Andy Murray's hopes of a first grand slam title ended for now as Novak Djokovic cruised to an easy straight sets victory in the final of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Djokovic won his second Aus Open title with a 6-4 6-2 6-3 win in two hours and 39 minutes. What Murray will find hard to swallow is not just a third loss in a major final, but the manner of the defeat. Murray was his own worst enemy. He was clearly bogged down by the pressures of a whole nation. He was leaden footed and his racquet seemed reluctant to obey him.

Djokovic, on the other hand, looked like a world beater. On the evidence of such form, he could have beaten even a fully fit Nadal or the Federer of old!

After trading games in the first set, it came to the point where Murray had to serve to stay in the set. However, Murray opened the game with a double fault before losing out on a hard-fought rally. Djokovic had two set points when Murray fired long, giving the Serbian the break and the set.

The second was even worse for Murray. Djokovic broke him early to go 2-0 up, held serve and broke him again to go 4-0 up. The Serb then held serve before Murray avoided the embarrassment of a love set with an ace. He then broke Serb, hinting at an unlikely comeback. However, unlikely it remained, as Djokovic broke-back to earn a two-set lead.

The third started brightly for Murray, breaking Djokovic in the opening game with a much more aggressive approach. However, Djokovic broke back in the very next game before going on to break Murray and go 3-1 up. Murray battled and broke-back to make it 3-3. However, that was his last game won at the 2011 Aus Open as Djokovic stepped up a gear and broke the Scot before serving out for the championship.

After the presentation ceremony, Murray dashed to the locker-room while Djokovic embarked on his lap of honor around the Rod Laver arena. Credit where it is due though as Murray performed well until the final. However, he came up against a Serbian who is in the form of his life. Djokovic wins the 2011 Australian Open and deservedly so.