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| Match: Finished | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| N. Djokovic (SRB) (1) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| R. Nadal (ESP) [2] | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Completed Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Set won by N. Djokovic | 6 - 3 | N. Djokovic leads 3 to 0 |
| Set won by N. Djokovic | 6 - 2 | N. Djokovic leads 2 to 0 |
| Set won by N. Djokovic | 6 - 3 | N. Djokovic leads 1 to 0 |
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Novak Djokovic has won a seventh Australian Open, routing Rafael Nadal in a largely uncompetitive straight sets victory 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.
» Click here for the full match report
Final score
Novak Djokovic 6 6 6
Rafael Nadal 3 2 3
The two undisputed best players of the 2019 Australian Open are set to clash in a final for the ages, and a rematch of one of the best grand slam finals in history, as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal go for gold on Rod Laver Arena. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:30pm (AEDT).
In 2012, the Australian Open saw Nadal and Djokovic play out a nearly six-hour epic, which Djokovic eventually won in five sets.
Despite the fact both of the styles on court are similar in that they are happy to slug away from the baseline and take opportunities when they arise, rather than creating them against the best in the world, it’s widely regarded as one of the best grand slam finals in history.
At this year’s season-opening grand slam, neither player have really been challenged. Nadal has breezed through without dropping a set to date, his forehand being a particularly strong weapon.
Djokovic, on the other hand, lost a couple of sets and spent some extra time on court during the first four rounds, which, at one pont, looked like it was going to leave him in trouble, health-wise.
Instead, he has bounced back to beat Kei Nishikori who retired after an hour, then he smoked Lucas Pouille 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 in one of the most one-sided grand slam semi-finals in recent memory.
It means both players should enter this final in tip-top conditions, both mentally and physically, and they will need to be.
Both players have incredible defence around the back of the court and hit the ball with amazing depth, while also having the weapons which have propelled them to the top of the world for prolonged periods.
Nadal must use his forehand with perfection, painting the sidelines at every opportunity if he is to pick up the win, while Djokovic needs to keep the ball away from Nadal’s forehand and be prepared to change things up if neccessary with drop shots and net rushes.
The other key determining factor tonight could be first serve percentage, given both players will be all over anything and everything served slowly on the second.
In their 52 meetings on the ATP circuit, it’s a close-run battle. Djokovic has 27 victories to Nadal’s 25, which includes a dramatic five-set victory at Wimbledon last year in the semifinals during what could have been the match of the calendar year.
Prediction
This is going to be a really intriguing final. Tough to split, but Djokovic’s extra defensive edge around the back of the court should give him the court in the clutch, especially if he can handle the Nadal serve and keep the ball away from his lefty forehand.
Don’t be surprised if this is another final which goes well into the early hours of the morning.
Djokovic in five sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the Australian Open men’s singles final from 7:30pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Start time: 7:30pm (AEDT)
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
TV: Live, Channel 9
Online: Live, 9Now
Betting: Djokovic $1.70, Nadal $2.15
Overall record: Played 52, Djokovic 27, Nadal 25
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