Australian Open 2019 final result: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in Melbourne
Latest reaction from the 2019 men's final at Melbourne Park
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Your support makes all the difference.Novak Djokovic is the 2019 Australian Open champion after crushing Rafael Nadal in a surprisingly one-sided men's final in Melbourne.
The world No 1 and world No 2 met for the 53rd time but there was only ever one winner at Melbourne Park as the Serb exploded out of the blocks and won going away 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 after breaking the Spaniard's serve five times and only facing one break point himself. The victory, a seventh Down Under, moves him one clear of Roger Federer as the most decorated male player in the tournament's history.
Here's how it all played out:
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*Djokovic 5-3 Nadal
Much better by the Spaniard.
He holds to love, and crucially wins a couple of long exchanges from the back of the court.
Djokovic will serve for the first set though...
Djokovic 6-3 Nadal*
Unreal tennis from both players, as Djokovic clinches the first set.
After Djokovic nets with a nervy forehand, it opens up for Rafa at 0-15 but he goes just wide with a forehand. Missed opportunity.
At 30-15, the longest point of the match - at 21 strokes - emerges with Djokovic the victor, and another forehand in the net by Nadal seals the first set.
The signs were much more promising for Rafa at the end of that set though.
As you would expect, the Rod Laver Arena is packed for this one.
Djokovic 6-3 Nadal* (30-30)
Two points apiece, with Djokovic looking imperious from the back of the court. Big moment this for Nadal.
*Djokovic 6-3 0-1 Nadal
Big hold that for Rafa.
He converts with some clever service accuracy, and forehands to back them up.
Djokovic 6-3 1-1 Nadal*
The Serb dominates on serve again, manoeuvring Nadal around the court seemingly with ease.
Djokovic has still only lost one point on serve. That's his fifth love hold out of six games.
Djokovic 6-3 1-1 Nadal* (30-30)
At 15-15, Djokovic wins a point after Nadal strikes a volley into the net when he should have let the ball go long. Rafa recovers to 30-30 though, with a bold forehand winner which strikes the line.
*Djokovic 6-3 1-2 Nadal
Djokovic slips at the back of the court, and can't retrieve a heavy Nadal forehand. A whipping angle serve clinches the game.
Important for Nadal that he sticks with Djokovic, even if he's struggling to make inroads on the Serb's serve.
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