World No. 1 Djokovic progressed through to Saturday’s final after overcoming Tomas Berdych in a bruising encounter, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
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But it was the dream final for bringing together the most played-out rivalry in tennis history, a remarkable 47th match between two of the most decorated players ever to pick up a racket, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian lifted three of the four Grand Slam titles, and even in the one he didn’t win he still reached the final, ending Nadal’s domination of the French Open along the way.
With Williams’ perch secure, questions begin right behind her. Maria Sharapova, who lost to Williams in last year’s Australian Open final, played sparingly down the stretch last season with leg and forearm problems.
Djokovic has already impressed one of his biggest threats this year, with Nadal saying after losing to the Serb in the final at the Qatar Open that he’s never seen anyone playing at this level, per the Associated Press (via USA Today). Djokovic leads for the first time at 24-23.
‘To some extent it’s surprising for sure, ‘ the 34-year-old Swiss star said of the manner Djokovic won.
“I’m happy with the victory, being in the first final of the season in the first official tournament is something great”, Nadal said.
It has to be an encouraging sign for Nadal that he hasn’t suffered a loss against a player who is of a lesser caliber than he. Holder Petra Kvitova and second seed Agnieszka Radwanska are the latest stars to have troubled buildups to the Australian Open after pulling out of the Sydney International.
After the match, Nadal showed a sense of humor addressing the fan directly and telling the crowd: “I found a new coach tonight”.
Referring to the Spaniard’s recent improved play after struggling throughout most of 2015, when his ranking fell to as low as No. 10, Djokovic said he was not surprised that his longtime rival had turned things around. Djokovic dropped serve in the opening game of the match, but did not falter on serve the rest of the way and closed out the win in just under two hours. While Nadal, who triumphed here in 2014, will play his 99th tour-level final (67-31 record). “Nobody is invincible. But I’m playing the tennis of my life, and I will try to, you know, nurture and cherish those moments on the court”. Djokovic strolled to victory in straight sets 6-1, 6-2.
And if most critics picked Djokovic to win the title, few probably expected such a one-sided contest as this became, particularly after the Serb admitted in press that he had a slight problem in his serving arm.
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He posted 30 winners to only nine for Nadal in the 73-minute match.
