The Serbian earned a 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 victory over fourth seed Casper Ruud in the final match of the 2023 competition.
Djokovic crushed the Grand Slam dream of Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas in the one-sided final match by winning 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5), a rematch of the 2021 French Open decider.
His gloomy expression told the story, though, and he declined to retrieve a drop-shot in the next game, shaking his head at his worried entourage.
Nadal carries the flame for the fading golden generation as he bids for a 23rd major title and third at Melbourne Park.
World number one Iga Swiatek won her 36th consecutive match to record the longest winning streak in the women’s game in the 21st century.
The Spaniard suffered a huge scare as Shapovalov roared back from two sets down before bowing out 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 after four taxing hours.
