Rafael Nadal has fought for his sanity and valiantly lost as Djokovic claimed his third Australian Open title and his third consecutive Grand Slam in a record five hours and 53 minutes, eventually winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5. Nadal has now lost seven consecutive matches to the Serbian world number one – all of the matches were finals, three at Grand Slams.
The first set was an epic one hour and 20 minute battle in which Nadal capitalized on a slow start from the Serbian and took a 4-2 lead. At this stage Rafa looked hungry and determined to snap his losing streak but soon some tightness snuck into his game and allowed Novak to break back. Read more







