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First set: Djokovic* 3-0 Nadal (*denotes server): Still out of sorts, Nadal is making some very strange errors, which isn’t particularly helpful when you’re playing Djokovic on this court. Djokovic races into a 40-0 lead, pinging a backhand down the line with controlled power. He can’t quite believe how well this is going. He consolidates the break with more louche serving. It’s been stunning so far from Djokovic, though he’s bound to prepared for Nadal to stir.
First set: Djokovic 2-0 Nadal* (*denotes server): Much has been said about Nadal’s improved serve at this tournament – but it faces the ultimate test against the best returner in the game. He’s under pressure early on, spilling a forehand wide for 0-15. Djokovic is making all the running and he moves to 0-30 after taking control of a rally with a vicious forehand and winning it with a ruthless backhand. Nadal eventually wins a point, though. “Vamos!” he cries after making it 15-30. But Djokovic keeps probing and earns two break points when Nadal nets a backhand. Nadal serves wide. Djokovic stretches and manages to hook it back – and, incredibly, Nadal smacks a gimme of a forehand wide! Djokovic breaks straight away.
Written by Jacob Steinberg
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2019/jan/27/novak-djokovic-v-rafael-nadal-australian-open-final-live under the title “Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal: Australian Open final – live!”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
