Big win
[1] Novak Djokovic d [3] Andy Murray 6-7(2) 7-6(3) 6-3 6-2
There were no breaks of serve in this classic match for nearly three sets, but once defending champ Djokovic did so late in the third he seemingly broke open the flood gates. The world No.1 finally converted for a 5-3 lead and then served out the set, swinging the momentum to his side in what had been a tug-of-war battle for nearly three hours. It was there that the five-time major champ was clearly in the driver's seat, becoming more aggressive from the backcourt and winning the fourth set in 46 minutes. Djokovic would jump to a two-break lead in the fourth set, going up 4-1 and staved off a break point in Murray's favour and then finished off the match at 5-2 serving when Murray netted a backhand.
The stat
Novak Djokovic becomes the first man since Roy Emerson (1963-67) to win three Australian Opens in a row and the first to do so ever in the Open Era. Andre Agassi won in 2000, 2001 and 2003, but missed 2002 due to injury. It's his fourth-ever AO win.
The stat 2
Novak Djokovic, Victoria Azarenka, Bob and Mike Bryan and Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani. All Australian Open champions in their respective events, all No.1 seeds. That's the first time such feat has occurred at a major since Wimbledon 1997.
The heroes
Matt Ebden and Jarmila Gajdosova. The Australian pair were a wildcard team in the mixed doubles draw, but that didn't matter as they marched all the way to the final and overcame Czech doubles specialists Lucie Hradecka and Frantisek Cermak 6-3 7-5.
They said it
"Enjoy it. It will be sweet!" -Novak Djokovic in press after announcing that he's handing out chocolates to everyone in attendance.
Full circle
Andre Agassi returned to the Australian Open for the first time since he retired, celebrating his 10-year anniversary from his last title here. Agassi presented the trophy to Djokovic, who joins him as a four-time winner at the AO.
It's a long drive home ...
For Novak Djokovic. Yes, the champion was granted an exemption to leave Melbourne earlier (usually players stay a day longer to do press and a photoshoot following their title wins) because of his commitment to a Davis Cup tie for Serbia in Belgium. He plays Friday, and flies out Monday morning to begin preparations.
It's also a long drive home for ...
Andy Murray. The Brit looked like he had his nose out in front for a good part of two sets, but then it all came crumbling down. The 25-year-old is now 0-2 in AO finals having lost to Djokovic in 2001, as well.
View from the inner
Lookie here! Twenty-four hours after she won the women's title Victoria Azarenka returned to Rod Laver Arena, but this time as a fan. The two-time title-winner watched courtside with musician and good friend Redfoo as Murray and Djokovic battled it out.
Did that just happen?
Andy Murray had two DTJH? moments during the final, the first perhaps being the most important. At 2-all in the second-set tiebreak Murray missed a first serve and then stepped to the line to deliver his second. It was then that a single bird feather caught his eye and Murray stepped off the baseline, grabbed it in the forecourt and walked to leave it a metre off the baseline. When he went to deliver his second serve he double faulted, giving Djokovic the mini break and - seemingly - all he needed to even the match at one set all. In the second moment, Murray again encountered the bizarre serving 3-4 down and facing break points. A ball popped out of his pocket during a point, forcing the point to be replayed, a same problem he had faced at Wibmledon last year.
