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 6-3 6-2 3-2 Nadal (40-40)
Break point saved, as Nadal nets a backhand.
Both players grunting quite loudly now - vital game this.
Djokovic 6-3 6-2 4-2 Nadal*
Djokovic is fortunate with a net cord and a ball which hits the baseline, and then clinches the game with a forehand into the open court after a serve out wide. The six-time winner turns to his box and intensely clenches his fist.
Will that be Nadal's only chance?
*Djokovic 6-3 6-2 4-3 Nadal
Despite going down 0-15, Nadal stays in touch with some powerful first serves.
He will have two more chances to break a near-perfect Novak Djokovic.
*Djokovic 6-3 6-2 4-3 Nadal (30-30)
Djokovic starts the game with a forehand just wide, but takes the lead at 30-15 with some accurate first serves.
Nadal takes the initiative on the next point though, with a well-struck backhand, and it's 30-30...
*Djokovic 6-3 6-2 4-3 Nadal (40-40)
Nadal nets with a forehand to gift Djokovic a game point opportunity, but the Spaniard emerges victorious from a long rally, dictating with his forehand.
Deuce.
Djokovic 6-3 6-2 5-3 Nadal*
Djokovic is just a game away now.
A gutsy first serve out wide sets up game point, and the Serb is fortunate, as his backhand volley clips the net and goes over.
Just shy of two hours, and Nadal is serving to stay in the match.
Djokovic 6-3 6-2 5-3 Nadal* (15-40)
Two championship points for Djokovic, with two clean winners at 15-15.
Astonishing play - Djokovic has hit 34 winners already.
Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 6-3
Novak Djokovic takes the title on his second championship point, with Nadal going long with a backhand.
He raises his arms aloft, and after shaking the hands of Nadal and the umpire, is on his knees punching the air - it's Djokovic's third Slam in a row.
The Serb was just far too good, albeit against an under-par Rafael Nadal.
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