Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Melbourne, January 31
Novak Djokovic crushed Andy Murray 6-1 7-5 7-6(3) on Sunday to match Roy Emerson’s record of six Australian Open titles and leave the Briton heartbroken again at Melbourne Park.
The defending champion was at his ruthless best under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, mauling Murray in the baseline duels and closing out the match in two hours and 53 minutes.
Murray succumbed to his fifth loss in five Australian Open finals, and fourth against the Serbian world No. 1, who claimed his 11th Grand Slam title to draw level with the totals of Australian Rod Laver and Swede Bjorn Borg.
Having fended off Murray in a marathon second set, Djokovic again had to put down some stiff Murray resistance in the third as the Scot refused to go quietly.
But having been dragged into a tiebreak, Djokovic sealed the title on his third match point with a clinical ace down the T. For a man who has owned the year’s first Grand Slam for five of the past six years, Djokovic’s celebrations were subdued and he gave Murray a consoling pat on the chest as they shook hands. After walking around the court and pumping his fist at clutches of thrilled Serbian fans, Djokovic ripped off his shirt and flung it to a young woman who jumped up and down in delight.
“Andy, you are a great champion, a great person and a great friend and I’m sure you are going to have more opportunities to fight for this trophy,” Djokovic said.
“I’d like to congratulate Novak. Six Australian Opens is an incredible feat,” said Murray. The Briton becomes only the second man to lose five finals at the same Slam — joining former coach Ivan Lendl who lost five at the US Open.
