Djokovic too good for Murray in final

Djokovic won the title in Melbourne for the loss of just one set

Novak Djokovic outplayed Andy Murray to win the Australian Open for the second time and end the Briton's hopes of a first Grand Slam title.
The 23-year-old Serbian won 6-4 6-2 6-3 in a stiflingly hot Melbourne to regain the title he first won in 2008 and condemn Murray to a third defeat in Grand Slam finals.
Murray had been hoping to become the first British man to claim a major title since Fred Perry won the US Open in 1936, and Scotland's first ever Grand Slam singles champion, but he was overpowered by the world number three.
"He had an unbelievable tournament and deserved to win," said Murray afterwards. "Hopefully I'll come back and have more chances in the future."
A victorious Djokovic responded: "I want to congratulate Andy for a great two weeks, it was really difficult to play against you tonight. Hopefully you will have another chance to win a Grand Slam trophy and, with your talent, I'm sure you will."
Djokovic went into Sunday's final a slight favourite having beaten reigning champion Roger Federer in straight sets in the semi-finals, and with the confidence of having won the Australian title in 2008.
Murray, seeded fifth, has always claimed not to be affected by his nation's clamour for a Grand Slam champion, but his own desire to land a major title after twice losing in finals brings enough pressure and he made a nervous start.
Djokovic hammered some heavy forehands in the Briton's opening service game and earned a break point, but a loose error let Murray off the hook and the Scot edged through a tense 15-minute game.

• Murray then immediately had a half-chance of his own on the Djokovic serve, only to miss a smash at 15-30, but the rhythm was set and both men knew they were in for a battle.