Novak Djokovic denies Rafael Nadal THIS place in history with Australian Open triumph
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has denied Rafael Nadal a place in the history books following his Australian Open triumph on Sunday.
Novak Djokovic lived up to his billing as world No 1 by crushing Nadal in the final of the Australian Open.
The Serb went into the match with many tipping an epic given the form of the two men.
Djokovic was too strong for Rafael Nadal, however, crushing his opponent 6-3, 6-2, 6.
And, in beating the Spaniard, Djokovic has also denied Nadal the chance to become the first man to win all four Grand Slams at least TWICE in the open era.
Nadal first won the Australian Open way back in 2009, where he beat Roger Federer in an enthralling showdown;
In the years since, however, the title down under has evaded him.
He was beaten by Djokovic in the 2012 final, losing a five-set showdown that lasted nearly six hours.
Two years later, Nadal was blown away by Stan Wawrinka.
And Federer was too slick for him in 2017.
Nadal has fared better on courts outside of the Australian Open, however.
The 32-year-old has 11 French Open triumphs to his name, as well as two Wimbledon crowns.
And he has also won the US Open three times.
Rafael Nadal wildly misses a shot in Australian Open final
Nadal vs Djokovic: Grand Slam record
Australian Open - Nadal has won once, Djokovic seven.
French Open - Nadal has won 11, Djokovic once.
Wimbledon - Nadal has won twice, Djokovic four.
US Open - Nadal has won three times, Djokovic the same.