Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray: Highlights, Comments, Stats and Prize Money

Novak Djokovic destroyed Andy Murray in straight sets in Melbourne to win the 2016 Australian Open. The Serbian made comfortable work of the opening set, dropping just a single game before surviving a few bumps in the second and a tiebreak in the third to seal his record-equalling sixth Australian Open title.

BBC Sport posted the final score and provided some snaps of the action:

By winning, Djokovic claimed a tournament record $2.4 million, according to CityAM.com's Joe Hall who notes Djokovic is now "less than $1m behind tennis' highest earner of all time, Roger Federer."

It was the lightning pace from Djokovic that really caught the eye in the first set. Sports Illustrated detailed just how quickly he overwhelmed Murray:

Statistics from the opening set help reveal where things went wrong for Murray. The Scot was guilty of 11 unforced errors while Djokovic took a pair of break points, according to the tournament's official site.

Needing to turn the tide, Murray relied on a powerful service game to unnerve Djokovic in the second set. ESPN's Brad Gilbert noted how well Murray was serving:

But Djokovic soon regained his composure and emphatically broke serve. It was a statement moment from the world's No. 1, per Gilbert:

One reason Djokovic kept Murray off balance was his effectiveness at the net. The stats show he won six of eight points at the net during the second set. Meanwhile, Murray continued to be his own worst enemy, committing 34 unforced errors.

It wasn't until the third set that Murray returned the favour and broke the Djokovic serve. ESPN Tennis provided an image of the shot that finally did it:

Commentating for BBC Radio 5 live, Pat Cash felt Djokovic was being put through his paces during the final set, per BBC Tennis:

But after a few wobbles, Djokovic held his nerve in the tiebreak. Another Murray self-inflicted wound helped the Serbian build a commanding early lead:

More mistakes meant Djokovic soon had five championship points to try and wrap the match up. After wasting the first two, he blasted his seventh ace of the contest to win the Open for a sixth time.

As he celebrated, the event commentators named some of the exalted company Djokovic joined with the win:

Meanwhile, Gilbert pinpointed what he thinks was the decisive difference in the match:

Despite the pain of defeat, Murray expressed his gratitude to the crowd, citing the "incredible" atmosphere created. He also had kind words for his coaching team, as well as praise for Djokovic and his group:

Djokovic showed his respect for vanquished foe Murray, as well as his team:

Referencing his historic sixth triumph, Djokovic also paid tribute to the man he now shares the record with, Roy Emerson:

By beating a player of Murray's talent so comprehensively, along with maintaining his perfect record in this final, Djokovic has cemented his position as the dominant force in this era of the sport.

All statistics via AusOpen.com unless otherwise stated.