Internet Desk : Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in straight sets 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3) to become only the second man to win Australian Open six times at the Rod Laver Arena .
The Number 1 ranked Serb equaled Aussie legend Roy Emerson’s record haul, who won the tournament six times between 1961 and 1967 — an achievement that has gone unmatched in the 49 years since.
It was also the 11 th Grand Slam title for Djokovic , who have now defeated Murray on four finals at the Melbourne Park .
Djokovic took just under three hours to claim his sixth Australian Open title and join Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list – and inch closer to Roger Federer’s record of 17.
As expected, Djokovic started his title defense in a dominating fashion, breaking Murray in the very second game. He consolidated the lead with another break for a 4-0 lead. With 81% of first serves points coming his way, Djoker had an easy first set, which lasted 32 minutes.
However, in the second set, the Serbian was just about lucky to escape to a 7-5 win, after both the players faced service breaks. For the eventual champion, a break in the 11th game proved enough.
The two-hour long duel seemed to have drained the players, but the two top-ranked players continue their slugfest in the third set.
After taking a two-set lead, it was always going to be a waiting game for the top-seeded player. And in the third set, Djokovic did just enough to win the tie-breaker in one hour four minutes.
Since beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008 final for his first major title, the 28-year-old has become the most dominant force at Melbourne Park.
He also overcame Murray in the 2011, 2013 and 2015 finals, and was in supreme form having already won three major titles in an astonishing season last year.