Djokovic masters Murray to win sixth Aus Open
Novak Djokovic has etched his name into the history books by winning a sixth Australian Open title.
The Serb was too good for second seed Andy Murray, beating the Scotsman for the fourth time in an Australian Open decider, winning 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7-3).
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No man in the Open era had won six Australian Open titles, although Roy Emerson also boasts six Open victories – achieved in the 1960s during the amateur era.
Murray kept his sense of humour, despite extreme déjà vu. Photo: Getty
Perhaps the best moment of Djokovic’s win came after he left the court.
As he approached the Channel Seven broadcast desk for the obligatory post-match interview, the Serb was confronted by a boisterous, elated mob, chanting his name, waving Serbian flags and singing in his native tongue.
While the cameras, commentators and viewers waited, he stood on the balcony, waving to the crowd, which was delirious that this global superstar, who had just created more history, was acknowledging their adulation.
When finally he turned to the commentators, he said: “I’ve never experienced anything like that.”
Djokovic, 28, has now won 11 grand slams, four of the last five.
Roger Federer is widely considered the greatest player to have played the game and has won 17.
But Nole, as Djokovic is known to fans, is steaming towards that mark.
If he stays fit, he could reel it in before his 30th birthday – there is nobody in tennis who can get close to him right now.
“I’m playing the tennis of my life and my results show that,” Djokovic said.
“I don’t want to think how far I can go and what my boundaries are.
“I prepare myself as best I can for the three guys – Nadal, Federer and Murray … I’ve found the right formula for Andy.”
Murray, meanwhile, cursed himself for “the worst match I’ve ever played” during the two hour, 53-minute contest.
In truth, the world number two succumbed to a man at the peak of his superhuman powers.
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Djokovic’s success was his 34th from his past 35 matches at the majors and the 28-year-old will again head to Paris in May with the chance to complete the career grand slam set.
Djokovic was simply too strong when it counted against Murray, who overcame a dreadful start to push the Serbian.
After a battle to hold serve in the opening game, Djokovic completely bossed the rest of the opening set.
He broke Murray twice and bolted to a 5-0 lead.
The Scot held to avoid the dreaded bagel, producing a blistering forehand winner, but when Djokovic held in the next game he’d taken the opening set in just 30 minutes.
By contrast, the second set was a titanic struggle – with both players producing tennis of the highest quality.
Djokovic soaks up that winning feeling. Photo: Getty
But after an hour and 20 minutes of battle, it was Djokovic who eventually took it 7-5.
The third set looked like it was going to be a cakewalk when Djokovic broke Murray in the opening game, but the Scot hung tough to level it up.
His tie-breaker was disastrous though, with two double faults handing the title to Djokovic.
The victory was Djokovic’s 11th grand slam win, moving him level with Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.
It was the fifth time Murray had been beaten in the final at Melbourne Park.
He also fell to Djokovic in 2011, 2013 and 2015, and to Federer in the 2010 title match.
Murray’s former coach Ivan Lendl, who guided the Brit to US Open, Wimbledon and Olympic glory in a golden run in 2012 and ’13, is the only other man in professional tennis history to lose five finals at a grand slam event.
Lendl lost five US Open finals, although the Czech-American also raised the trophy in New York on three other occasions.
Taking to the microphone after his loss, Murray retained his sense of humour.
“I feel like I’ve been here before,” he quipped.
Murray’s father-in-law Nigel Sears collapsed during the tournament, while his wife Kim Sears is heavily pregnant.
“It’s been a tough few weeks for me away from the court and thanks for all your support with that,” Murray said.
But the Scot did become emotional when discussing his wife, who he praised for her strength throughout the past fortnight.
“My wife Kim, I’m sure she is going to watching at home. She’s been a legend over the last two weeks,” Murray said.
“So thanks for the support and I’ll be on the next flight home.”
Watch both the champion and the runner-up speak below:
– with AAP