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7 reasons why Novak Djokovic is king of the Australian Open

February 01, 2015 19:04 IST

Novak Djokovic of Serbia

Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses for photographers with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic may never win as many Wimbledon or US Open titles as Roger Federer or as many French Open championships as Rafael Nadal but when it comes to the Australian Open the Serbian reigns supreme.

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On Sunday, Djokovic won his fifth Australian Open crown, beating Andy Murray 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-0 in an old fashioned slugfest where the pair went toe-t-toe like two prize fighters before the Serb knocked the Scotsman out.

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The only man to win more Australian titles than Djokovic is Roy Emerson, who chalked up six in the 1960s when the Grand Slams were restricted to amateur players and the Australian Open was played on grass at different cities all over the country.

But in the professional era, Djokovic is the undisputed king Down Under, playing in five Australian Open finals and winning the lot.

That he has done it during a golden period for tennis when Federer and Nadal were at their peak only adds to his accomplishment.

He has captured as many Australian Opens as Federer and Nadal combined and beaten Murray, his other great contemporary rival, in three finals.

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Fans of Novak Djokovic of Serbia

Fans of Novak Djokovic of Serbia support him in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain. Photograph: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

The key to Djokovic's success in Australia is his incredible fitness. The Australian Open, more than any other grand slam, is as much a survival of the fittest as a test of skill, played on Melbourne Park's hardcourts at the height of the southern hemisphere summer.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning championship point in his men's final match against Andy Murray. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Djokovic's commitment to keeping himself in mint condition is already legendary. He spends as much time in the gym as on the court, often training three times a day.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia

Novak Djokovic of Serbia holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Andy Murray of Great Britain stands in the background. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

He is also a stickler for everything he eats and drinks, swearing off bread, chocolate, dairy products, alcohol and caffeine as part of a gluten-free diet he embarked on because he thought his energy levels were running low.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia falls to the court

Novak Djokovic of Serbia falls to the court in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

It has not always been that way with Djokovic and he has learnt the hard way.

Although he won his first Australian Open in 2008, the Serb abandoned his title defence in the quarter-finals the following year, too tired to continue.

Criticised for quitting, and struggling to find a way to catch up with Federer and Nadal, he set about turning himself into a tennis machine.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

In 2011, he won his second Australian Open, first Wimbledon and first US Open titles. He won the Australian Open again in 2012 and 2013 then a second Wimbledon last year.

Sunday's win gave him his eighth career grand slam singles title, lifting him alongside Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi and Fred Perry.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts to a point in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Only seven players have won more, headed by Federer with 17 and Nadal on 14, who is tied with Pete Sampras. At age 27, the odds are against Djokovic eclipsing them for the overall record but when it comes to Australia he rules supreme.

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