Novak Djokovic wins third successive Australian Open

Novak Djokovic became the first man to win three successive Australian Open titles in the professional era when he beat third seed Andy Murray 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-2 in a battle of attrition on Sunday.

The Serb, who has now won four of his six grand slam titles in Melbourne, managed to win the important points as the Briton suffered from blisters on his right foot and problems at the top of his left hamstring.

Both players produced superb service games throughout the match with Djokovic the first to achieve a break in the eighth game of the third set, propelling him to the brink of the title after the pair had shared tiebreaks in the first two sets.

Djokovic then capitalised on a flagging Murray, who had battled to a five-set win over Roger Federer on Friday, breaking early in the fourth set and then holding on to clinch the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for the fourth time.

"What a joy. It's an incredible feeling to win this trophy again," Djokovic said. "This is definitely my favourite grand slam. I love this tournament. I love this court.

"I have to congratulate Andy and thank him.

"We have played so many great matches in the last two years. Bad luck for tonight but I wish you best of luck for the season."

Djokovic was not the only man chasing a record.

U.S. Open champion Murray, who beat Djokovic in the New York final in September, was also hoping to become the first Briton to win the title since Fred Perry in 1934 and the first man to win his second grand slam immediately after winning his first.

Djokovic had the first opportunity to take an advantage when he held four break points in the sixth game, but Murray fought them all off and levelled at 3-3 with a kicking ace down the centre line.

... contd.

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