Rafael Nadal After AO Finals: “I Can’t Compete With Novak Right Now”

Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open, annihilating Rafael Nadal in the finals 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. It was one-sided domination, which hadn’t been seen for a long time in this matchup, or the finals here in Melbourne.

Djokovic was destroying Nadal all over the court, posting a schoolbook performance, which will be remembered for a long time.

This is his seventh title in Melbourne, which made him the most successful player in the history of this Grand Slam tournament, leaving Roy Emerson and Roger Federer behind him with six trophies each.

That's it!@djokernole wins his SEVENTH @australianopen title 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 over @rafaelnadal!

Incredible tennis!#AusOpen #WAOW pic.twitter.com/UnRcVQzW8x

— FOX Sports LIVE! (@FSAsiaLive) January 27, 2019

Djokovic’s magical comeback after his injuries and other issues which struck him during the late part of 2016 and throughout the whole 2017, still lasts.

Novak spoke about that dark episode of his career, saying that he still tries to figure out all the things which happened to him in that period.

“I’m trying to contemplate on the journey in the past 12 months. I had surgery exactly 12 months ago. To be standing now here, in front of you today, managing to win this title and three of the four Slams is truly amazing. I’m speechless.”

At the moment the Serbian player needs only Roland Garros to complete the Grand Slam achievement once again, and hold all four titles at the same time.

If the Serb does that, he could be easily considered as the best tennis player of all times, with all due respect toward all other legends of this sport.

Nadal reached the finals without a single loss, and for many, he was the favorite. His opponents were a bit stronger than Djokovic’s, and Spaniard’s confident performances against them were the main reason for such a claim.

Still, his helplessness in the finals shocked many, even Novak’s die-hard fans.

“It was an amazing level of tennis tonight and during the two weeks. Well done for everything.” Rafa praised Djokovic’s run in Melbourne

The 17-time Grand Slam champion added at the press conference after the closing ceremony, that Novak’s level of play is still way above his, and that he doesn’t have what it takes to compete with the Serb at the moment. The physicality which was his main weapon against Djokovic over the years, in this case, was his weakness.

“Was unbelievable the way he played. No doubt about that but it’s true that physically … five months without competing, I needed something else and I don’t have it yet to compete at this super-high level.”

"I only can say one thing: I'm going to keep fighting hard, I'm going to keep working hard to be a better player."@RafaelNadal is an inspiration 🙏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/mABAoVAWYk

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2019

Until now, Nadal hasn’t been defeated in straight sets at when reaching the finals of a Grand Slam.

Djokovic had 9 unforced errors today, Nadal 28. The similar situation is when looking at the direct winners, Novak 34, Rafa 21. Breakpoint conversions Djokovic 5 of 8, Nadal 0 of 1. These statistical parameters are showing the domination of the best player in the history of the Australian Open.

The contest lasted for a little bit more than two hours and five minutes, and that can also give you a nice view on the situation on the court.

Djokovic clinched his 28th victory over his biggest rival, while on the other hand, Nadal has 25. If they keep up performing at this level, it is almost inevitable to see them play against one another for at least five more times. Novak also leveled the head-to-head score in the Grand Slam finals to 4-4. This is the second time that he defeats Rafa in Melbourne. That spectacular game in 2012 finals was the first one.

Djokovic is now 7 of 7 in Melbourne finals, and almost half of his Grand Slam trophies came from here. He also has 4 Wimbledon championships, 3 US Open titles and one at Roland Garros.

He also confirmed at the press conference, his participation at two upcoming Masters tournaments, in Indian Welles and Miami.