Australian Open: Novak Djokovic fights back for 8th title, 17th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic endured a fierce challenge to his Melbourne Park reign before overhauling Dominic Thiem 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 on Sunday to clinch an eighth Australian Open crown and reclaim the world number one ranking. (AP Photo)

While Rafa Nadal rules Roland Garros with 12 titles, Djokovic holds sway in the title match at Rod Laver Arena having never lost a final in Melbourne Park. (Reuters)

For the first time in eight Melbourne finals, Djokovic was forced to come back when trailing after three sets, rocked by the power and determination of Thiem. But as he so often does, the Serb found a way. (Reuters)

Thiem, seen as one of the greatest hopes to end the Big Three domination, was consigned to his third defeat in a major final following losses in the last two French Open deciders to Nadal. (AP Photo)

"Unreal what you are doing through all these years. You and two other guys (Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer) have brought men's tennis to a completely new level," the 26-year-old told Djokovic at the trophy ceremony. (AP Photo)

While Thiem started heavy-legged after spending a total of eight hours beating Alexander Zverev and Nadal in his previous two matches, Djokovic charged out of the blocks to take the first set. (AP Photo)

But the match turned on its head at 4-4 in the second set and the Serb conceded it with a terrible backhand. (Reuters)

A shellshocked Djokovic lost six games in a row as Thiem, blasting winners virtually at will, roared to a 4-0 lead in the third. (Reuters)

But the match turned again when Thiem gave up a double-fault to concede two break points, then blasted a forehand long to fall 5-3 behind in the fourth set. In a flash, Djokovic had served out the set to love, sealing it with an ace. (Reuters)

Having spent about six hours more time on court than Djokovic through the tournament, the strain of a long campaign began to tell on Thiem but he refused to crumble in the fifth. He had two chances to break back in the fourth game but Djokovic nervelessly cancelled the threat before holding firm in the nerve-jangling finish. (AP Photo)

Bruneian actor, singer, and model, Wu Chun and his wife Lin Liying were present to watch the men's singles final at the Rod Laver Arena. (AP Photo)