The Grand Slam match which Novak Djokovic picked as the most physically and mentally ‘draining’ of his entire career

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Holding the Grand Slam record, Novak Djokovic has played his part in several classic matches at Major tournaments.

24 times a Grand Slam winner, the Serbian star has won multiple titles at all four Majors (Australian Open – 10, French Open – 3, Wimbledon – 7, US Open – 4).

Competing in 37 Major finals, Djokovic often went the distance, battling tooth and nail for the title.

He did just that in 2019, as Djokovic beat Roger Federer, 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12, in one of the most memorable Wimbledon finals.

It was another Grand Slam match, seven years earlier, however, which the ATP Tour legend picked as the most ‘draining’ of his entire career.

Novak Djokovic says the 2012 Australian Open final was the most ‘draining’ match of his career

During an interview with the Australian Open YouTube channel, Djokovic reflected on the 2012 Australian Open final, where he took on Rafael Nadal.

“I mean we both were ready for a big battle, the longest-ever Grand Slam final,” he said.

“This was one of the longest rallies of the match, I think I missed the backhand and just collapsed on the court, oh my god. I don’t know what was happening in the stands, honestly, I was just trying to get an extra breath.

“These rallies with Rafa [Nadal], I mean, look, five hours 23 minutes at this point. That was definitely the most physically draining and demanding match that I’ve ever played in my career.

“I think we were both stretching [during the trophy presentation], we were like Ok, I need a chair. We need a chair, we need some water.

“This one definitely stands out as the longest one that we ever played against each other, it was the longest Grand Slam final.”

Djokovic beat Nadal in five sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5, to clinch his fifth Grand Slam title.

Many argue the match defined Djokovic and Nadal’s rivalry, as the 38-year-old now reveals what he needed to do to beat the Spaniard.

“I can recall maybe out of 60 plus times that we faced each other, maybe a few matches that were really one-sided,” said Djokovic.

“Just pure physicality with him. That’s what he brought to the table every single match. You knew that if you wanted to beat him, you’re going to have to be fresh for five hours, to run and run, just outrun him.

“He’s definitely the player that has affected my career the most.”

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam final head-to-head record

Djokovic and Nadal’s legendary rivalry saw them face off in nine Grand Slam finals.

It was Nadal who edged the head-to-head 5-4, in part thanks to his three victories at the French Open.

Their Australian Open final clash in 2012 was, however, their sole five-setter in a Grand Slam final, as none of their eight other finals needed a decider.

In 2020, Nadal and Djokovic battled it out in their ninth and last Major final, a match remembered very differently than their clash in Melbourne eight years earlier.

For the first time in his career, Djokovic was handed a ‘bagel’ set (0-6) in a Grand Slam final, as his rival stormed into a dominant lead at Roland Garros.

The Serb could only win two games off Nadal in the second set and, despite a brief fight back in the third, fell to one of the most convincing defeats of his career, 0-6, 2-6, 5-7.

He will certainly be hoping to avoid any more defeats in Paris this year, as he prepares for his first round match at the French Open.

Djokovic will begin his Roland Garros campaign against America’s Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday, May 27.