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Novak Djokovic reclaimed the Australian Open title for a record-extending 8th time after edging out the No.5 seed Dominic Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in an entertaining final. Djokovic also resisted physical weakness to prevail in the 4-hour long gruelling match.

Thiem was close to clinching his maiden Grand Slam title after he took two sets to one lead with Djokovic going all out of sorts. However, the Serbian took a 4-minute off-court break after the 3rd set for an undisclosed reason. The 32-year-old fought back hard after rejuvenating and win the next two sets to grab his 17th Grand Slam title.

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“It was very strange”: Novak Djokovic

Novak explained that something unusual was happening during the third set when his serve was broken twice. He suggested that he didn’t suffer from any injuries but all his energy was drained out.

“I didn’t have any injuries and it was very strange for me because I had done things pretty much the same as I always do. My energy completely collapsed. Every time I would toss a ball, I would feel dizzy,” Djokovic revealed in an interview with channel 9.

We were trying to do everything possible within the circumstances to kind of find a way to rejuvenate. I was lucky with that serve and volley and coming back and I think from 2-all in the fourth, I started to feel better,” he added.

Also Read: Dominic Thiem Delivers an Emotional Speech After Australian Open Loss to Novak Djokovic

“I can’t really explain it”: Djokovic

Novak Djokovic also took a timeout during his 2020 Australian Open semifinal match against long-time rival Roger Federer on Thursday. Djokovic admitted that he was struggling with a similar type of trouble against the Swiss maestro.

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“It was a little bit similar. I can’t really explain it at the moment. I did talk to the doctor and she did assess and evaluate me when we walked off the court,” Novak said.

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The Serbian divulged that the doctor told him that he has maybe a few conditions and things like that. However, it’s not much that he could do but get energy – gels and bars and lots of liquids. She told him that he was dehydrated and so he tried to drink it as much as he could.