Andy Murray’s bid to claim back-to-back grand slam titles ended in disappointment after the Scot was beaten in the Australian Open final by Novak Djokovic.
The first two, serve-dominated sets were decided on tie-breaks before Djokovic claimed the first break of the match late in the third.
It proved a pivotal moment with US Open champion Murray, who was struggling with blisters on his right foot and a hamstring problem, unable to mount a fightback as Djokovic cruised through the fourth to complete a 6-7 (2/7) 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 6-2 success.
His triumph handed the Serbian a place in the history books as the first man in the Open era to win three successive Melbourne crowns.
Murray praised the champion in the post-match presentation.
“I would like to congratulate Novak. His record here is incredible. Very few people have managed to do what he has done here. He is a very well-deserved champion,” he said.
“To his team… I know you can’t do this on your own and he has great people around him.I’d like to thank my team – they’ve done a great job with me.”
Djokovic said: “I have to thank Andy for his kind words.We have played so many thrilling matches over the last few years. Bad luck tonight and I wish you luck for the rest of the season.
“What a joy. It’s an incredible feeling winning this trophy again. It’s definitely my favourite grand slam, my most successful grand slam. I love this court.”