Who can stop Djokovic? Australian Open's controversial king targets ninth crown Serb's eighth victory in 16 visits reinforced his dominance in Rod Laver Arena and won seven of the last 10 editions AFP February 05, 2021 MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic has not endeared himself to fans over the past year, but the Australian Open's undisputed king will take some stopping as he targets a record-extending ninth title at Melbourne Park. Djokovic claimed his 17th Grand Slam crown in last year's gripping final, when he came back from 2-1 down to edge Austria's Dominic Thiem in five sets. The Serbian's eighth victory in 16 visits reinforced his dominance in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, where he claimed his first Grand Slam title in 2008 and has won seven of the last 10 editions.