When Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal last played each other at the Australian Open it was the epic 2012 final which took 5 hours and 53 minutes to complete.
On that occasion Serbian Djokovic secured the title with a 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7 (5–7), 7–5 victory over his Spanish rival. The 2012 classic has been recorded as the longest grand slam final of the Open era.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Rule changes mean that the final sets in Melbourne are now decided by a super tie-break after six-games-all and a first to ten points format.
‘I would buy a ticket’
If Sunday’s final does go to a fifth set there won’t be a chance of seeing the duo break their previous record, but world No.1 Djokovic still expects fans to witness a classic.
Speaking after his 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 semi-final victory against Lucas Pouille, the 14-time grand slam winner said: “First of all, I would definitely want to buy a ticket for the match.
“I think that this final comes at the right time for both of us. I’m sure we’re going to have a blast on the court.
“We can promise one thing, and that’s knowing both of us are going to give absolutely everything out on the court. I think people will enjoy it.”
From their 52 previous matches Djokovic has 27 wins compared to Nadal’s 25. The 31-year-old Djokovic has full respect for his fellow finalist: “He’s my biggest rival in my career. I’ve played so many matches against him, epic matches on this court.”
Practice makes perfect
For Nadal, 32, he has been pleased with his form in Melbourne despite starting the season with injury worries.
“To start the season like this when a few weeks ago I was in Brisbane having to take a tough decision not to play there, it is difficult to imagine where I am today,” said the 17-time grand slam winner. “But I never stopped practising. That week of practice made me feel good.
“It has been a great tournament and I have played very well every day. Hopefully I can play better than that.”
(Image credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Head to head
Novak Djokovic
Age: 31
Nationality: Serbian
World ranking: 1
Seeding: 1
ATP career titles: 72
Grand slam titles: 14
Australian Open titles: 6 (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016)
Record vs. Nadal: 52 matches, 27 wins
Rafael Nadal
Age: 32
Nationality: Spanish
World ranking: 2
Seeding: 2
ATP career titles: 80
Grand slam titles: 17
Australian Open titles: 1 (2009)
Record vs. Djokovic: 52 matches, 25 wins
Start time and TV channel
When is the men’s final?
The men’s singles final between Djokovic and Nadal will be held on Sunday 27 January at 8.30am (UK time).
How to watch on TV in the UK
Sunday’s men’s final will be live on Eurosport. BBC Two will show highlights from 2.20pm to 3.50pm.
Predictions
The Daily Telegraph: “Another epic contest should be in store, which we expect Nadal to edge in four sets.”
Siviwe Breakfast, The South African: “A difficult one to call, as an in-form Nadal has – over the years – proven nigh unstoppable. He is, however, coming up against arguably the world’s best player at present. So, we’ll go with a safe bet and say, Djokovic. Sorry Rafa!”
Amarjeet Nayak, Sportskeeda: “It will be hard to call the match one way or the other. But the resurgent Rafael Nadal, with a remodeled serve and producing possibly the best hard court tennis of his career, may just have a slight edge. Nadal to win in five sets.”
George Bellshaw, Metro: “Prior to Friday’s semi-final, I was tempted to move away from my pre-tournament prediction of Djokovic lifting the title but his crushing performance against Lucas Pouille has eased the doubts in my mind. It still remains a 50-50 pick between the two but the Serb was in devastating form against the Frenchman and he is capable of actually challenging the Nadal serve. Should be a cracker either way but I’ll lump for Djokovic in 5.”
Australian Open betting odds
Prices according to Oddschecker (as of 25 January).
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
register for free
Already have an account? Sign in
Subscribe to The Week
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Subscribe & Save
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Unlimited website access is included with Digital and Print + Digital subscriptions. Create an accountwith the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
India elections start amid violence, hate speech accusations
'Biden is smart to keep the border-security pressure on'
Bird flu worries mount as virus found in milk, cows
Novak Djokovic is now ‘surely unrivalled’ in tennis history
Novak Djokovic’s dad and the pro-Putin ‘Night Wolves’
Roger Federer and the ‘GOAT’ debate
Novak Djokovic vs. Cameron Norrie: Wimbledon semi-final preview and predictions
Rafael Nadal: is the end drawing near for the ‘king of clay’?
Novak Djovokic on vaccines, grand slams and playing tennis for ‘many more years’
Australian Open: Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal serve up a memorable ending
Australian Open men’s final: Nadal vs. Medvedev preview and predictions
