Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win fifth Australian Open crown
Scot is bridesmaid for a fourth time as he fails to muster much resistance to Serbian world number one, who joins Roy Emerson in the history books
World number one Novak Djokovic won a fifth Australian Open title and his eighth grand slam yesterday, grinding down Andy Murray in four gruelling sets to heap more misery on the Scot.
The Serb won 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-0 in three hours, 39 minutes to stretch his formidable record on the Melbourne hardcourts to five wins from five finals in eight years.
Only Australian Roy Emerson, who presented him with the trophy, has won more Australian Opens with six in the 1960s.
I had opportunities in the first three sets. Then the fourth set, he was just ripping everything
"I am so privileged and honoured and grateful to be standing here as a champion for the fifth time and to be in the elite group of players with Sir Roy Emerson and Rod Laver and all the legends of our sport," he said. "It's an honour playing in front of you, thank you very much."
Djokovic has now beaten Murray in three of his four Australian final losses after wins in 2011 and 2013, but the Scot mastered him in the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013.
The victory means Djokovic stays at world number one on the next ATP rankings when they are released today, with Murray moving to four from six.
"I had opportunities in the first three sets. Then the fourth set, he was just ripping everything," said Murray, dejection etched on his face.