The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsNovak Djokovic has ended Andy Murray’s dream of capturing his first Australian Open title once again, as the world number one defeated the Brit 6-1 7-5 7-6 in the final.
The Serbian was in ominous form as he raced through the first set, and even though Murray provided tough resistance thereafter, Djokovic was too strong and completed the win to clinch his sixth trophy in Melbourne.
In the opening set, Murray started with aggressive intent and held a break point in the first game of the match. However, the Serbian saved it with a cross court backhand winner, and from that point Djokovic settled into the contest to hold serve. The Brit soon found himself under early pressure as a series of immaculate returns and solid play from the world number one set up break points, and Djokovic established the advantage when Murray double faulted. The Serbian was growing in confidence as his deep groundstrokes and precise winners saw him consolidate his break comfortably for a 3-0 lead, whilst his opponent found it difficult to attack without producing the unforced errors. Djokovic quickly capitalised on the Brit’s errors to gain the double break, and he went on to close out a dominant set of tennis.
As the second set unfolded, Djokovic continued to pressurise his opponent and forced more break points at 1-1, but this time Murray produced some fine serving to survive and hold serve. The Brit was showing signs of improvement in his form, but his inconsistency at times was eventually punished by Djokovic, who broke for a 4-3 lead when Murray planted a forehand wide. However, the world number two immediately responded and this time his aggression paid off, with an inch perfect powerful backhand winner restoring the break back. Despite the Serbian’s best efforts to regain the lead, Murray persevered with his offensive play and a few crunching backhands saw him just edge ahead 5-4. But, the world number one was still relentless in his pursuit for the crucial break, and he clinched it once again to lead 6-5 when Murray’s backhand drifted long. Whilst serving for the set, consecutive double faults from Djokovic gifted Murray the chance to retrieve the break, but the Serbian stood firm to resist his opponent and wrap up the set.
The third set saw the world number one look to build momentum and he gained the early break in spectacular style with a scintillating backhand winner down the line whilst on the stretch. Djokovic consolidated the advantage quickly and appeared to have complete control of the match, but Murray’s resilience and courageous tennis was finally rewarded when he converted a break point to level the scoreline at 3-3. Both players looked shaky at times but Murray did well to stay in front, using a combination of massive serving and heavy groundstrokes. The set would need a tie-break, but Murray’s erratic play surfaced again to gift Djokovic a healthy lead, including two double faults and unforced errors. The world number one was clinical, and he clinched the victory emphatically with an ace to seal his eleventh grand slam title.
