Australian Open 2019 final result: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in Melbourne

Latest reaction from the 2019 men's final at Melbourne Park

Who has the most grand slams wins in tennis?

Novak Djokovic is the 2019 Australian Open champion after crushing Rafael Nadal in a surprisingly one-sided men's final in Melbourne.

The world No 1 and world No 2 met for the 53rd time but there was only ever one winner at Melbourne Park as the Serb exploded out of the blocks and won going away 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 after breaking the Spaniard's serve five times and only facing one break point himself. The victory, a seventh Down Under, moves him one clear of Roger Federer as the most decorated male player in the tournament's history.

Here's how it all played out:

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Key Points

• Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in the 2019 Australian Open final
• The Serb triumphs in two hours, six minutes: 6-3, 6-2, 6-3
• The No 1 faces now has a 28-25 record over the world No 2
• Djokovic now moves ahead of Roger Federer with the most Australian Open titles (7)
• It is Djokovic's 15th Grand Slam, two behind Nadal and five behind Federer's record (20)
• It sets up Djokovic to hold all four Slams at simultaneously should he win the French Open

[27 January 2019 08:16 · Kieran Jackson]

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the Australian Open Men's Singles Final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

This is the 53rd matchup between the pair, with Djokovic currently leading 27-25 in the head-to-head.

After a fortnight full of twists and turns, this is the match everyone wanted - both players are on top form and it is almost impossible to call.

I cannot wait for this! 

[27 January 2019 08:20 · Kieran Jackson]

History beckons for Novak...

[27 January 2019 08:23 · Kieran Jackson]

The last time these two met was at Wimbledon, with Djokovic winning 10-8 in the fifth set.

If tonight's match is anything like that game, we're in for a treat!

[27 January 2019 08:32 · Kieran Jackson]

If you missed yesterday's epic women's final, here's our report, by Paul Newman in Melbourne:

[27 January 2019 08:33 · Kieran Jackson]

And here's Paul's preview of tonight's match:

[27 January 2019 08:38 · Kieran Jackson]

The players are backstage and we're all set to go at the Rod Laver Arena!

[27 January 2019 08:46 · Kieran Jackson]

A few stats for you...

Djokovic has dropped two sets in this tournament, whilst Nadal has won all his matches in straight-sets.

Novak has won six titles in Melbourne, but Rafa's only victory here was 10 years ago, in a five-set win against Roger Federer. 

The Serb's Grand Slam record stands at 14, and the Spaniard has 17 majors to his name. 

[27 January 2019 08:46 · Kieran Jackson]

[27 January 2019 08:47 · Kieran Jackson]

The pre-match warm-up is complete, and Novak Djokovic will start proceedings on serve.

[27 January 2019 08:49 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 1-0 Nadal*

Boy that was convincing!

Djokovic holds to love, with some heavy serves and backhands giving Nadal no openings at all. 

Should point out that Djokovic is the slight favourite, given his 100% winning record in finals at the Australian Open.