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February 1, 2016

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Djokovic joins the greats with 6th Aussie title

NOVAK Djokovic was humbled to join Roy Emerson as the only player to win six Australian Open titles after he beat Andy Murray 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3) at Melbourne Park yesterday in a repeat of last year’s final.

The 28-year-old Serb, whose first grand slam title was at Melbourne Park in 2008, has now won titles on the blue hard courts in 2011, 2012 2013, 2015 and this year to seal the most in the professional era.

“I am extremely honored to be mentioned alongside some of the legends of our sport,” Djokovic said. “It’s an incredible feeling in that I managed to make history and equal Roy Emerson’s record. When you have the opportunity to make history it adds to your motivation and incentive before you come out on court. I tried to channel that and use it as a positive.”

Djokovic, who had got off to a storming start against Roger Federer in the semifinals, was back in imperious form from the start against Murray, who took until the second set to get into the match at all.

While the first set was done and dusted in just 30 minutes, the second lasted 80 with Djokovic aware that he was being put under pressure by the Briton.

Djokovic again had to put down some stiff Murray resistance in the third as the Scot refused to go quietly.

But having been dragged into a tiebreak, Djokovic sealed the title on his third match point with a clinical ace down the T.

For a man who has owned the year’s first grand slam for five of the past six years, Djokovic’s celebrations were subdued and he gave Murray a consoling pat as they shook hands.

“Tough match, tough luck tonight Andy,” Djokovic added of the match that lasted two hours, 53 minutes.

“You’re a great champion, great friend and someone who is very committed and will have plenty of opportunities to fight for this trophy.”

Djokovic acknowledged he was playing at a different level. Yet he still wants to get better and add to his 11 major titles.

He is now tied with Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list and within sight of rivals Rafael Nadal (14 titles) and Roger Federer (17).

“I believe that I can win every match I play (and) I’m playing the tennis of my life in the last 15 months. The results are showing that,” he said.

“I don’t want to think how far my boundaries are.”

Djokovic added that he felt the rivalry between the ‘Big Four’ of himself, Federer, Murray and Nadal would continue, because they push each other the most.




 

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