THE LAST FIGHT

Andy Murray loses his fifth Australian Open final as world No 1 Novak Djokovic clinches straight sets victory in Melbourne

• Andy Murray has now lost five finals in the Australian Open after latest defeat by Novak Djokovic 
• The Serb and World No 1 raced ahead and took the first set 6-1 as Murray struggled in the opening stages 
• Former Wimbledon champion lost the second set 7-5 before losing the third set on a tiebreak 7-3
• Djokovic wins record-equalling sixth Australian Open title with 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 victory.

  

 

ANDY MURRAY'S wait for a third grand slam title continues as the Scot was thwarted again by Novak Djokovic to lose his fifth Australian Open final.

Murray was blown away in a whirlwind opening set and he never recovered as the Serb proved himself the maestro of men's tennis again to win 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7/3).

Djokovic has now won a record-equalling six times in Melbourne to draw level with Roy Emerson and he boasts 11 major titles overall, climbing joint-fifth on the all-time list alongside Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.

First of all, I need to pay respect to Andy and his team for having another great tournament," the world No.1 said.

"Tough luck tonight, Andy, you're a great champion and a great person who is very professional and committed to the sport.

"I'm sure in the future you're going to have more opportunities to fight for this trophy.

"I would like to wish you and Kim a very happy and healthy delivery of your baby. I hope you will experience a feeling like never before because that's what happened to me."

And after picking up his runners-up shield, dad-to-be Murray said: "To my wife, Kim, who I'm sure is watching back home just now.

"You've been a legend these last two weeks, thank you very much for your support, I'll be on the next flight home."