Australian Open final - in pictures

The stage is set at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne as Andy Murray prepares for his third grand slam final, having lost his previous two to Roger Federer in the US Open final and last year's Australian Open final Photograph: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images

The two finalists are good friends, having first played as juniors at the age of 13. Djokovic is the favourite though. He won the Australian Open title in 2008 and sits two places above Murray in the world rankings at No3 Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Djokovic stamps his authority on proceedings from the off, winning the opening game to love and then forcing Murray to battle for every point in the Scot's opening service game Photograph: Andrew Brownbill/AP

Love 'em or loath 'em, Murray's enthusiastic fans always turn out Photograph: Daniel Munoz/Reuters

And the Scot needs every ounce of support he can get as Djokovic hits a barrage of heavy forehands his way in the first set Photograph: Petar Kujundzic/Reuters

The Serb has been in outstanding form in this tournament. Here he shows that his defensive game is every bit as good as his ability to attack Photograph: Mick Tsikas/Reuters

Murray gives it his all in the first set but he can't stop the Serb, who takes it 6-4 Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

In his three grand slam-final appearances so far Murray has still to win a set. Will he strike lucky in the second set? Photograph: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images

Djokovic gives Murray the runaround in the early exchanges of the second set, hitting the lines and making the final a physically gruelling one for the Scot Photograph: Shuji Kajiyama/AP

It seems to be all in a day's work for the Serb, who races to a two-set lead after taking the second set 6-2 in no time at all. Or perhaps he's just been told he looks like Ryan Reynolds. There are worse lookalikes Photograph: Shuji Kajiyama/AP

The frustration shows for Murray as he fails to hold on to his serve early in the third set Photograph: Petar Kujundzic/Reuters

There may only be two places in the world rankings between the two finalists but Djokovic seems streets ahead as he continues to dominate Photograph: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images

Murray looks to the heavens in desperation as Djokovic closes in on victory Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA

It doesn't take long for the Serb to seal his second grand slam title. He completely dominated Murray Photograph: Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images

Murray can only sit in his chair and ponder what might have been Photograph: John Donegan/AP

Meanwhile Djokovic throws his shirt and shoes into the crowd, before letting it sink in Photograph: DENNIS M. SABANGAN/EPA

After his tears against Federer last year, Murray promises to 'keep it together' this time Photograph: Lucas Dawson/Getty Images

Djokovic gets his hands back on the trophy after a three-year wait ... Photograph: PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images

... and then soaks in the applause following his 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 win Photograph: John Donegan/AP