Australian Open 2014 men's final: Stanislas Wawrinka v Rafael Nadal – in pictures

The scene is set for the final of the Australian Open as the crowds file in to their seats at the beginning of the match. Photograph: Mast Irham/EPA

Pete Sampras holds the trophy before the match begins. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal enters the court as the match favourite – with 13 Grand Slam titles to his name. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Nadal and Wawrinka warm up at the net before the coin toss. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Nadal wins the coin toss, and opts to receive. The first game goes to the Swiss. Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP

In an amazing reversal of expectations, Nadal finds himself on the receiving end of an early onslaught from Wawrinka – the established champion is firmly on the back foot after two break points. Photograph: Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

The first sent goes to Wawrinka, 6-3 – an amazing feat given that he'd never won a single set against Nadal in the 12 matches he'd played against him previously. Photograph: Rick Rycroft/AP

Despite dominating old rival Roger Federer in the semi-final, Nadal finds himself chasing the game as the second set gets underway. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The body language says it all, as Nadal feels the pressure following Wawrinka's superb start. Photograph: Bobby Yip/Reuters

Wawrinka's fantastic Grand Slam final debut continues as he wins the first two games of the second set. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

After winning the third game of the second set, Nadal doubles over in pain and has to take a medical time out. Photograph: Mast Irham/EPA

Wawrinka expresses his dismay at the medical time out – as it threatens to disrupt his rhythm in a career defining match. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Nadal receives treatment for his back - there is some doubt as to whether the Spaniard will be able to continue. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

After a consultation with his trainer, Nadal comes back on to the court. Wawrinka's domination escalates and the second set goes his way in emphatic style, finishing 6-2. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Nadal struggles on but the first three games of the third set go to Wawrinka, and a straight sets win for the Swiss looks inevitable. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Incredibly, Nadal recovers from 3-0 down to win the third set 6-3 - winning 6 games on the trot. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Wawrinka seems stunned to find a reinvigorated Nadal holding his own - and the match is finely poised again. Photograph: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Despite his wobble in the third set, Wawrinka finds his feet once more to win a break point and move 4-2 ahead - and just two games away from his first Grand Slam title. Photograph: Matt King/Getty Images

Wawrinka's tattoo, a quote from Samuel Beckett, reads: 'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better'. Despite some dodgy grammar, the sentiment is self-evident in today's determined performance. Photograph: Jason O'Brien/Action Images

As Wawrinka looks poised to win the Australian Open with the score standing at 5-3, Nadal is close to throwing in the towel. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters

Wawrinka wins his first Grand Slam title - beating Nadal three sets to one in a dramatic, memorable final. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The two opponents share an embrace and a few words at the net. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Nadal looks emotional as he receives the trophy for second place. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Stanislas Wawrinka holds his first Grand Slam trophy aloft. His rise to the top of professional tennis is astonishing, and he will be one to watch for the 2014 season, dispatching two giants of tennis (Djokovic and Nadal) in this tournament. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images