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 1-5 Thiem

    Thiem's plan seems to be to just stay in the rallies, as Djoko goes for the riskier shots - which generally aren't coming off.

    15-0.

    15-15.

    thiemAFP

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

    Thiem produces some wicked whip to land his forehand just inside the baseline.

    30-0.

    A computer graphics decision then goes against Djoko.

    40-0.

    Game.

    The Austrian has now won seven of the past eight games.

    Well done him.

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

    The Serb didn't seem to be given any tablets, he just downed an energy gel. Do you 'down' energy gels?

    Anyway.

    15-0.

  4. Jonathan Jurejko
    BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

    "Nole! Nole! Nole!" The Serb contingent try their best to rally their man at the changeover. He needs it.

    He also needs the doctor. Believe he had some stomach issues earlier this week, maybe that's the problem?

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

    The doctor is still there but the trainer is not called for, so it could be some kind of sickness.

    It could be pain killers, rather than actual treatment the trainer might do.

    djokovicAFP

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

    Djokovic's tries that 'approach to the net' approach which pays dividends as he produces a beautiful stun volley.

    The Serb claims the game. Barely any cheers from the crowd.

  7. Russell Fuller
    BBC tennis correspondent at Melbourne Park

    Djokovic will be the world number one again if he wins tonight, he'll also be the first man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam in three different decades.

  8. *Djokovic 6-4 4-6 0-4 Thiem

    15-0.

    Djoko then goes long with a backhand from the baseline.

  9. Jonathan Jurejko
    BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

    Djokovic put his head down and walked to the baseline for the next point as soon as that Thiem lob went over his head. He didn't even wait for it to hit the court. Knew exactly where it was going to land....

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

    Djokovic comes to the net again to force the issue but Thiem picks him off with a lob as delicate as a shaven piece of parmesan.

    40-30.

    Game Thiem.

  11. Djokovic 6-4 4-6 0-3 Thiem*

    A Thiem double.

    15-30.

    30-30.

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

    I am not sure he will like this umpire a lot!

    I just feel there is a little bit more in this match...

  13. Djokovic 6-4 4-6 0-3 Thiem*

    15-15.

    Djokovic starts the next point on the frontfoot by coming to the net before Thiem forces him back.

    He then loses the point with a shot that lands long. Or did it?

    "I challenge," says Djoko.

    He was right to.

    15-15.

  14. Jonathan Jurejko
    BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

    Not seen Novak Djokovic's body language as negative as this in a Grand Slam final for a long time.

    The defending champion is wearily wandering around the baseline between points, shoulders drooped and head bowed.

    djokovicGetty Images

  15. Djokovic 6-4 4-6 0-3 Thiem*

    Djokovic isn't playing percentages to stay in this, he's still adopting a high-risk strategy - the defending champ takes the first point with a double-handed backhand that kisses the line.

    0-15.

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

    It looks more long-lasting, but we have seen Djokovic do this before - he's out, done, limping, and then comes back like a man possessed, but it definitively doesn't look good.

    Is he limping? Or am I reading something into that?

  17. Get Involved

    #bbctennis

    Pete: The Thiem is now!

    James Stevenson: Well done to Dominic Thiem for staying cool and keeping focused while Djokovic lost his head.

  18. Thiem breaks again

    Djokovic 6-4 4-6 0-3 Thiem*

    He is broken as the cord says to Djokovic: "It's not your day pal".

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

    If Thiem is starting to find his range with the backhand down the line then that is real trouble for Djokovic, because that's the only mistake he has been making.

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

    Djoko saves one break point following a bout of "you return and I smash".