The match Novak Djokovic once said was the greatest he had ever won in his life

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Novak Djokovic has had some epic encounters over the course of his legendary career.

Many will point to the 2019 Wimbledon final as the greatest match that he was ever a part of, in which he defeated Roger Federer to hoist the title at the All England Club.

In recent years, Djokovic has clashed with Carlos Alcaraz on the biggest stages, and the two stars have delivered some instant classics.

However, his bout with Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final, to this day, stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Djokovic and Nadal battled for five hours and 53 minutes in Melbourne, the longest Grand Slam title bout in history, which the Serb ultimately came out on top in.

Novak Djokovic’s reaction to winning the 2012 Australian Open

After winning the title, Djokovic was asked if his triumph over the Spaniard was the best of his career, to which he replied: “Right now, yes.

“Wimbledon is right up there next to this one because it’s just the tournament that I always dreamed of winning.

“But this one, I think, comes out on top because just the fact that we played almost six hours is incredible.

“I think it’s probably the longest finals in the history of all Grand Slams, and just to hear that fact is making me cry, really.

“I’m very proud just to be part of this history, part of the elite of the players that have won this tournament several times, and I was very flattered to be playing in front of Rod Laver, in front of the all‑time greats, and in front of 15,000 people that stayed until 1:30 a.m. It’s incredible, really.”

The win marked Djokovic’s fifth Grand Slam title, and third at the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal’s reaction to losing against Novak Djokovic in 2012

While it was joy for Djokovic, Nadal walked away from the near-six-hour clash empty-handed.

Nadal had also lost to Djokovic for the seventh consecutive time, with all seven meetings coming in tour-level finals.

Reacting to the match in 2012, the eventual 22-time major winner said: “I think we played a great tennis match.

“It was, I think, a very good show, in my opinion. I enjoyed being part of this event and this match. That’s the truth, no? 

“I wanted to win, but I am happy about how I did. I had my chances against the best player in the world today.

“I played one against one. For a long time, I didn’t feel that I was playing with less advantage than him, you know. 

“I didn’t play at lower level than him for a long time, so that’s a very positive thing for me. I am very happy about my mentality tonight, the mentality worked like in my best moments. 

“So very happy about the beginning of the 2012 season. That’s all that I can say. I had a big chance for the 5‑2, yes. I had that easy passing shot with the backhand. I missed, yes, but I was 4‑3 Love‑40 in the fourth, too. Anything can happen when the match is there. 

“Important thing for me, during all of 2011 I didn’t play much like this. I’m happy I am on the right way.”

In their next meeting in the 2012 Monte-Carlo Masters final, Nadal beat Djokovic in straight sets.