Andy Murray loses to Novak Djokovic in Australian Open final
Last updated on .From the section Tennis
World number one Novak Djokovic won his fourth Australian Open title as Andy Murray's hopes of a second major win ended in pain.
The Serb, 25, was the stronger man over three hours and 40 minutes, winning 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-2, as Murray struggled to cope with blistered feet and an increasingly rampant opponent.
"I played a good second set," said Murray. "I created quite a few chances, but didn't quite get them. That was the difference."
And despite admitting that the blister "hurt when I ran", he insisted: "It had no bearing at all on the result."
Djokovic secured his sixth Grand Slam title and became the first man in 46 years to win for three years running in Melbourne.
"It's an incredible feeling winning this trophy again," said the champion. "It's definitely my favourite Grand Slam, my most successful Grand Slam. I love this court."
After losing an opening set he probably should have won, with five break points to none for Murray, the top seed came through a crunch moment at the start of the second when he battled back from 0-40 down.
It proved to be decisive, as the Serbian clung on and turned the tables by grabbing the tie-break.
Murray had been in charge but was disrupted when serving at 2-2, a feather floating down onto the court following a missed first serve, and after removing it he promptly double-faulted and smacked a forehand wide.
He won just one more point in the tie-break as Djokovic took control to level after two hours and 13 minutes of action.
The physicality of the contest appeared to be taking its toll when Murray then required treatment for blisters at the changeover, and he began to grimace between points.
It took two hours and 52 minutes of absorbing but rarely thrilling tennis for the first break of serve to arrive, and it went to Djokovic.
A thumping forehand into the corner set him on the way at 4-3, and despite saving two break points from 0-40, Murray could not resist any longer and netted a forehand.
Djokovic went on a run of winning eight out of nine games as he moved two sets to one up and the Briton's serve unravelled, the double-fault count rising to five after just two in his other six matches in Melbourne.
Unhappy with the umpire for not clamping down on shouts from the crowd, and with his movement hindered, Murray cut a dispirited figure as Djokovic powered towards another major win.
In marked contrast to his opponent, the Serb was relishing the closing stages and romped home towards match point, one delicious drop shot verging on the cruel.
Djokovic wrapped it up on serve when Murray netted a backhand and did a jig of delight on court before heading over to celebrate with his support team.
With six Grand Slam victories, he matches the likes of Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Don Budge and Jack Crawford in the all-time list - and there could be plenty more to come.
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The semi final should have all 4 players playing on the same day regardless if this extends the tournament an extra day.
Murrays time will most definately coma again but congrats to Novak,he deserved it tonight...
Next time ANDY !!!! :)
I'm genuinely stunned at the bitter & twisted nature of some people on here.
I was at Melbourne Park for semi between Federer & Murray 2 nights ago & normal people are in awe at Murray's talent, dedication & humility.
Only in his own 'country' is he actively supported against. Take a look at yourselves.
Great Post.
who else has made the follow on final after their 1st slam?
It wasn't Murray's day but he will be back.
These two will dominate this year. They are both a level above everyone else now.
Well done Djocko, well done Murray!
I was at Melbourne Park for semi between Federer & Murray 2 nights ago & normal people are in awe at Murray's talent, dedication & humility.
Only in his own 'country' is he actively supported against. Take a look at yourselves...
murray definately ran out of steam just as the no1 upped his level. no shame in being beaten when you have given your all. a choke it most certainly was not.
great tennis and a great tournament. and the future is bright for these two.
next time murray... next time ;-)
Murray played bloody well. What was with that feather?!
Djok, just too good today. Look forward to a rematch of those two.
Murray has really matured into a cracking player, how many finals has he got into now 3-4? He'll win plenty yet, no doubt about it. Come on Wimbledon!
He is streets ahead of eveybody and God only knows how many Slams he will have at the end.
Still a big Andy Murray fan but Djokovic is built for this game and is an awesome player, and an all round good egg to boot.
Good match for 2 hours today.
As for the match, both showed their class. Wish both semi-finals were played on the same day though. Not saying the outcome wouldn't of been the same but an extra day of rest helps.
Novak is a real talent dream on AM you cant beat him when the weather is fair
Seriously? So AM controls the weather? Is he God?
So the wind only blew at one of the players? The sun only shone at one guy? The rain clouds only follow one player around the court?
HOW IS WEATHER NOT "FAIR"? One player adapting faster isn't unfair...it just is what it is. It's just a factor in the game.