Novak Djokovic has won a record seventh Australian Open singles title after blowing away no. 2 seed Rafael Nadal in straight sets.
The world number one was in sensational form throughout the entirety of the match and was head and shoulders above 2009 winner Nadal, triumphing 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.
He moves above Roger Federer and Roy Emerson in the number of single titles won at Melbourne Park, as well as sealing his third Slam in a row after winning at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. It's also his 15th career Grand Slam title.
Djokovic came out of the blocks strongly, holding to love in the first game and then secured a shock break in the second. From there, he never really looked like losing.
Nadal was struggling to get any kind of rhythm with his serve and had to be at his best to deny a double break. But with Djokovic serving supremely, notching four service games in a row without conceding a point, the Serb dominated the first set.
Nadal looked more of the dominant player who hadn't lost a set before the final in the second set, holding in his first two service games, but the power and accuracy of Djokovic's backhand was taking its toll on the Spaniard and he secured the all important break in the fifth game.
On his way to winning five games in a row, Djokovic finished the set with a service game that contained a winner and three aces in a row, highlighting the incredible level he was playing at.
He had also committed just four unforced errors - compared to Nadal's 20. Djokovic wasn't just in the zone - he was on another planet.
Any kind of fightback from Nadal in the third was swiftly put to bed when Djokovic struck with a magnificent dropshot to force the 32-year-old into an error and he snared the break once more.
From there, it appeared to be nothing more than a formality but Djokovic was determined to enjoy it, smashing winners off the line on both sides of the court. Riddled by unforced errors, Nadal failed to take advantage of the solitary break point he was presented with and from there, he was fighting a losing battle.
The no.2 seed began making in-roads on Djokovic's serve but every time he gained momentum, the 31-year-old cranked things up a notch and still serving with aplomb, held to put the pressure on Nadal's shoulders at 5-3.
He showed once again his true dominance in this encounter, landing two stunning forehand winners to get a double break point. And after missing the first chance, Nadal blundered with a backhand that went long.
To his relief, it was over. Djokovic had lost just eight games to the second best player in the world. A performance for the ages - and perhaps his best-ever in his professional career.
