Djokovic seals his sixth Australian Open title

World number one Novak Djokovic eased past Andy Murray to win his sixth Australian Open title on Sunday. The Serb closed the deal in three sets, 6-1, 7-5, 7-6, thus denying Murray the title for the fourth time. 

Novak Djokovic won his sixth Australian Open title with a straight-sets defeat of Andy Murray on Sunday. AFP/Paul Crock

Djokovic began Sunday’s final in a hurry, racing to snatch the first set (6-1) in half an hour.

The world number one then reasserted his authority against a combative but often floundering Andy Murray. It could even be argued that the Scot gave his arch-rival a helping hand, with a frustrating 65 unforced errors.

Murray looked more aggressive in the second set (7-5), and at times rekindled the hope of a comeback, but the Serb’s self-confidence and more clinical finishing proved too much for the challenger to handle.

The pressure mounted as Murray fought his way through a fascinating 12-minute game at 1-1, allowing his supporters to dream of a turnaround.

Murray was inexplicably broken from 40-0 up in the 11th game, but three costly mistakes enabled Djokovic to close out the set.

The world number two continued to fight in the third set, getting back on serve to force a tie-break, but in a frustrating pattern which proved to be fatal for the world number two, a couple of double faults ultimately meant defeat against his sporting nemesis.

Murray's balance and timing left his fans grumbling in frustration, as the Scot's shots flew off-mark or into the net.

Djokovic was no mere bystander in the process, forcing errors from his opponent with a more constant and controlled performance.

This was perhaps the less riveting of the pair’s four Australian Open finals, with neither of the two 28-year-olds at their best.

Both players made sloppy mistakes, with Djokovic making 42 unforced errors of his own, but it was Murray’s lack of precision – and perhaps even preparation, as he was up late the night before to watch his brother win the doubles – that cost him the title.

Despite a few moments of brilliance, the three-hour match had none of the lustre of their epic 2012 semi-final encounter, when both players fought it out for nearly five hours.

As a triumphant Djokovic kissed the trophy for the sixth time, equaling Roy Emerson’s record, Andy Murray struggled to hold back the tears.

“I feel like I’ve been here before,” said Murray as he tried to laugh off his obvious discontent. “I’d like to congratulate Novak for six Australian Opens, it’s an incredible feat."

It was his fourth attempt at snatching the title, against a rival that does not look like he will be going away soon. It was also his 22nd defeat in 31 meetings with the Serb, and his 11th in their last 12 matches.

Meanwhile Djokovic took his Grand Slam tally to 11, alongside Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, whilst moving one step closer to Nadal's record of 14, and perhaps even Roger Federer's record 17 Grand Slam titles.

“I need to pay respect to Andy for another great tournament." Djokovic told the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena. "Tough final, tough luck, Andy. You’re a great player, great friend."