Andy Murray lost the third Australian Open final of his career as Novak Djokovic powered his way to the year's first Grand Slam.
The Serb defeated the Scot 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-2 for the sixth major of his career and his third successive win in Melbourne.
Murray was the superior player in the opening two sets but his failure to capitalise on three break points when 1-0 up in the second proved to be a critical moment in the match. Djokovic soon discovered his rhythm and won the set's toe-break with ease to level the match.
Murray was hamstrung by a nasty blister
Murray said he hoped the final would be painful, and he really put his foot in it.
Between the second and third sets the world no.3 had treatment for a weeping blister, shown in graphic detail by the television cameras, much to the horror of the spectators inside the Rod Laver Arena. Murray lost a toe nail during his US Open final win against Djokovic, but the pain barrier proved to be insurmountable this time.
Djokovic recovered superbly after losing the first set
With his hamstring tightening as the match progressed, the 25-year-old US Open champion's endurance, so impressive against Roger Federer in Friday's semi-final, was vastly inferior to the evergreen Djokovic. The World no.1's ability to salvage points wore down his opponent, who wilted in the final two sets.
Andy Murray-Novak Djokovic Australian Open final
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy aloft after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, right, is congratulated Britain's Andy Murray after winning the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray holds his trophy aloft after finishing runner-up to Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray, right, in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy aloft after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left,holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray, right, in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, holds his trophy aloft after defeating Britain's Andy Murray, right, in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, holds his trophy as he stands next to former champion Andre Agassi of the US after defeating Britain's Andy Murray, right, in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray, left, in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, right, is presented with the trophy by former Australian Open champion Andre Agassi after defeating Britain's Andy Murray, center, in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his trophy after defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(23 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic poses with the winner's trophy after his victory over Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(24 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds up the winners trophy after his victory over Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(25 of110)
Britain's Andy Murray reacts during his men's singles final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO/GREG WOOD IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(26 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates a point in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(27 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia dives to play a forehand in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(28 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia dives to play a forehand in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(29 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates a point in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(30 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return against Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(31 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(32 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a return during his men's singles final against Britain's Andy Murray on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO/GREG WOOD IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(33 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain looks on in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(34 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a forehand in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(35 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return against Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(36 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia looks on in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(37 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain looks on in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(38 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(39 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts to a point in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(40 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return against Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(41 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after a point against Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(42 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(43 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates winning the first set in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(44 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves before the winner's trophy during the men's singles final against Britain's Andy Murray on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(45 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a forehand in his men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(46 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return against Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(47 of110)
Britain's Andy Murray reacts after winning the first set against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(48 of110)
Britain's Andy Murray hits a return against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(49 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after a point against Britain's Andy Murray during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(50 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN(51 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic (R) poses with Andy Murray of Britain ahead of their men's singles final on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO/GREG WOOD IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2013 Australian Open - Day 14(52 of110)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand in his men's final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day fourteen of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Britain's Andy Murray hits a forehand return to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a forehand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic kicks the ball out of the court during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic rests between games during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reaches for a return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a forehand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a forehand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Spectators watch the men's singles final between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Britain's Andy Murray on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (credit:AP)
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Spectators watch the men's singles final between Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, and Britain's Andy Murray on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic wipes the sweat from his face during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic watches his return after falling mid-way through a point during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reaches for a return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.(AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic falls over as he returns a shot to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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In this photo released by Tennis Australia, former champion Andre Agassi brings the men's singles trophy onto Rod Laver Arena prior to the start of the final between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan.27, 2013. (AP Photo/Tennis Australia,Fiona Hamilton) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray receives medical treatment to a foot injury during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after winning the second set during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray receives medical treatment to a foot injury during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray hits a forehand return to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a backhand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray hits a forehand return to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray drinks during a change of ends in the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic stretches during break in the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after winning the second set during the men's final against Britain's Andy Murray at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray waits at the back of the court during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray stretches during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, is congratulated Britain's Andy Murray after winning the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Britain's Andy Murray in the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a forehand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (credit:AP)
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a backhand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
(105 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a forehand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
(106 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
(107 of110)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes a forehand return to Britain's Andy Murray during the men's final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (credit:AP)
(108 of110)
Britain's Andy Murray gets medical treatment for his foot during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
(109 of110)
Britain's Andy Murray gets medical treatment for his foot during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
(110 of110)
Britain's Andy Murray gets medical treatment for his foot during the men's final against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (credit:AP)
Djokovic occasionally served at a 0-30 deficit, but Murray could not capitalise and his opponent won the match without conceding a break point. Whereas Murray looked fresher during the duo's final at Flushing Meadows in September, this time he could not stay with his opponent.
He has now won six Slam titles, four of them at the Australian Open, while Murray faltered in his sixth major final.
Djokovic embraces his fourth Australian Open title
Djokovic's triumph sees him match the likes of Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Don Budge and Jack Crawford in the all-time list - with more likely to follow.
And unlike at Wimbledon, Murray wasn't close to tears as he hailed Djokovic's "incredible" record in Melbourne when he addressed the crowd after his loss.