Novak Djokovic won his fifth Australian Open crown as Andy Murray’s stunning campaign came to an end in a thrilling late night contest.
The Serbian world No.1 prevailed a 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-0 winner at the first Grand Slam of the year to secure his eighth major title.
For Murray, it is his fourth defeat in a final at Melbourne Park and the third time Djokovic has piped him to the trophy.
Kim Sears with her new outfit before the match by Getty Images
Right from the start both players engaged in brutal rallies from the back of the court with Djokovic getting the better of the early encounters.
But, the epic 72 minute first set saw four breaks of serve with Murray recovering from going 4-1 and 5-3 down to take it to a tie-break.
Murray led 4-2 in the first to seven point breaker but a missed volley at 5-5 cost him as Djokovic sealed the early advantage.
First set highlights by Getty Images
It was a tall order for the 2013 Wimbledon champion as he has never beaten Djokovic after losing the first set but the second also went the distance with Murray this time coming out on top after a rollercoaster 80 minutes.
The British No.1 broke early to take a 2-0 lead but Djokovic found some momentum to win the next four games. However, after a slight delay when protestors were being ejected, Murray regained his composure to go 5-4 up with a set point.
He would have to wait until the tie-break to level the match but did so with some scintillating tennis to take it by seven points to four.
Second set highlights by Getty Images
Amazingly, set three started when most matches would have already finished, after two hours and 32 minutes.
Murray again broke early to take a 2-0 lead but Djokovic came storming back to win six of the next seven games to win the set 6-3.
Third set highlights by Getty Images
The now eight-time Grand Slam champion scented victory and displayed his clinical edge to steamroll his way to the title.
Two early breaks set him on his way as his opponent began to tire and the match was won when a backhand from Murray hit the net.
Fourth set highlights by Getty Images
Post match quotes:
Andy Murray:
“I would like to congratulate Novak on his fifth Australian Open. A fantastic record and he thoroughly deserves it.
“I had amazing support again here and it has been probably my most consistent Grand Slam throughout my career. I haven’t been able to win it but the support I have had has been amazing.
“I would like to thank my team. We put in a lot of hard work to try and get back in this position after a difficult year and unfortunately couldn’t quite do it tonight but I am a bit closer than I was a few months ago and I will keep working hard to get there.
“I will try and come back next year and have a slightly different outcome in the final.”
Novak Djokovic:
“I congratulate Andy for a great tournament again. Tough luck for tonight. You are a great competitor and I wish you luck for the rest of the season.
“I am privileged to be standing here the champion for the fifth time.”
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