Novak Djokovic crushes Rafael Nadal in straight sets for Australian Open title

MELBOURNE — It was world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and not No. 2 Rafael Nadal who carved out a slice of tennis history for himself in the Australian Open final on Sunday night.

In a near perfect performance, Djokovic captured a record seventh Australian Open title in so many finals played by dismantling Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

Prior to this victory, Djokovic was tied with Roger Federer and Roy Emerson with six Australian titles.

Djokovic picked up his 15th career Grand Slam trophy with the win, moving into sole ownership of third place in history behind Roger Federer with 20 titles and Nadal with 17. He had been tied at 14 majors with Pete Sampras.

Upon victory, Djokovic first pumped his hands in the air and went to his knees, then kissed his hand and banged down on the court with both hands.

“I am aware that making history of the sport that I truly love is something special,” Djokovic said. “How many (more) seasons are to come? I don't know. I'm not trying to think too much advance.

"I do want to definitely focus myself on continuing to improve my game and maintaining the overall well-being that I have mental, physical, emotional, so I would be able to compete at such a high level for the years to come, and have a shot at eventually getting closer to Roger's record. It's still far.” 

More:Five things we learned from the Australian Open

Last year Djokovic departed the Australian Open after a fourth-round defeat and immediately had right elbow surgery after months of problems. At the time many thought he’d seen his best days in the game, but they were wrong.

The Serb’s back to being a dominant force on the tour. He’s now won three consecutive Grand Slam titles having taken the Wimbledon and US Open trophies last year.

“I’m just trying to contemplate on the journey the last year,” Djokovic told the crowd. “I had the surgery exactly 12 months ago and now to be standing here winning this title and the last three of four Slams is amazing.

“I am speechless.”

This was the 53rd installment of a showdown between Djokovic and Nadal and the Serb now leads their career meetings 28-25. Nadal still leads their matches at the majors 9-6, but Djokovic’s won both at Melbourne Park.

In 2012, the two met in the final and Djokovic won the five-setter, which at 5 hours, 53 minutes was the longest Grand Slam men’s final in history. Sunday’s final paled in comparison in terms of competitiveness, but it certainly was stellar in displaying how one opponent can dominate another.

“For me, this is a school of life or a learning journey of life for me,” Djokovic said. “I've said it before: the tennis court is a place where I'm naked, where I'm exposed to my both extremes in terms of emotions and character. That's where I probably learn the most about myself, or have the opportunity to learn about myself.” 

More:Naomi Osaka rallies as Petra Kvitova gets emotional talking about attack

It was Nadal’s first official tournament since he retired with injury in his semifinal match at the US Open. He also underwent right ankle surgery in November.

"I can't be sad because I played against a player today that was better than me," Nadal said. "When he's playing that way I needed something else. I didn't have much chance with five months not playing. I needed that defensive game. What I need is time and more matches."

Nadal was looking to win a second Australian Open trophy — his first was in 2009 — which would’ve given him at least two titles from each of the four Grand Slams.

The Spaniard would’ve been the first man in the Open era, and only the third in history along with Emerson and Rod Laver, to have achieved that feat.

Nadal, who arrived in the final without having lost a set, was unable to make any inroads into Djokovic’s game, which was particularly bolstered by a stinging backhand. It was a combination of Djokovic dictating play, and Nadal being unable to even plan a strategy on points as he struggled to keep the ball from spraying beyond the lines or into the net.

Djokovic’s serve was incredibly accurate as he served seven games at love. In his first seven service games, the Serb only surrendered two points.

Nadal had to wait until the sixth game of the third set, with Djokovic already up a break at 3-2, for a break point opportunity in the match. He netted a backhand to miss out on the chance to even the third set.

Through two sets, Djokovic had only posted four unforced errors to 20 for Nadal. In total, Djokovic had nine unforced errors to 28 for Nadal, and 34 winners to 21.