Djokovic sets up epic final against Nadal

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A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0 6-2 6-2 demolition of 28th-seeded Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a blockbuster title match against his great rival Rafael Nadal.

“It's definitely one of the best matches I have ever had on this court, definitely. Everything worked the way I intended before the match,” said Djokovic, after Pouille netted meekly on a second match point.

Bidding for his 15th Grand Slam title and a record seventh at Melbourne Park, the Serb will meet Nadal in Sunday's final again after edging him in a five hour 53-minute epic in 2012, the longest Grand Slam final on record.

“That (2012 final) was a once in a life-time event and hopefully the outcome will be the same for me.”

Novak Djokovic receives the Norman Brookes Trophy from former Australian tennis player Rod Laver after winning the men's singles final against Rafael Nadal at Melbourne Park, January 29, 2012. /VCG Photo

Djokovic, the current world No.1, said battles against Nadal over the years have made him the player he is today.

“He's my biggest rival in my career. I've played so many matches against him, epic matches on this court,” said Djokovic. “These are the kind of matches that you live for, finals of Slams, playing the greatest rivals at their best. What more can you ask for? This is where you want to be.”

Set to face in a 53rd career meeting, Nadal holds a 4-3 win-loss record against Djokovic in Grand Slam finals, and both players are chasing milestones on Sunday.

A win for Nadal will see him become the first player in the Open era to win all four Grand Slam titles twice, while victory for Djokovic will take him clear of six-time Melbourne winners Roger Federer and Roy Emerson.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)