Novak Djokovic cruises past Lucas Pouille to set up Rafael Nadal showdown in Australian Open final

The world No 1 too strong for French opponent as he wins in straight sets in Melbourne

Novak Djokovic reacts after winning the match. Reuters

Novak Djokovic speaks to Lucas Pouille after their match. Reuters

Lucas Pouille plays a backhand. Getty Images

Novak Djokovic in action. Reuters

Novak Djokovic plays a forehand. Getty Images

Fans of Novak Djokovic cheer. EPA

General view of Rod Laver Arena during semi final match between Lucas Pouille and Novak Djokovic. Getty Images

Lucas Pouille walks to receive serve from Novak Djokovic. AP Photo

Novak Djokovic in action. AP Photo

Lucas Pouille reacts during the semi final match. EPA

Novak Djokovic booked his place in the Australian Open with an emphatic victory over Lucas Pouille on Friday in Melbourne.

The world No 1 will face Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final after he defeated Frenchman Pouille 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 in their semi-final encounter.

Djokovic was always in charge after he broke Pouille's serve in the second game of the match and from there on it was a case of just how dominant the win would be.

Of his win, "Djokovic said:  "It's one of the best matches I ever had on this court. Definitely. Everything worked the way I imagined it before the match, and even more so.

"Tough one for Lucas but he had a great tournament and best of luck for the rest of the season. He definitely has the quality to be a top-10 player."

Djokovic is bidding for a third successive grand slam title and a record seventh in Australia.

He has never lost a Melbourne final, with his 2012 success seeing him beat Nadal in the final.

Nadal, the world No 2, who has not dropped a set on his way through to his first Australian Open final since 2017, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in his semi-final.

Nadal won his lone Australian Open title in 2009 and if he is successful in Sunday's final he will become the first player in the Open era to win every grand slam at least twice.