Melbourne, Australia (Sports Network) - Novak Djokovic became only the fifth man in the Open Era to win three straight major titles when he outlasted Rafael Nadal in Sunday's marathon final at the 2012 Australian Open. Djokovic and Nadal battled for 5 hours, 53 minutes in a thriller that turned out to be the longest final in Grand Slam history.
The world No. 1 Djokovic came from behind to defeat the second-seeded formerly top-ranked Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5 at Melbourne Park, as both men were visibly exhausted by match's end. Djokovic could barely lift the championship trophy, the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, afterwards. continue>>
Australian Open Players to Watch - Men
Player
Australian Open Stats
Novak Djokovic Australian Open Record: 25-5 Australian Open Titles: Two World Rank: #1
Roger Federer Australian Open Record: 59-8 Australian Open Titles: Four World Rank: #3
Melbourne, Australia (Sports Network) - Victoria Azarenka became a first-time Grand Slam titlist Saturday with a convincing straight-set victory over Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open women's final.
The third-seeded Azarenka downed Sharapova 6-3, 6-0 at Rod Laver Arena to run her winning streak to a personal-best 12 matches after claiming the Sydney championship before the year's first major. She will achieve another first in her career, ascending to No. 1 in the world rankings on Monday -- dethroning Caroline Wozniacki.
"I have been dreaming and working so hard to win the Grand Slam, and being No. 1 is pretty good bonus for that," Azarenka said. continue>>
Australian Open Players to Watch - Women
Player
Australian Open Stats
Kim Clijsters Australian Open Record: 22-6 Australian Open Titles: One World Rank: #12
Na Li Australian Open Record: 18-6 Australian Open Runner-Ups: One World Rank: #5
