Formidable Melbourne record makes Novak Djokovic a firm favourite for 10th title

Novak Djokovic has been in brilliant form in Melbourne (Dita Alangkara/AP)

Novak Djokovic spoke after brushing aside Andrey Rublev of a desire to send a message to his remaining rivals, although his formidable record at the Australian Open means it is scarcely needed.

If Tommy Paul, Stefanos Tsitsipas or Karen Khachanov is to lift the title on Sunday, they will need to do what no player has managed since Djokovic won for the first time here 15 years ago.