never more so than when two backhand mistakes saw chances squandered in game six.
He then fell a double-break down thanks to an incredible backhand on to the baseline from Novak Djokovic, who easily closed out the set.
Novak Djokovic looked revitalised, Andy Murray weary, and the right-hander from Belgrade swiftly found himself 2-0 up in the fourth set.
Just when it seemed Andy Murray might respond, Novak Djokovic was called for a time violation and he angrily took his performance to a new level.
When Andy Murray’s backhand broke down again, Novak Djokovic leapt with joy and it seemed he could become the first man since Pancho Gonzales in 1949 to rally from two sets down to win the US Open.
But Andy Murray had other ideas and made a devastating start to the decider, breaking in game one and consolidating it with some defensive play of the very highest order.
The third seed was in dreamland when Novak Djokovic netted a forehand to hand over the double-break, only for a nervous Andy Murray to immediately surrender one of his strikes with a timid backhand.
A love service hold put Andy Murray back on track and he advanced to within one game of victory when Novak Djokovic netted a forehand.
Andy Murray served out the championship 79 years to the day – on the same court – that Perry won the first of eight major singles crowns.
“I’m disappointed to lose, but I gave it my all,” said five-time major winner Novak Djokovic, a friend of Andy Murray’s and seven days younger.
“I had a great opponent today. He deserved to win this Grand Slam more than anybody. I would like to congratulate him.”
Italian striker Mario Balotelli was sporting three tramlines of blue sticky tape on his back in the Euro 2012 Championship.
And at Wimbledon, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic has had his elbow patched up with the same stuff.
So what’s behind this latest sporting fad?
The Japanese makers of Kinesio tape say it gives players an edge by mending injuries.
Although it might seem like a new idea, the tape has been around since the 1970s.
The brainchild behind the tape, Dr. Kenzo Kase, says he came up with the design because he found standard taping techniques, like conventional strapping, too restrictive for his patients.
Although standard strapping provides muscle and joint support, it limits movement and, according to Dr. Kenzo Kase, gets in the way of the healing process by restricting the flow of inflammatory fluids below the skin.
The Japanese makers of Kinesio tape say it gives players an edge by mending injuries
Kinesio tape is different, he says, because it lifts the skin to assist this lymphatic flow, which, in turn, reduces pain and swelling.
However, Dr. Kenzo Kase admits there have been too few studies to prove these scientific claims.
Dr. Kenzo Kase says people have been using his tape with success for more than 30 years. But he recognizes that only solid scientific evidence can silence critics.
“We have many people researching but the society of Kinesio taping therapy itself – the International Kinesio Taping Association – is only five years old. We need more evidence. We do not have research reports. Part of the reason people are using Kinesio tape is to find the science.”
Another element to consider is the power of persuasion or “placebo effect” – if you believe something will work then you will see results.
John Brewer, a sports professor at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “Personally, I think it is more of a placebo effect. There is no firm scientific data to show that it has an impact on performance or prevents injuries.
“My concern is that there is little that you can put on the skin that will have a real benefit for the muscles that lie deep beneath.
“The power and stress going through the joints is immense.
“But, saying that, I can’t see it would cause any real problem, other than making you lose a few hairs.”
In theory, anything that can lessen the oscillations or vibrations that go through the muscle when you are doing intense sport will be beneficial, he said.
Phil Newton, a physiotherapist at Lilleshall, one of the UK’s National Sports Centres, said: “It’s a multimillion-pound business, yet there’s no evidence for it. There’s a whole host of companies making this tape now.
“A lot of medical practitioners do use it.
“It is different to the various types of tape that physios have been using for donkey’s years to strap sprained ankles and so on.
“This is a relatively new type of tape that is thin and light weight. The idea behind it is fascial unloading – reducing pressure in the tissue below the skin.”
Dr. Phil Newton remains dubious. “Looking at the tensile strength of the tape I don’t see how it could do it unless it is down to stimulating the senses. The power of placebo is very strong and shouldn’t be underestimated.”
He predicts the Olympics will be awash with the stuff. “It’ll be a show of multicoloured tape.”
“We’ll probably see athletes in the Olympics sporting a few union jacks made out of it,” he said.
Dr. Kenzo Kase certainly hopes so.
He said: “Olympians are very top athletes. Top athletes are very different from regular athletes. They are hypersensitive and they worry. My tape will give lots of comfort to them. This is not drugs.”
Rafael Nadal won a record seventh French Open title after beating Novak Djokovic with 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5 in a rain-affected final.
Rafael Nadal, 26, resumed leading 6-4 6-3 2-6 1-2, but his uncharacteristic wobble late on Sunday had fuelled Novak Djokovic’s belief.
The Spaniard broke back in the first game of the day however, and then piled pressure on an unsettled Novak Djokovic.
The Serb finally folded with a double fault to hand Rafael Nadal an 11th Grand Slam.
Having drawn level with Bjorn Borg on six Roland Garros titles last year, the victory gave Rafael Nadal sole ownership of the landmark, and he is likely to have plenty of opportunities to stretch further clear.
Rafael Nadal won a record seventh French Open title after beating Novak Djokovic with in a rain-affected final
The only three men to have more Grand Slam victories – Roger Federer with 16, Pete Sampras on 14 and Roy Emerson on 12 – are now in his sights.
The crowd had returned to Court Philippe Chatrier entertaining the possibility that they may witness a different piece of tennis history.
Novak Djokovic, aiming to become only the third man in history to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously, seemed to have the upper hand on his rival when Parisian drizzle had forced them off on Sunday.
Rafael Nadal led a precariously-poised contest 6-4 6-3 2-6 1-2 overnight, but, having been broken early in the fourth, he had looked ill at ease on the court he has made his own.
The Spaniard had surrendered eight successive games and grew increasingly irritated by the wet conditions underfoot before tournament officials called an end to proceedings.
With the chance to reassess his position and resume in dry, if cloudy, conditions the world number two emerged reenergized.
Novak Djokovic’s hopes of becoming the first man to beat Rafael Nadal on clay after losing the opening two sets immediately dimmed as Nadal toppled his serve in the opening game.
Rafael Nadal’s body language had spoken volumes on Sunday and, after the Serb’s forehand down the line was snagged by the tape to bring up 2-2 , it was Novak Djokovic who allowed his frustration to show.
The world number one pounded his head with his racquet strings, but the brutal treatment he was receiving from the opposite end of the net proved harder to halt.
Twice Rafael Nadal held to love, while Novak Djokovic’s serve continued to look vulnerable.
Novak Djokovic’s resolve and fight had seem him haul back four match points to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga earlier in the tournament, but he appeared drained as he gifted Rafael Nadal the championship without forcing him to play a return.
The Serb’s second serve was long to signal an end of three successive Grand Slam final wins over Rafael Nadal and continue his rival’s extraordinary record of just one defeat in the tournament since making his debut in 2005.
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