Australian Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Andy Murray to equal Roy Emerson's record of six titles

New Delhi: Novak Djokovic on Sunday defeated Andy Murray in straight sets 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3) at Rod Laver Arena to become only the second man to win Australian Open six times.

He equaled Aussie legend Roy Emerson's record haul, who won the tournament six times between 1961 and 1967 -- an achievement that has gone unmatched in the 49 years since.

The Serbian world number one thus won his 11th Grand Slam title after pipping Murray to the title four times at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic took just under three hours to claim his 11th Grand Slam title and join Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list - and inch closer to Roger Federer's record of 17.

As expected, Djokovic started his title defense in a dominating fashion, breaking Murray in the very second game. He consolidated the lead with another break for a 4-0 lead. With 81% of first serves points coming his way, Djoker had an easy first set, which lasted 32 minutes.

However, in the second set, the Serbian was just about lucky to escape to a 7-5 win, after both the players faced service breaks. For the eventual champion, a break in the 11th game proved enough.

The two-hour long duel seemed to have drained the players, but the two top-ranked players continue their slugfest in the third set.

After taking a two-set lead, it was always going to be a waiting game for the top-seeded player. And in the third set, Djokovic did just enough to win the tie-breaker in one hour four minutes.

Since beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008 final for his first major title, the 28-year-old has become the most dominant force at Melbourne Park.

He also overcame Murray in the 2011, 2013 and 2015 finals, and was in supreme form having already won three major titles in an astonishing season last year.

In the semi-finals, Djokovic demolished four-time winner Federer, in a match which will be remembered as the Serbian's one of the best games to set up his sixth final appearance in Melbourne.

Murray, who also lost to Federer in the 2010 final, was bidding to become the first man in the Open era to win the Australian title after losing four finals.

Besides his individual goal, the 28-year-old was also looking to create family history after the success of his older brother in men's doubles final.

By playing in both - the singles and doubles finals, the Murrays have already become the first brothers to achieve the feat in the Open era.