Thiem was quick to remember that Russian Daniil Medvedev also pushed Nadal to the brink at last year's US Open before the Spaniard secured his 19th grand slam title. Dominic Thiem says the next generation is one step closer to breaking down the big three. Credit:AAP "I think it's only small details. In the last two finals – US Open and here – it was really close. It could have gone either way for Daniil in US Open and for me here," Thiem said. "It just takes hard work. Me and also the other young players who have definitely the potential to win a slam, to play every single of these four with determination and give myself a new chance hopefully." Nonetheless, with Djokovic labouring at the end of third set and facing a mountain to climb, Thiem recalled a small window of opportunity in the third game of the all-important fourth set.

On serve, Djokovic sent a forehand long at 30-30 to deliver the Austrian a break point. Facing possible oblivion, the Serbian delivered an excellent second serve to Thiem's backhand, went to the net and saved the point. For much of the remaining two sets, Djokovic's serve went to a new level as he pulled off a memorable come-from-behind triumph. "What happened tonight, I mean, if I could say anything, I would just say that maybe I could have converted the break point in the fourth set where I could have the lead 2-1," Thiem said. Novak Djokovic en route to another Australian Open title. Credit:Getty Images "He had some issues in the second set. He recovered very well. He played really good after in set three and four.

Loading "Of course, there were some small mistakes here and there, but they're happening. At the end was a super close five-setter. I don't really regret anything." Quizzed as to why Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer were maintaining their stranglehold on men's tennis - they have 56 majors between them and no other player has won a major since 2016 - Thiem said the next rung of players would usually have to beat two of the trio at a single tournament. "It's just a very special situation that I think is pretty unique in the history of sports – you just need to look at the success that they had, what they're still having. It's unique in sports history that the three best players by far are playing in the same era. That's what makes it very, very difficult for other players to break through. "As a different player than them, you have to beat at least two of them to win a big title. Almost all players failed to do that. That's what makes it so tough."