Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of the Australian Open men's final. It's a clash between two of the game's greatest ever players as world number one, Novak Djokovic locks horns with world number two, Rafael Nadal. Indeed, a 14-time Grand Slam winner battles a 17-time major champion in the most anticipated clash of a fledgling season so far. It's the 25th time these two have faced off in a tour final - an Open era record - and it's fair to say the buzz is tangible as the players prepare to get underway on Rod Laver Arena at approximately 08.30 GMT.
N. Djokovic vs R. Nadal | Australian Open
Men's Singles | Final | 27.01.2019 | Rod Laver Arena
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N. Djokovic (1)
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R. Nadal (2)
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Live Updates
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Updated 27/01/2019 at 11:14 GMT
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- Highlights
Djokovic: "I'm just trying to contemplate the journey in the last 12 months. I had the surgery exactly 12 months ago so to be standing in front of you today and to win this title and three out of four Slams is amazing. I'm speechless."
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Nadal: " First thing I have to say is congratulations to Novak and his team. It was an amazing level of tennis tonight. Well done for everything."
He added: "I'm going to keep fighting hard to be a better player, to keep fighting for the most important things. This tournament has been tough for me in terms of injuries and in terms of opponents, like tonight!"
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It's three Slams on the spin for the third time in Djoker's career. He was supreme today but Nadal was nowhere near the player that had impressed so much earlier in the tournament.
If Djokovic continues this type of form he could yet trouble Roger Federer's all-time leading haul of 20 Slam titles.
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GAME, SET AND MATCH! - DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 6-3 NADAL. That is a demolition! Novak Djokovic breaks Nadal once again to become the 2019 Australian Open champion. The Serbian world number one totally dominated the Spaniard to claim a record seventh title at this tournament and his 15th Grand Slam in total. He moves ahead of Pete Sampras into third place in the all-time list of major winners after snaring his third in a row.
Nadal had hoped to become the first man in the Open era to win all the Grand Slams at least twice, but never looked likely in a very one-sided final. It last just two hours and four minutes and was never the battle many were anticipating.
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DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 5-3 NADAL. Rafa just can't up the ante enough. He unloads a stunning crosscourt backhand to turn it interesting for 30-30 and then corks a forehand up the line for deuce.
Djoker responds with a supreme first serve and then gets very lucky when his awkward volley hits the net and bobbles over. The Serb is one game away from the title.
DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 4-3 NADAL. That was fine serving from Rafa, particularly when called upon to find a decent second serve. He holds to 15, but it's getting towards now or never time if he is going to break Novak. It's not looking likely though. The Serb has been imperious.
DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 4-2 NADAL. That was Rafa's chance to make this set interesting - but he blows it. The Spaniard finally earns himself a break point but lashes a tight crosscourt backhand into the net. Djokovic rallies from deuce to stay on course.
DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 3-2 NADAL. That was much better from Nadal - but it's come way too late. A succession of big serves and a smart, angled volley give him a rare, comfortable hold to 15.
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DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 3-1 NADAL. Rafa corks a backhand winner up the line but as with most of this match, it's a rare moment of joy. Djokovic rushes through the next four points, consolidating with a belting backhand winner of his own.
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Image credit: Reuters
BREAK! - DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 2-1 NADAL. That title is looming ever closer on Djoker's horizon. Nadal double faults and then fizzes the forehand long to cough up two more break points. Rafa saves one with a blockbusting backhand but can't fend off the other as he's outfoxed by a Djoker drop shot.
DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 1-1 NADAL. Rafa goes for his shots to try and force the pendulum to swing his way, but it just won't happen. He misses the line on FOUR occasions as Novak chalks up another love hold.
DJOKOVIC 6-3 6-2 0-1 NADAL. There's some delightful exchanges as Nole goes for drop shots on three occasions. Nadal is pressured again at 30-30 but comes up with a big forehand and volley combo before a timely big serve gets the Spaniard on the board.