Djokovic dominates in Aussie final

Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia

Novak Djokovic gave his old friend Andy Murray a sympathetic hug and a few consoling words, then got on with the real celebrations.

Djokovic walked to the middle of the court, tossed his racket into the crowd, then stripped off his shirt and shoes and hurled them, too.

The 23-year-old Serb had plenty to celebrate after his 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 win over Murray in the Australian Open final on Sunday night. Djokovic’s second Australian title made him only the fourth active player on the men’s tour to win multiple majors. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have had a lock on the men’s side, winning 21 of the previous 23, while Lleyton Hewitt has two titles — the last coming at Wimbledon in 2002.

“It’s been a fantastic tournament for me,” Djokovic said. “I don’t want to fly up to the sky and say, ‘I am the best,’ or whatever. I cannot compare to Rafa and Roger’s success.”

He’s the most successful player so far in 2011, though, and that’s what counts right now.

“Certainly this will give me a lot of motivation for the continuation of the season, because to win a Grand Slam at the start of the season is the best start you can ask for,” he said.

Top-ranked Nadal came to Australia aiming to win a fourth consecutive major and complete a “Rafa Slam.” He lost in the quarterfinals. Federer came in as the defending champion and lost to Djokovic in the semifinals.

The loss for fifth-seeded Murray continued his horrible stretch in Grand Slam finals — he hasn’t won a set in three tries, including losses to Federer last year in Australia and at the 2009 U.S. Open.

“I understand how he feels. It’s his third final and he didn’t get the title,” Djokovic said. “I really have big respect for him and his game, because I think he has everything that it takes to become a Grand Slam champion.”

Murray started to lose focus as the service breaks tallied against him. He didn’t look sharp. He held his back and seemed to limp around, swearing under his breath.