Australian Open men’s final

Novak Djokovic becomes the first player in the Open era to hold aloft the Australian Open trophy for the third consecutive year. (Dita Alangkara / Associated Press)

Jan. 27, 2013 4:42 AM PT

Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked and two-time reigning champion from Serbia, becomes the first player in the Open era to win three consecutive Australian Open titles with a 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Andy Murray of Scotland on Sunday in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic begins to celebrate after defeating Andy Murray in the Australian Open men’s championship match on Sunday. (Peter Parks / AFP / Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic whips a forehand toward Andy Murray in the men’s final of the Australian Open on Sunday. (Narendra Shrestha / EPA)

Andy Murray reacts after losing a point to Novak Djokovic on Sunday. (Dennis Sabangan / EPA)

Novak Djokovic tracks down a forehand return against Andy Murray in the men’s final of the Australian Open on Sunday. (Dita Alangkara / Associated Press)

Andy Murray receives medical treatment for his big toe and foot during the final of the Australian Open on Sunday. (Ryan Pierse / Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic reacts to missing a shot against Andy Murray in the men’s final of the Australian Open. (Andrew Brownbill / Associated Press)

Andy Murray strikes a forehand return against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open men’s championship match. (Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic gets into a backhand return against Andy Murray in the men’s final of the Australian Open. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP / Getty Images)

Andy Murray reacts after winning a point against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open men’s championship match Sunday. (Julian Finney / Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic goes to his knees as he dives for a forehand return against Andy Murray in the men’s final of the Australian Open. (Ryan Pierse / Getty Images)

Andy Murray stretches to get to a backhand return against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open men’s championship match. (Aaron Favila / Associated Press)