The Serbian world number three controlled the final on a warm Melbourne evening, winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 for his second Australian title, after also triumphing in 2008.
It was the first major final without Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer for three years, as Djokovic proved superior to the listless fifth-seed. Djokovic dedicated his victory to his family and the people of Serbia.
“I dedicate this title to my family back home and it has been a tough period for our people in Serbia but we are trying every single day to present
our country in the best possible way, so this is for my country,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic lauds Murray
But the disappointing Murray suffered further heartbreak and is now yet to win a set in three Grand Slam finals. “I want to congratulate Andy for a great two weeks and he’s played finals here in the last two years,” said Djokovic. “We’ve known each other for such a long time and it was really difficult to play against him tonight.
“It’s a tough one but hopefully you [Murray] will have another chance to win a Grand Slam trophy, I am sure with your talent you will.”
Murray was bidding to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam since Fred Perry in 1936, and the first from the country to win the Australian Open since 1934.
But he was never in the hunt as his game fell away in the second set and Djokovic ramped up the pressure to take the final in straight sets in two hours and 39 minutes.
It was Djokovic’s second successive Grand Slam final after losing to Nadal in last year’s US Open decider.
Third-seed claims win
Murray’s opening service game went for 14 minutes and four deuces before holding as both players held their serve until the 10th game.
The Scot coughed up a double-fault on his opening serve and a netted forehand gave Djokovic two set points to take the opening set in just under an hour.
But Djokovic went on a seven-game run to have the second set in his pocket at 5-0. Murray fought off a set point in the sixth game before holding and broke back to 5-2, before Djokovic went two sets up in 40 minutes when he forced a Murray backhand into the net.
Murray began the final set well, breaking Djokovic in the opening game, but dropped his next two service games before the Serb relinquished his lead with a tame sliced backhand into the net.
But Murray looked out of energy and inspiration and continued to make errors to keep the heat off Djokovic.
The lethargic Scot was broken a third time in the set to leave Djokovic to serve out the match and taking it when Murray netted a forehand.
Runner-up Andy Murray
“I’d like to congratulate Novak. He had an unbelievable tournament here at the Australian Open and deserved to win. Hopefully I’ll come back and have more chances in the future.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2011.
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