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:
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!
History beckons for Novak...
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!
If you missed yesterday's epic women's final, here's our report, by Paul Newman in Melbourne:
And here's Paul's preview of tonight's match:
The players are backstage and we're all set to go at the Rod Laver Arena!
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.
The pre-match warm-up is complete, and Novak Djokovic will start proceedings on serve.
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.
Djokovic 1-0 Nadal* (0-30)
Nadal hasn't won a point yet!
A shanked forehand by the Spaniard and a point Djokovic dominates once again with his backhand sets up 0-30 already...
Djokovic 1-0 Nadal* (15-40)
Rafa brings it back to 15-30 with a neat one-two combination, but Novak wins the lengthy point as Nadal nets with a backhand.
Djokovic has settled far quicker, and he has two break points..
*Djokovic 2-0 Nadal
Djokovic breaks straight away!
Did not see this coming - a strong Nadal serve gives an easy put away for the Spaniard, but he strikes his inside-out forehand just long.
Very uncharacteristic - Djokovic with the early advantage.
Djokovic 3-0 Nadal*
Djokovic backs up the break with aplomb, holding to love with a combination of aces and domineering shots from the back of the court.
Nadal has won one point so far...
Djokovic 3-0 Nadal* (30-40)
Nadal fails to finish the opening point off at the net, as his drop volley is chased down by Djokovic who guides his backhand down the line.
The Spaniard recovers to 15-15, before Djokovic strikes with his traditional backhand cross-court into the open court. Rafa gets it back to 30-30 with a whipping forehand down the line, but goes wide with a backhand.
Another break point...
*Djokovic 3-1 Nadal
Rafa escapes with his new serve getting him out of trouble there.
Nadal needs to be the aggressor if he's to put pressure on Djokovic - he's on the scoreboard...
Djokovic 4-1 Nadal*
Wow.
Djokovic waltzes through his service game, holding to love again via aces and Rafa's inability to cope with Novak's flat backhand.
The Serb is yet to lose a point on serve. Stunning start.
Djokovic 4-1 Nadal* (30-30)
Nadal is just not finding his range on the forehand wing, and goes wide to start off the game.
The Spaniard's serve brings the score to 30-15, but the longer the points last the more success Djokovic is having, as he dominates with the backhand again.
*Djokovic 4-2 Nadal
Just how important could that point be?
Point of the match so far at 30-30, as a net cord brings Nadal to the net. Djokovic lobs his opponent with a volley, but Nadal's backhand running back is pin-point, forcing Djokovic's volley into the net.
Rafa comes through his service game. Just.
Djokovic 5-2 Nadal*
Bizarre.
Djokovic routinely holds to love, but at 30-0 Nadal completely missed the ball with his forehand!
Something isn't right with the Spaniard at the moment, and Djokovic is a game away from the first set.
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