Novak Djokovic wins Australian Open Championship 2008

Novak Djokovic became Serbia's first ever grand slam champion on Sunday after beating the unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final of the Australian Open.

The third seed from Belgrade conceded the first set to the world number 38 but rallied to register a 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7/2) triumph in three hours and six minutes.

The victory marks the first grand slam crown for 20-year-old Djokovic, who upset world number one Roger Federer in the semi-final.

Tsonga made an uncertain start to the match, ceding his opening service game to his opponent, but Djokovic, his forehand misfiring, committed the same offence to let Tsonga off the hook.

The 22-year-old Frenchman, who defeated second seed Rafael Nadal in the last four, again had Djokovic on the ropes on his next service game, bringing up two break points that the world number three did well to repel before holding.

After kissing the court at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic celebrated with his family before thanking them for their support.

The new champion was also full of praise for his vanquished opponent.

"Jo has had an unbelievable tournament and he should be proud of himself," he said. "If he had won tonight it would have been absolutely deserved, so well done for his success."

He added with a grin: "I know the crowd wanted him to win more. But it's all right, I still love you guys, don't worry.

Tsonga added: "I would like to thank Novak for a good fight, for me it was good fun."