Novak Djokovic matches Roger Federer after 30th five-setter Major triumph

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic had to work hard on Friday night at Rod Laver Arena, overpowering Taylor Fritz 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2 in three hours and 25 minutes.

Struggling with a torn muscle since the beginning of the third set, Novak gave away the third and fourth sets before starting all over in the decider, preserving enough energy to beat Taylor and remain in the tournament. Taylor gave his best to challenge Novak in the opening two sets, losing them both and missing the opportunity to put more pressure on Novak after that injury, especially after the early stages of the fourth sets.

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Eager to give his best and try to bring the victory home, Djokovic felt better from the fourth set's early stages and controlled the pace behind the initial shot to mount the pressure on the American. Fritz won the fourth set but there was nothing he could do in the decider, dropping serve twice to push Novak over the top.

Thus, Novak has become the second player in the Open era with 30 five-setter Major victories, moving ahead of Pete Sampras and joining Roger Federer at the charts' top. Novak is the only player with at least seven triumphs in five sets at all four Majors, scoring nine at Wimbledon and seven at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and the US Open.