Djokovic grinds Murray down to win Australian Open

Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return to Andy Murray of Britain during their men's singles final match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne February 1, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

MOMENTUM LOST

It was disastrous for Djokovic, however, who lost the momentum and miscued a number of shots to lose serve.

Murray raised his game, taking the match into another tiebreak and raising four set points with a series of baseline rockets.

Djokovic saved two but could do nothing on the third when Murray fired a dipping shot at his shoe-laces.

Murray then rolled into a 2-0 lead in the third set, but handed the break back and bashed the ball high into the night sky in disgust.

The Scot then crumbled in the eighth game, giving Djokovic three break points and then double-faulting to fall behind 5-3.

Djokovic coolly served out the set then went on a tear, breaking Murray twice to roar to a 3-0 lead.

In the end, it was easy for the Djokovic who coasted to his eighth grand slam title with an imperious service game and soaked up the cheers of a packed Rod Laver Arena.