Djokovic Captures Second Australian Open Title Over Murray

Australian Open—Melbourne, Australia

World No. 3 Novak Djokovic poured in a stellar performance to capture his second Australian Open title on Sunday in Melbourne, defeating No. 5 seed Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

Dominating the two hour and 39 minute match with his penetrating forehand and down-the-line backhand, Djokovic broke Murray on seven of 18 occasions, while adding 26 winners to his victory. Owning the baseline for much of the affair, Djokovic struck first blood in the seventh game of the first set to lead 4-3. After wrapping up a tidy first set, the Serb continued his onslaught from the back-of-the-court by breaking the Scot on three further occasions.

Wearing down the mental strength of his opponent, Djokovic’s stellar footwork from the close-to-the-baseline continued right through the final set of the match. Chasing down an approach shot by Murray, Djokovic slashed a backhand up-the-line to lead 3-1 in the third set.

Closing out the match after Murray committed his 47th unforced error, Djokovic raised his hands in triumph, before racing over to celebrate with his team.

Proceeding to throw his racket, shoes, and shirt into the full house in Rod Laver Arena, a delighted Djokovic later sat down with the assembled media to review his second grand slam title.

“This was a great match, said Djokovic. From the start to the last point, I did what I intended of doing tactically, what I talked with my coach, what I prepared for. Physically I was very fit. I had two days between the semifinals and finals match, which was important at this stage of the tournament.

“Because I was aware of the fact that I am going to yeah, bring it to me. (Laughter.) That will have long rallies and I will have a player who doesn’t miss a lot, a very talented player who is one of the best returners in the game.

“And, yeah, you know, I had to step in. That was the key. When I had the chance to step in and try to move him around the court, that’s what I did. Probably the turning point was the last game of the first set where we had some incredible exchange from the baseline, long rallies, and some passing shots that turned the match around.”

Capturing the title in Melbourne in 2008 over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Djokovic has enjoyed great form since reaching the finals of the US Open. Reaching the World Tour Final in London for the fourth-straight year, Djokovic also captured Serbia’s maiden Davis Cup title in December. The 23-year-old is next scheduled on court during the Dubai Open in three week’s time.

For Murray, the quest to capture his elusive grand slam was not meant to be. Buckling under the pressure once again, the Scot admitted after his defeat that he had a lot to improve on in order to win a major title.

“I want to keep working hard, try and improve,” said Murray. You know, but I said before the final, it’s not something that, you know, I don’t lose sleep over at night. You know, it’s going to be tough for sure for a few days.

“But, you know, I want to try and win one, of course. But if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. You know, I’m just working as hard as I can. I train very hard. You know, I take tennis very seriously.

“But, you know, I love my life away from tennis, as well. You know, that’s why maybe this year, compared with last, I’m very, very happy off the court. I’m enjoying myself. There’s other things to look forward to, too.”

Murray will also play his next event at the Dubai Open.

Mike and Bob Bryan captured the doubles title on Saturday over Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi 6-3, 6-4. The American duo took home their fifth title in Melbourne, and 10th major title in total.

Quotes courtesy of FastScripts by ASAP Sports.