The 2012 Australian Open should reach an enthralling climax tonight as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal do battle for the right to win the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Join us for live scores and blog from 7:30pm AEDT.
For the third time in succession, Djokovic and Nadal once again meet in a Grand Slam final, thus consolidating their status as arguably the two best players on the ATP tour at present.
Not even the sublime skills of Roger Federer, or the tenacity displayed by Andy Murray, could stop an inevitable showdown between two players that have become a staple in Grand Slam deciders.
Djokovic had his work cut out by Murray in the semi-finals; trailing two sets to one before fighting back to record an epic five set victory in a match that lasted just under five hours.
Nadal meanwhile also recovered from a slow start against Federer, weathering the Swiss maestro’ s precise shotmaking early on to eventually register a tight four set win against his great rival.
Overall, both Djokovic and Nadal approach their third consecutive Grand Slam final with terrific form on the board, so expect tonight’s Australian Open decider to be a closely fought affair.
Prediction:
Djokovic certainly takes a psychological advantage into tonights final against Nadal.
The Serb is on a six match winning streak against the Spaniard in finals, with his biggest victories coming at the 2011 Wimbledon championships and the US Open.
If Nadal is any chance of stopping the Serb’s winning streak, he will need to take a leaf out of Murray’s book, and look to play long rallies whenever possible.
Even though Djokovic displayed enormous fighting qualities to beat Murray, the fact remains that the world No.1’s continues to struggle with his fitness when he engages in lengthy points.
Nadal on the other hand is a master of maintaining his intense level of play for hours on end, so expect the Spaniard to really turn this match into an endurance contest.
Djokovic on the other hand will look to stick to the formula that proved so successful against Nadal last year.
The world No.1 became a master of nullifying Nadal’s heavy topspin groundstrokes, thanks to his ability to produce deep, angled shots off both the forehand and backhand side that constantly kept the Spaniard on the back foot, even on clay.
If the Serb can once again find his range and rhythm with his groundstrokes, then Nadal will have a torrid time trying to gain any authority against Djokovic’s precise shotmaking.
With both players fairly evenly matched, this final has the potential to go down two paths.
If Nadal can turn tonight’s Australian Open decider into a lengthy affair, then we may just see the Spaniard go on and lift his 11th Grand Slam title.
On the other hand, if Djokovic can replicate last year’s US Open form and dominate Nadal from the baseline with his heavy groundstrokes, expect the Serb to prevail once again against the Spaniard.
Regardless of the result, this should be a fascinating and gruelling contest either way.
Djokovic to win in four tight sets.
Nico
Roar Rookie
The greatest tennis match of all time. Still in awe and suffering withdrawal symptoms 8 years later. I was an undergrad student in London at the time, and worth the early alarm to watch.
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal (ever gracious in defeat) accepts the runner-up plate here at the 2012 Australian Open. That defeat however should rank highly in his highlights reel, given the guts that he showed right until the very end. And Djokovic finally lifts his third Australian Open crown here but only after outlasting Nadal in an epic five setter that will go down in history. He is the best player in the world now bar none. And that concludes our coverage of the Australian Open for 2012. Thank you again for joining us tonight on this epic evening and we look forward to your company next time on The Roar.
Alan
Roar Guru
Tonight's final also ranks as the longest ever Grand Slam final in history. Not suprised by that...
Alan
Roar Guru
For the record, tonight's final lasted 5 hours and 50 mins.... Djokovic wins his fifth Grand Slam title and his rivalry with Nadal has been taken to a whole new level now. Just repeating the final score: Djokovic 5 6 6 6 7 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
The defining point saw Djokovic produce a great first serve and then he followed up with a forehand winner to secure the championship. That shot ended arguably the greatest final and tennis match the world has ever seen between the two greatest players at the moment. Djokovic 5 6 6 6 7 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND CHAMPIONSHIP DJOKOVIC - In the longest match in Australian Open history, Djokovic wins the 2012 Australian Open and secures his third Grand Slam final in a row. The final score: Djokovic 5 6 6 6 7 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
For the first time in nearly six hours, Djokovic has a championship point... Djokovic 5 6 6 6 6 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with a great backhand and its deuce. Djokovic 5 6 6 6 6 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Break point Nadal as the Spaniard refuses to wield to Djokovic's immense hitting from the baseline... Djokovic 5 6 6 6 6 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal once again showcases his awesome defence as Djokovic is forced into error with the overhead smash... 30-30 Djokovic 5 6 6 6 6 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
30-15 Djokovic as the Serb's forehand goes long... Djokovic 5 6 6 6 6 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal hits the net with the backhand and its 15-0 Djokovic 5 6 6 6 6 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK - Djokovic will now serve for the championship after Nadal nets a slice return that allows the Serb to break... Djokovic 5 6 6 6 6 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Break point for Djokovic as Nadal goes wide with the forehand. Djokovic 5 6 6 6 5 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal with a great backhand and its back to deuce. Djokovic 5 6 6 6 5 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Break point for Djokovic but not before Nadal produces some great defence yet again. Djokovic 5 6 6 6 5 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
30-30 as Djokovic goes wide with the lob. Djokovic 5 6 6 6 5 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
15-15 but this match could last a lifetime given that both players are just so evenly matched... Djokovic 5 6 6 6 5 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal ends another awesome rally with a great forehand winner down the line. 15-0 Djokovic 5 6 6 6 5 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic holds with a great forehand winner and its 5-5, fifth set. Djokovic 5 6 6 6 5 Nadal 7 4 2 7 5