Serbian Novak Djokovic set a record seventh Australian Open titles after the dominant win over Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2 and 6-3 in the 2019 final at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Sunday (1/27).
Djokovic became the men’s singles player with the highest number of Australian titles after winning in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. Djokovic passed the record of six Australian Open titles owned by Roger Federer and Roy Emerson.
This is the 15th Grand Slam title and third in a row for Djokovic after winning at Wimbledon and the United States Open. The 31-year-old surpassed Pete Sampras’s Grand Slam title record, but was left behind by two Grand Slam titles from Nadal and five behind Federer. In this Australian Open final, Djokovic won in two hours and four minutes.
In this match, Djokovic appeared superior. He won everything from the left-handed tennis player from Spain. The Serbian tennis player broke Nadal’s serve five times. He also recorded 34 winners, compared to 21 owned by Nadal. On the contrary, Nadal appeared very bad.
Nadal failed to match Djokovic’s game at the 53rd meeting of the two players. Quoted from Reuters, Nadal made unforced errors up to 28 times, while Djokovic was only nine times.
“Congratulations on everything. These are two emotional weeks. It’s not a good night for me, but it’s two important weeks. I went through a lot of difficult things last year. Since the US Open I didn’t play professional matches until the first round of the Australian Open. I believe “I performed a good game for two weeks,” Nadal was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Djokovic then gave praise to Nadal after receiving the trophy from Ivan Lendl. The world number one considers Nadal’s struggle to rise from injury is truly extraordinary.
“I want to thank Rafa for the past few weeks. Obviously this is a fierce match, but you managed to get back up from an injury that has left you lost on tour (ATP). You showed to colleagues and young players throughout the world about what is actually fighting spirit, “Djokovic said.
“I have only tried to contemplate the journey for the past 12 months. I had surgery for the last 12 months. To be in front of you with this title is extraordinary. I can’t say it in words.”
Sending a message to his wife and two children, he added: “Trophies are even more special when I have someone so special and dear to share them with, along with my two brothers and my parents.” He was as businesslike beforehand as he was sentimental afterwards.
