Novak Djokovic battled through intense pressure from Dominic Thiem to re-assert his dominance at the Australian Open Sunday, claiming a record eighth title and in doing so retaking the world No. 1 ranking.
The indomitable Serb stretched his unbeaten streak this season to 13 by rallying from two sets to one down and beating the courageous fifth-seeded Austrian 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a nearly four-hour ordeal.
It was his 17th Grand Slam title, moving him within two of Rafael Nadal and three of Roger Federer on the all-time list.