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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

(Newser) – 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.

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)
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,...   (Associated Press)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France and Serbia's Novak Djokovic play in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France and Serbia's Novak Djokovic play in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark...   (Associated Press)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts after winning the first set against Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.  (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts after winning the first set against Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday,...   (Associated Press)
Evelyne, left, and Didier, right, the parents of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France watch as he plays Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.  (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Evelyne, left, and Didier, right, the parents of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France watch as he plays Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne,...   (Associated Press)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France returns to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Stevens)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France returns to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick...   (Associated Press)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating 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/Rick Stevens)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating 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....   (Associated Press)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts to a point win 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/Rob Griffith)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts to a point win 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....   (Associated Press)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts as he plays Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.  (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts as he plays Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the final of the Men's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. (AP...   (Associated Press)
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