Commanding Djokovic seizes second Australian crown

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Andy Murray reacts as he stares down the barrel of defeat at the hands of Novak Djokovic in their men's final on Rod Laver Arena.

Getty Images/Nicolas Asfouri

Novak Djokovic captured his second Australian Open crown tonight, defeating Scot Andy Murray 6-4 6-2 6-3.

Dominating Murray at every turn, 2008 champion Djokovic finished the match as he began: with a towering confidence and intensity that totally swamped his opponent.

After a lengthy first set, the Serbian world No.3 flawlessy executed his bludgeoning baseline game, leaving Murray - a three-time Grand Slam finalist - alternately frustrated and despondent.
Waging war from the baseline, Djokovic won 72 per cent of his first serves and out-rallied his rival and friend from junior days. Last year a runner-up to Roger Federer, Murray was hoping to become the first man since Fred Perry in 1936 to win a Grand Slam title. So, too, were many of the 15,000 capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena, who were stunned at the Serb's clear superiority and Murray's inability to counter the Djokovic onslaught.

Djokovic has been on a rampage since reaching the US Open finals in September and helping his nation to its first Davis Cup title a few months later.


Having conquered defending champion Roger Federer in the semifinal, he resolutely defended every point against the hapless Murray, cheered on by compatriot Ana Ivanovic in the Djokovic player box. Restrained throughout the match, the gladiatorial Serb cleaned up the final in two hours and 39 minutes. As Murray dumped a final forehand into the net - his 47th unforced error for the match - Djokovic raised his arms in the air, greeted his entourage and flung his shirt and shoes into the crowd.

Djokovic paid tribute to the victims of the floods in Queensland in his acceptance speech and dedicated the victory to his homeland, Serbia. "This is for my country," he said. He praised second-time finalist Murray . "We know each other for such a long time and it was really difficult to play against you tonight," he said. "Hopefully you will have another chance to win a Grand Slam title, with your talent you will."

Murray appeared downcast but kept his poise on the podium stating, "I'll try to keep it together this year. Hopefully, I'll come back and have more chances in the future."