Rafael Nadal said the Australian Open final was one of the best losses of his career after he went down fighting in a six-hour epic against Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic tonight described his record-breaking Australian Open final victory over Rafael Nadal as the best win of his career.
Ecstatic: Djokovic celebrates after winning Aus Open title. Pic/AFP
The Serbian cemented his place at the head of men's tennis with an epic 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 triumph, achieved in five hours and 53 minutes, making it the longest grand slam final in history and the longest match ever at this tournament.
It also maintained his domination over Nadal -- he has won their last seven meetings -- and made him just the fifth man to win three successive grand slam crowns following his victories last year at Wimbledon and the US Open.
It was a truly remarkable match which swung one way and then another and gradually developed into a test of endurance as much as skill.
In the end, Djokovic edged it, falling to the floor in celebration before ripping off his shirt. "Wimbledon is right up there because it was the tournament I always wanted to win but this comes out on top because we played for almost six hours, it was incredible," he said.
"It was the longest grand slam final of all time. Just hearing that fact makes me cry. I am very proud to be a part of history, to be among the elite group of players who have won this trophy several times."
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