Djokovic Takes First Slam Title

First Serbian to win Grand Slam battles fierce newcomer Tsonga
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 27, 2008 6:57 AM CST
Djokovic Takes First Slam Title
Family members of Serbia's Novak Djokovic cheer him as he plays Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)   (Associated Press)

Novak Djokovic, the third-ranked Serbian who ousted Roger Federer on his way to the Australian Open finals, now has a Grand Slam title of his own. Facing fierce newcomer Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in an epic battle, Djokovic held on—and maintained his composure—to prevail 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (2), ABC News reports.

Tsonga, who shocked No. 2 Rafael Nadal to advance to the finals, put up quite a fight, winning the first set and giving Djokovic plenty of trouble in the second. The third set proved to be a watershed for the Serbian, as he broke Tsonga's serve three times. After a medical timeout early in the fourth for treatment for a thigh complaint, Djokovic powered through to win the final tie breaker, 7-2. (More tennis stories.)

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