Djokovic wins Aussie Open

The third-seeded Serb, who also won the title in 2008, was the better player throughout and wrapped up the title after two hours and 37 minutes when Murray dumped a forehand into the net.

After reaching the US Open final last September, Djokovic has been on an incredible run of form and has now added a second Australian Open title to the Davis Cup title he won with Serbia last month.

With Djokovic producing a fantastic performance to beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals, the match promised much as Murray prepared for his first Grand Slam final in which he would not have to face the 16-times major champion.

But, despite the first two games taking nearly 20 minutes, Murray was never really in the clash with Djokovic running away with proceedings after taking a nervy opening set.

"I dedicate this title to my family, my brothers, my girl Jelena back home, my people that have been with me for so many years," an emotional Djokovic said, cradling the trophy.

"It has been a tough period for our people in Serbia," added Djokovic, who also paid tribute to the victims of the recent Queensland floods. "We are trying every single day to present our country in the best possible way, so this is for my country Serbia.

"This means the world to me. Any Grand Slam title is a huge achievement. I have dedicated my life to the sport.

"I'm still 23 and hopefully will have more chances to win Grand Slams. It really gives me a lot of motivation. It's a huge confidence boost."

Djokovic was clearly the more settled of the two players right from the start, powering through a love service hold before enjoying a handful of break points as early as the second game.

Nervousness underpinned the first set, with both players missed shots they would ordinarily have drilled away for winners, as they exchanged battling service holds.

But Djokovic maintained his composure slightly better from Murray and broke in the 10th game; earning himself set point after a 38-stroke rally before going on to take the lead when the Brit slapped a forehand long of the baseline.

From there the Serb really warmed to his task and he further heaped the pressure on Murray with a break in just the second game of the next set, the Serb easily getting up to a drop shot from Murray to fire off a backhand passing shot across court for a winner.

Djokovic went on to break again in the fourth game when Murray hit yet another tight forehand into the net. And, although the Brit did retrieve one of the breaks, Djokovic had things firmly under control and secured the second set after riffling a forehand winner down the line.

With Djokovic only surrendering a two-sets-to-love lead once in his career - against Jurgen Melzer at last year's French Open - the size of Murray's task looked nigh-on impossible.

Seemingly freed from pressure, Murray enjoyed his best phase of the match early in the third set when he broke in the first game with a forehand passing shot winner.

But Djokovic, who has toned down his on-court antics in recent months, was not about to let the momentum of the match slip from his grasp and he broke back immediately to deal a further blow to Murray's already fragile confidence.

The Serb then broke for the lead in the fourth game, Murray saving five break chances before eventually surrendering his serve when Djokovic threaded a backhand passing shot down the line.

A tight game from Djokovic to hand Murray the break back just one game later suggested a few signs that the Serb might tighten up as he closed in on the title. But it proved to be only a temporary blip as he broke again in the seventh game to restore his lead and leave him with the chance to serve out the match.

And Djokovic secured a drama-free end to the match as he closed the match at the first attempt when Murray slapped his 47th unforced error into the net.

"I'll try to keep it together this year," said Murray, who had been reduced to tears after being beaten by Federer in both last year's final and the 2008 US Open final.

"I won't lose sleep over it. I want to try to win a Grand Slam but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen."