It’s titan against titan as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are set to face off against each other for a record 53rd time today at the Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal has returned to full, fighting form after a series of injuries last year. The Spanish player last won the Australian Open title ten years ago and will face Novak Djokovic for the 25th time in a tour final.
The current world number one Djokovic leads world number two Nadal 27-25 in the head-to-head tally and the two last met at the Australian Open in the 2012 final, where Djokovic won in five striking sets.
The Serb has in the past called Nadal his ‘greatest rival’ and both players are all fired up for the final which is sure to be one of the most exciting matches the two have ever played.
7 years ago. Let’s go! Idemooo!! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/4k6psOvvYg
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 26, 2019
Reuters reports that, “Victory for Nadal would make him only the third player to claim both Grand Slams twice after Roy Emerson and Rod Laver, while bringing him within two of Swiss Federer’s total of 20.”
While, “A win for Djokovic would move him past Pete Sampras (14) to outright third on the list of Grand Slam title winners.”
This is one match we’re definitely keeping our eye on.
