Image Credit: Sporting News
By Lee Clow
27 January 2019 | Australian Open
Novak Djokovic continued to write himself into the history books as he landed a record seventh men's title at the Australian Open and third successive Grand Slam with a masterful performance against Rafael Nadal.
The Serb proved to the world why he is current number one in men’s tennis after annihilating his great rival with his biggest victory in a major final. Djokovic overhauled his opponent in straight sets, winning 6-3 6-2 6-3, rarely troubled on his serve.
Nadal, 32, was rattled from the start as Djokovic came out of the blocks fast. The world number one's intensity was too much for the Spaniard who made 28 unforced errors. It was evident that Nadal had recently returned from injury as his performance did not match to the standards he has set in his illustrious career.
The meeting between the two tennis greats was their 53rd meeting on tour and a repeat of their incredible 2012 final which lasted seven minutes short of six hours, the longest Grand Slam title match in history.
Djokovic has now won 13 of his past 16 meetings with Nadal, who has not beaten the Serb on a hard court since the US Open final in 2013. He currently leads 28-25 from their meetings.
The victory for Djokovic allows him to claim his 15th Grand Slam moving him up to third in the all-time list, with Nadal in second with 17 and Federer out in front with 20. This victory also makes Djokovic the current reigning champion of 3 grand slam titles (Wimbledon 2018, US Open 2018, Australian Open 2019).
During the trophy presentation, Djokovic spoke to the press. "I am just trying to contemplate on the journey in the last 12 months…Like Rafa, I had surgery exactly 12 months ago, and to be standing now here in front of you today and managing to win this title and managing to win three out of four slams is amazing. I am speechless."
Rival Nadal was quick to pay tribute to the Serb after his victory, saying. "The first thing that I have to say is many congratulations to Novak, it was an amazing level of tennis tonight and these two weeks. Well done for everything.” Nadal continued "For me it's so important for me to be where I am today again coming back from injury. I really believe that I played a great two weeks of tennis. That's going to be good energy, a good inspiration for what's coming.”
What’s next?
Both competitors are expected to compete in the next Grand Slam tournament, The French Open. Rafael Nadal is once again expected to win having won 11 titles in the past 14 tournaments.
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