Djokovic now has six major titles overall MELBOURNE, Australia — Andy Murray expected pain before the Australian Open final. In Novak Djokovic, he got more than he bargained for.
No. 1 Djokovic relied on his tenacious defense and capitalized on No. 3 Murray's hampered movement from a blistered right foot to capture a third-consecutive title in Melbourne and fourth since 2008.
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Djokovic, who lost to Scotland's Murray in last year's U.S. Open final, won 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-2.
Djokovic is the first man to win three consecutive titles in Melbourne in the post-1968 Open era.
The 25-year-old Serb joins Roger Federer and Andre Agassi — on hand to present the winner's trophy — as the only men with four titles in the Open era. He has six major titles overall.
The tight, back-and-forth match turned in the seventh game of the third set, when Djokovic earned the first break of the match. After closing out the third set, he broke again in the third game of the fourth set and cruised home from there.
Djokovic didn't rip his shirt off this time, as he did after his epic 5-hour, 53-minute win against Rafael Nadal last year. He just did a little dance, looked up to the sky and then applauded the crowd after the 3-hour, 40-minute match.
Murray was coming off a four-hour, five-set battle against Roger Federer in the semifinals. Djokovic breezed past David Ferrer in 1:29 in his semifinal.
Murray, who ended a 76-year major drought for British men when he won the U.S. Open in September, has lost three times in the Australian Open final.
"I would like to congratulate Novak. His record here is obviously incredible," Murray told the crowd during the trophy ceremony. "Such a great atmosphere to play in. You're extremely fair, so thank you very much."
PHOTOS: AUSTRALIAN OPEN MEN'S FINAL 
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, 6-2 victory against Andy Murray of Britain to capture his third consecutive Australian Open crown, and fourth overall.
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Andy Murray was battling blisters, hindering his movement.
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Novak Djokovic earned the first break of the match, in the 32nd game, then served for the set. He won it 6-3 to take a 2-1 lead.
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It is crowded inside and outside Rod Laver Arena.
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Her lips say, "Andy Murray!"
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Andy Murray gets treatment.
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Novak Djokovic gives himself a talking to late in the second set. Perhaps it worked. He won the tiebreaker 7-3 to even the match at a set apiece.
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Andy Murray dominated the first-set tiebreaker. The second-set TB went the other way.
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Novak Djokovic left foots a ball into the crowd.
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This point didn't go Andy Murray's way.
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Novak Djokovic at a changeover.
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The house is packed at Rod Laver Arena.
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Always emotional Andy Murray.
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Novak Djokovic was 0-for-5 on break points in the first set.
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Andy Murray dominated the tiebreak to take the first set 7-6 (7-2).
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Novak Djokovic made 25 unforced errors in the first set.
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We always thought Novak Djokovic had eyes in the back of his head.
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Frustration for Andy Murray during the tight first set.
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Novak Djokovic hits the deck and skins his knee in the first set. He got up and won the point, however.
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Andy Murray stretches for a backhand.
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Novak Djokovic muscles a backhand early in the first set.
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Andy Murray moves forward.
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Movement is a strength for both players. Here Novak Djokovic chases down a forehand.
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Andy Murray slices a backhand.
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Novak Djokovic lines up a forehand.
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Andy Murray crushes a forehand.
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Women's champ Victoria Azarenka and Redfoo are on hand.
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Kim Sears, Andy's girlfriend, is here. Where's Jelena? Julian Finney, Getty Images
