Novak Djokovic became the second man in history to win five Australian Open titles when he defeated Andy Murray 76(3) 67(4) 63 60 in the men’s final on Rod Laver Arena. Only Roy Emerson had previously won more titles, winning six between 1961 and 1967.
“I think it [this victory] has deeper meaning, more intrinsic value now to my life because I’m a father and a husband,” said Djokovic. “It’s the first Grand Slam title I won as a father and a husband. Just feel very, very proud of it.”
It was a topsy turvy match littered with breaks of serve which gave both players chances in each set. Djokovic started quickly, breaking Murray to lead 4-1 before the Briton battled back to take the set to a tiebreak. Murray double faulted at 4-2 in the tiebreak and then produced a loose volley at 5-5 to give Djokovic chances, which he seized when Murray planted a backhand into the net.
It was Murray who gained the upper hand early in the second set, breaking his opponent to lead 2-0. The lead didn’t last long however, after the world No. 1 won 13 straight points to bring the match level. Murray became more aggressive and hit a number of sharp backhands and forehands to force a tiebreak which he duly won.
Again Murray broke early to lead 2-0 in the third set but then Djokovic turned the set around, hitting the lines one after another to edge ahead and win the set third 6-3. After that, the Serb was in total control playing nearly perfect tennis, giving a fatigued Murray few chances and grabbing the final set – and the title – once again.
“I’m happy with everything that I put into the event,” said Murray, for whom it was a fourth Australian Open final loss. “I couldn’t have done anything more. I couldn’t have prepared better. I couldn’t have done anything more to give myself a better chance to win. So I can’t be disappointed with that because I gave my best effort.”
Earlier in the day Martina Hingis and Leander Paes won the mixed doubles title, defeating defending champions Kristnina Mladenovic and Daniel Nestor in the final 64 63.
(Courtesy of the ITF and Original Link – http://www.itftennis.com/news/195352.aspx )
Topics: Andy Murray, Australian Open, Leander Paes, Martina Hingis, Melbourne, Novak Djokovic
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RT @TennisNewsOne: NOVAK DJOKOVIC CREATES HISTORY IN MELBOURNE http://t.co/KK7EYhgtY2 #tennis
RT @TennisNewsOne: NOVAK DJOKOVIC CREATES HISTORY IN MELBOURNE http://t.co/KK7EYhgtY2 #tennis
RT @TennisNewsOne: NOVAK DJOKOVIC CREATES HISTORY IN MELBOURNE http://t.co/KK7EYhgtY2 #tennis