Australian Open: Novak Djokovic wins ninth crown

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Novak Djokovic, the No. 1 men's tennis player in the world, won a record-extending ninth Australian Open title with a straight-sets victory over Daniil Medvedev on Sunday in Melbourne.

Djokovic has now won three-consecutive Australian Open titles and 18 Grand Slams overall. He needed one-hour and 53 minutes to beat Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 Sunday at Rod Laver Arena. The victory ended Medvedev's 20-match winning streak.

Medvedev had six aces, four double faults, won two of four break points, had 24 winners and 30 unforced errors in the loss.

Djokovic had three aces, two double faults, won seven of 11 break points, fired 20 winners and 17 unforced errors in the win.

"He is one of the toughest players I have ever faced in my life," Djokovic said in his victory speech. "It's a matter of time for him to win a Grand Slam."

Djokovic broke Medvedev's first serve and won the first three games of the match. Medvedev then won the next three games to tie the score at 3-3.

Djokovic and Medvedev alternated victories in the next four games. Djokovic then claimed the first set with back-to-back game victoires. He won the final point of the set on a Medvedev forehand unforced error.

Medvedev and Djokovic broke each other's serves to start the second set.

Djokovic then took control of the set with wins in four-consecutive games. Medvedev won the sixth game to make the score 4-2, but Djokovic stayed dominant with wins in the seventh and eighth games.

Djokovic won the first three games of the final set. Medvedev then won two of the next three games, but Djokovic went on to claim match point on a forehand winner.

Djokovic now has 18 career Grand Slams. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer each have 20 titles, the most men's Grand Slam singles titles in history.