Melbourne: It was one of the most stunning Australian Open finals in recent years, but not in the way anyone expected. Novak Djokovic won a record seventh Melbourne Park title in
brutal fashion, defeating Rafael Nadal in straight sets, 6-3 6-2 6-3.
Djokovic now sits on 15 grand slam titles, two behind Nadal and five behind all-time leader Roger Federer. It is the Serbian’s third consecutive slam title; the third time in history he has
won three slams in a row, a record in itself.
American tennis great Jim Courier called it “one of the greatest performances you will ever see”.
“I’m just trying to contemplate on the journey in the last 12 months,” Djokovic said post-match. “I had the surgery exactly 12 months ago. To be standing now here in front of you today
and managing to win this title and three out of four slams, this is a truly amazing. “I’m speechless.”
Nadal was left stunned. “Many congratulations to Novak and to his team,” Nadal said. “It was an amazing level of tennis tonight and for the two weeks, so well done for everything.”
From the opening moments, it was all one-way traffic, and at no point did it look like a battle between the world No.1 and the world No.2.
Djokovic was simply clinical, losing just one point on serve for the entire first set, while he broke Rafa at the first opportunity.
In a sign of just how difficult the Spaniard had it early winner, he even produced an air swing in one stunning moment.
