After going nearly five hours in a semifinal Friday, Novak Djokovic battled past the Spaniard, winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 in 5 hours, 53 minutes to repeat as Australian Open champion. Djokovic is on a Federer-like roll, having won four of the past five majors, and he handed Nadal an unprecedented third consecutive defeat in a Grand Slam final in the Open era.
Djokovic overcame a break in the fifth set to win his fifth Grand Slam tournament and third in a row. None, though, quite like this.
This one involved tears, sweat and, yes, even a little blood. It was the longest Grand Slam singles final in the history of pro tennis and it came against Nadal, the player who built a career on his tenacity -- on outlasting opponents in matches like these.
"It was obvious on the court for everybody who has watched the match that both of us, physically, we took the last drop of energy that we had from our bodies," Djokovic said. "We made history tonight and unfortunately there couldn't be two winners."
When the drama was finally over at Rod Laver Arena, the 24-year-old Djokovic joined Laver, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Nadal as the only men who have won three consecutive majors since the Open Era began in 1968. Nadal was his vanquished opponent in all three.
Djokovic will go for the "Nole Slam" at Roland Garros in May.
A few minutes earlier, after hugging Nadal at the net, Djokovic tore off his sweat-soaked black shirt and headed toward his players' box, pumping his arms repeatedly as he roared. He walked over to his girlfriend, his coach and the rest of his support team and banged on the advertising signs at the side of the court.
"I think it was just the matter of maybe luck in some moments and matter of wanting this more than maybe other player in the certain point," Djokovic said. "It's just incredible effort. You're in pain, you're suffer(ing). You're trying to activate your legs. You're going through so much suffering your toes are bleeding. Everything is just outrageous, but you're still enjoying that pain."
The match was full of long rallies and amazing gets. Djokovic finished with 57 winners, along with 69 unforced errors. Nadal had 44 winners against 71 unforced errors.
Laver was part of the 15,000-strong crowd when the players walked on at 7:30 p.m. Sunday to flip the coin and start the warmup. He was still there, along with most of the crowd, after 2 a.m. for the trophy presentations.
Djokovic called it the most special of his five Grand Slam wins.
"This one I think comes out on the top because just the fact that we played almost six hours is incredible, incredible," he said. "I think it's probably the longest finals in the history of all Grand Slams, and just to hear that fact is making me cry, really.
"I'm very proud just to be part of this history."
Nadal thought his win in the 2008 final against Federer was the best match he's played, but gave Sunday's match a top place in his personal rankings nonetheless.
"Physically was the toughest match I ever played. I think we played a great tennis match. I enjoyed being part of this event and this match. I wanted to win, but I am happy about how I did. I had my chances against the best player of the world today. I played one against one. I didn't play at lower level than him for a long time, so that's a very positive thing for me. The important thing for me, is during all of 2011 I didn't play as well as this."
More information:
ESPN: "Djokovic Served Up A Storm"
ESPN: Five Most Memorable Grand Slams in the Open Era
Rafael Nadal: To Beat the Devil
"To dictate the pace Nadal needs to not be afraid to hit hard on his crossed backhand so he can turn around to his forehand. He has to hit more forehands down the line to try and hurt Djokovic rather than protect himself. And he needs to hope Novak Djokovic can't keep up the blistering play that has brought him four major titles in the past 13 months."
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