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As it happenedended

Australian Open 2019 final result: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in Melbourne

Latest reaction from the 2019 men's final at Melbourne Park

Kieran Jackson
Sunday 27 January 2019 12:23 GMT
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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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Stunning scene in Melbourne, as the tournament reaches its conclusion.

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:05

Nadal has taken a bathroom break, as he tries to regroup and come up with a game-plan to counter Djokovic's brilliance.

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:06

*Djokovic 6-3 6-2 0-1 Nadal

It's drop-shot galore by Djokovic in that game, resulting in some brilliance at the net from both players.

At 30-30, Nadal takes the initiative, finishing the point off with a forehand volley into the open court and a big serve out wide puts him a game up, 

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:12

Djokovic 6-3 6-2 1-1 Nadal*

More consistent serving and groundstrokes by the Serb - Nadal has not been given a sniff when returning. 

Djokovic holds serve to love (for the 100th time...) and the pressure is back on Rafa.

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:16

Djokovic 6-3 6-2 1-1 Nadal* (15-40)

Two more break points for Djokovic as Nadal goes long with a forehand down the line.

The Serb has made only four unforced errors in the whole match. Four. 

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:18

*Djokovic 6-3 6-2 2-1 Nadal

Djokovic is closing in on the title now...

Nadal saves the first break point with some ferocious hitting, but a clever Djokovic drop shot on break point number two is irretrievable.

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:21

It just hasn't happened for Rafael Nadal, yet.

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:22

Djokovic 6-3 6-2 3-1 Nadal*

Djokovic just cannot miss at the moment. 

He continues to dominate from the back of the court, and holds comfortably to 15. 

Is there any way back for Nadal?

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:26

*Djokovic 6-3 6-2 3-2 Nadal 

Excellent response by Nadal. 

The Spaniard seems to have found his range on his forehand, and finishes the game off with a exquisite backhand volley crosscourt. 

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:29

*Djokovic 6-3 6-2 3-2 Nadal (30-40)

Remarkably, Djokovic misses with a few backhands and the Serb then misses a routine forehand.

Nadal has his first break point of the match. 

Kieran Jackson27 January 2019 10:33

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