Djokovic beats Murray in Australian Open final to win his 11th Grand Slam title

Melbourne: World No 1 Novak Djokovic got the better off Andy Murray 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3) in the final of the Australian Open to win his 11th Grand Slam title, here on Sunday.

With this title, Djokovic equalled Roy Emerson's record of six Australian titles. It marks his 11th Grand Slam championship, moving him into equal fifth place with Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver on the all-time list for most major titles and closing the gap on his great rivals Roger Federer (17) and Rafael Nadal (14).

The 28-year-old has a staggering 57-6 record in Melbourne, winning his first major title there in 2008 (defeating Tsonga) before returning as champion in 2011 (defeating Murray), 2012 (defeating Nadal), 2013 (defeating Murray) and 2015 (defeating Murray).

Djokovic won his 21st straight match at a Grand Slam as he produced 31 winners and broke Murray five times. The Scot ended his evening with 65 unforced errors.

In the opening set, Djokovic grabbed a 5-0 lead in 19 minutes -- Murray won just seven points -- and had the first set in his pocket after half an hour. Murray began to slowly find his game in the second setand took a 2-1 lead after saving four break points and finishing it off with an ace. But Djokovic broke for 4-3 but immediately lost the lead a game later. However, he secured a 6-5 advantage and concluded the set, which lasted nearly three times as long as the first.

Djokovic kept his momentum in the third set. Though Murray battled back as he got the break back for 3-all but was unable to take control in the tiebreaker. Djokovic seized a 5-1 lead and ended the contest on the third of five match points.

"Every Grand Slam title is very significant in its own way," said Djokovic. "Here, because of the fact that I managed to make history tonight and equal Roy Emerson's six Australian Open titles. I'm very honoured to be mentioned alongside legends of our sport like Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver, and to win as many Grand Slams as they did.