Novak Djokovic has beaten Britain's Andy Murray in four sets to take the Australian Open title in Melbourne.
Murray's bid to claim back-to-back grand slam titles ended in disappointment but Djokovic's victory makes him the first man to win the tournament three times in a row.
The first two serve-dominated sets were decided on tie-breaks before Djokovic claimed the first break of the match late in the third.
It proved a pivotal moment with US Open champion Murray, who was struggling with blisters on his right foot and a hamstring problem, unable to mount a fightback as Djokovic cruised through the fourth to complete a 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-2 success.
A clearly emotional Murray was gracious in defeat, saying on court: "Firstly obviously, I'd like to congratulate Novak. His record here is incredible.
"I'd also like to thank my team. They've done a great job with me and they help me all the time.
Djokovic is Australian Open champion for the third successive year "I'd also like to thank the whole crowd, there's such a great atmosphere to play in and you're all very fair, so thank you very much."
He added: "I'll see you guys next year. Thank you."
Djokovic had the better chances in the first set with five break points over two games, only for Murray to serve his way out of danger.
The world number one's frustration at failing to convert his chances, coupled with irritation with his footwear, boiled over in the tie-break as his game fell apart, allowing Murray to take the lead in the match.
The Scot was the aggressor in the second set as he looked to double his advantage.
He had three chances to leap into a 2-0 lead but Djokovic held on to take it to another tie-break, which was tight until Murray threw in just his third double fault of the tournament at 2-2.
The 25-year-old put his first serve into the net and was shaping up to deliver the second when he noticed a feather dropping on to the court out of the corner of his eye.
Murray had to call for a medical break to get treatment for blisters Having removed it, he appeared to lose his focus and put the second serve long.
It was all Djokovic needed to level the match and the momentum appeared to swing further in his favour when Murray had to call a medical time-out for blisters at the change of ends, with television pictures showing the extent of the damage to his right foot.
The momentum was with the top seed and he needed no second invitation as he set up three break points for a 5-3 lead.
Two poor forehands saw the first two come and go but Murray could not escape a third as Djokovic claimed the first break of the match before serving it out.
Murray was clearly upset at umpire John Blom for not doing more to quieten the crowd and in particular one heckler who had forced him to halt his service action twice at important points of the third set.
Yet he started the fourth on the front foot, setting up his first break point chance since the second game of the second set only for Djokovic to close the door with a booming serve out wide.
By now, Murray was also clutching his left hamstring and it was no surprise that Djokovic broke again for 2-1, winning a long rally at 30-40 after a tired-looking Murray jammed a backhand into the net.
The match was slipping away from Murray and he dropped his serve once more on a double fault, allowing Djokovic to establish a 4-1 lead.
The effort was certainly there as the world number three continued to chase down every ball despite being in obvious discomfort but there was no let-up from Djokovic as he completed his 21st consecutive win in Melbourne and gained revenge for his defeat to Murray in the US Open final last September.
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