Djokovic looks back on the 2012 Australian Open final: "It's the longest Grand Slam final in history, I'm just very proud to be part of history"

Adrien Guyot

le 07/01/2025 à 13h19

2 min to read

Djokovic Laver Murray Nadal

Novak Djokovic isn't satisfied, and is thinking big for 2025. The Serb, who has called on Andy Murray to become his new coach, is hoping to win a 25th Grand Slam title.

In a few days' time, the former world number 1 will be back in his own backyard in Melbourne.

Djokovic has triumphed at the Australian Open on ten occasions and is hoping to add an 11th title at the Australian Major by the end of January.

In the meantime, the Serbian looked back on one of the most memorable Grand Slam victories of his career, recalling the 5:53 final he won against Rafael Nadal at the same Australian Open in 2012.

"If I had to choose, it would be that final, but also Wimbledon in 2011, because that's the tournament I've always wanted to win.

But the final in Australia in 2012 stands out for the simple fact that we played for almost six hours, it was incredible (Djokovic won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5).

I think it's the longest Grand Slam final in history, and just hearing about it can bring tears to my eyes.

I'm just very proud to be part of history, to be one of the players to have won this tournament so many times.

I was flattered to play in front of Rod Laver, in front of all these legends and in front of 15,000 people until 1.30 in the morning," he told The Tennis Gazette.

"What I said to Rafa on the court after the match, I meant sincerely.

I said that, unfortunately, there could only be one winner, but we'd both given it our all.

We played to 100% of our abilities and we played well right up to the very last moment.

To have two winners is impossible, but he could easily have won and he would have deserved the title too. I'd have been in the same frame of mind if I'd lost the final," he concluded.