Murray outclassed by champion Djokovic

Andy Murray's grand slam final misery continued as the British number one was comprehensively beaten by Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.

Murray looked out of sorts from the off and was second best throughout a one-sided encounter as Djokovic followed up his 2008 success in Melbourne with a 6-4 6-2 6-3 triumph in two hours and 39 minutes.

Murray has now appeared in three grand slam finals and is yet to win a set - a record in the open era - with this latest setback likely to be the hardest to stomach.

The first two defeats, at the US Open in 2008 and here 12 months ago, saw him lose to an overwhelming favourite in Roger Federer, but he came into this contest seemingly on a par with Djokovic.

But what transpired will haunt Murray for some time.

His first serve percentage was a lowly 53 per cent, his groundstrokes continually missed their target, his body language was negative while his movement, so often his strength, proved another weakness with his footwork frequently poor.

Murray's travails should not detract from Djokovic's achievement, however. He has been knocking on the door ever since his win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga here three years ago, but often saw his quest for a second major flounder against either Federer or Rafael Nadal - arguably the two greatest players of all time.

But his greater desire ensured he was not to be denied this time.