Summary

  • Novak Djokovic beats Dominic Thiem 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 in men's singles final at Australian Open

  • Serbia's defending champion Djokovic wins a record-extending eighth Melbourne title

  • Fifth seeded Austrian Thiem had been seeking a maiden Grand Slam title

  • Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary - click on the audio icon at top of page

  • Watch highlights on BBC Two at 13:30 GMT

Live Reporting

Alex Bysouth and Saj Chowdhury

  1. Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 2-1 Thiem*

    The cord says, "OK, you're not out of it yet" as Djokovic's slice kisses the top and stumbles over.

  2. Marion Bartoli
    Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

    He just looks completely flat, Novak.

    He feels he doesn't want to get into a physical battle from the back of the court, which is a worry if you're his fans because that's usually where he wins his points.

    djokovicReuters

  3. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-1 Thiem

    Brave tactics from Djokovic again as he races to the net post serve and applies the finishing touch.

    Deuce.

    Advantage with an angled volley at the net.

  4. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-1 Thiem

    Djoko then goes long.

    Break point.

  5. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-1 Thiem

    The defending champion comes to the net again, but his forehand is smacked wide of what is legally permitted.

    Not pretty.

    30-30.

  6. Marion Bartoli
    Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

    It's so unusual for Djokovic to refuse the physical battle in a match.

  7. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-1 Thiem

    15-15.

    Djoko's team look on. Goran Ivanisevic looks pensive.

    30-15.

  8. Pat Cash
    Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Djokovic has to put some doubt in Thiem - where is he? What's he going to do?

  9. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-1 Thiem

    Djoko is trying to get some sort of foothold.

    Thiem delivers a pinpoint ace to hold.

  10. Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-0 Thiem*

    Djoko persists with his tactic of coming to the net and produces a sliced backhand winner.

    30-15.

    Big serve and it's 40-15.

  11. Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-0 Thiem*

    The cord comes to Thiem's rescue as Djokovic comes to the net. The Austrian apologises, but probably didn't really mean it.

    15-0.

    30-0.

  12. Pat Cash
    Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

    There is definitely a limp going on. Novak Djokovic is not 100%, his intensity is not there.

    Since his second-round match, Dominic Thiem has been unbelievable.

  13. Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 1-0 Thiem*

    The Austrian counters with a pounced-upon forehand before Djoko seals as Thiem finds the net.

    That was better from the Serb.

    Now what does he have up his metaphorical sleeve?

  14. Pat Cash
    Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

    That's the Djokovic we know. As soon as he gets that gap he pulls the trigger.

  15. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 0-0 Thiem

    Now then.

    Djoko stays in a long rally from the baseline and comes out on top with a forehand down the line.

    40-15.

  16. Marion Bartoli
    Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Novak has to put in a lot more energy, really dig deep and have better footwork, be more aggressive. That requires a lot of energy, so he has to find a way to produce more or the match is gone.

    djokovicGetty Images

  17. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 0-0 Thiem

    The Serb settles and sends down a decent first serve which Thiem can only return long.

    15-15.

    30-15.

  18. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 0-0 Thiem

    Five sets?

    Not if Djoko continues to play terrible wayward shots from the baseline.

  19. David Law
    BBC Radio 5 Live tennis commentator

    Djokovic just sort of stomped off with his bag over his shoulder, ready we think to have some treatment. Now he's back, with a new shirt on...

  20. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 Thiem

    The umpire appears to be asking Thiem if he wants stuffed crust for an extra $0.50.

    Can't be certain though.

    Djoko is back from another comfort break.

    djokovicGetty Images