Djokovic claims record fifth title

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NOVAK Djokovic has overcome mystery illness, a mid-match court invasion by protesters and Andy Murray's stubbornness to seal Australian Open history.

No man has won more Melbourne Park titles than the Serb, whose fifth crown materialised in extraordinary fashion against perennial runner-up Murray.

And few have done it in more bizarre circumstances as Djokovic claimed his eighth major overall 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-0.

Struggling for balance and coordination while battling illness, Djokovic condemned Murray to his fourth defeat in an Australian Open decider.

Novak Djokovic looks towards his entourage for inspiration. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Watched by Australian sports greats Adam Scott, Sally Pearson, Ken Rosewall, Frank Sedgman, Margaret Court, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Neale Fraser and Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Djokovic was mentally superior.

But his exaggerated physical struggles prompted debate over the legitimacy of his problems.

Murray praised Djokovic generously afterwards.

"Firstly I'd like to congratulate Novak on his fifth Australian Open title," the Scot said.

"It's an incredible record, thoroughly deserved.

"I'll try and come back next year and have a slightly different outcome in the final."

Murray has now lost six of eight grand slam finals, the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon victories being exceptions.

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Djokovic credited his support crew, headed by Boris Becker, as he joined Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Fred Perry and Ken Rosewall on eight majors overall.

"They sacrifice their lives in order for me to be out here. Without their support, this wouldn't be possible."

"I want to congratulate Andy for a great tournament."

Djokovic's theatrics aside, he was too tough.

He weathered Murray's physicality and tenacity in a match featuring 14 service breaks, refusing to panic as a peculiar match unfolded.

Just as Serena Williams overcame adversity against Maria Sharapova on Saturday night, Djokovic willed himself into second place overall on the Australian honour roll behind Roy Emerson (six titles).

Andy Murray reacts to a Novak Djokovic winner. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

When it was finished, Djokovic cast a glance skywards in tribute to his former coach Jelena Gencic and hurled his racquet into the crowd.

Not even the security breach at 4-3 in the second set, drunken sailor movement nor Murray's grit were sufficient to stop the world champion.

Similarly, the serving crisis which had him trailing 0-2 early in the third set had little impact on Djokovic's resolve.

Instead, against the pattern of a suffocating tight contest over the first two sets, Djokovic reeled off 12 of the last 13 games to destroy Murray.

Djokovic's body language ranged from supremely positive to uncoordinated as he struggled with the mystery affliction.

He struggled for breath between points, occasionally losing footing as his knees buckled amid speculation he was suffering a relapse of a virus.

Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

In the end it did not matter.

He was simply too tough, too resourceful - and too good.

He took 72 minutes to win the first set and 80 minutes to lose the second bracket.

The third and fourth sets occupied just 67 minutes.

An hour before the match, Djokovic's coach Boris Becker said: "Let's do this."

Initially, Djokovic produced "statement tennis" to dominate the first five games.

But from a posiition of overwhelming strength, he wobbled dramatically as Murray counter-attacked.

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From there until early in the third set, this was a contest of gripping baseline attrition.

In the end, it was a rout as Murray imploded.

Ahead 2-0 in the third, Murray seemed distracted by Djokovic's body language telling himself "don't worry about it" - only to lose serve. And six of the next seven games.

"So many times. How can you do it to yourself, how?" Murray roared at himself.

Against the odds, Djokovic then surged away to lift the Norman Brookes Cup for the fifth time - 2008, 2011,'12, '13 and '15.

The Serb collected $3.1 million and extends his lead at the head of the rankings.

Murray rises to No 4 and earned $1.55 million.

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