Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray by three sets to one, winning the final of the Australian Open at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. This is the fourth Australian Open title for the world number one, and he set a new record by being the first man to win this title three years in a row.

Murray, the British number one and world number three, was playing in his third consecutive Grand Slam final (a British record), but couldn’t replicate his victory over Djokovic in last year’s US Open final.

The match was an intense, physical dual. The standard of tennis from both players was incredible, with each of them returning shots that would have easily beaten most competitors.

The first set was a tense, gruelling affair, lasting an hour and eight minutes. Djokovic was arguably the better player and had the best chances to break Murray’s serve but failed to take advantage of any of his five break points. The set went into a tie-break, where a double fault on Djokovic’s first service point helped Murray dominate, winning the tie-break 7-2, and taking the set 7-6.

The second set followed a similar pattern. This time it was Murray that dominated his service games, but the Scott couldn’t find a way to break Djokovic’s serve, and the set went to another tie-break. This time it was the Serbian who came out on top, taking the tie-break 7-3, and winning the set after an hour and five minutes.

The third set saw the first break of the match, ending the run of tie-breaks. Djokovic played a fantastic game to break Murray’s serve and take the score to 5-3. The world number one then served out the set, winning 6-3 and taking a two set to one lead in the match.

Djokovic took an early break in the fourth set, holding his subsequent service game to gain a 3-1 lead. A second break extended his lead to 4-1, and Murray was unable to find his way back into the set. Djokovic held his next two service games to take the set 6-2, and win the match, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Djokovic is known as the iron man of tennis, and he once again demonstrated that ability to grind out a victory. Murray put up a great fight, but Djokovic upped his game in the third set, while Murray began to look tired – perhaps feeling the effects of his five-set semi-final against Federer just two days ago.

While Djokovic was a deserving winner, it is clear that the Andy Murray – Novak Djokovic rivalry is going to be a key feature of tennis in years to come.

“We played so many thrilling matches in the last two years,” Djokovic said of his and Andy’s relationship, “and hopefully many more to come”.