Djoko hails Murray win

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic praised the efforts of Britian's Andy Murray for lifting his maiden grand slam.

The world number two was hot favourite to retain the title he won at Flushing Meadows 12 months earlier.

Djokovic had looked the part throughout the tournament - dropping just the one set en route to the final - and was playing his good friend in an attempt to win a sixth major.

However, the Serbian didn't read the script, despite battling from two sets down on the night to level the match. The result ended his winning streak of 27 matches on the hardcourts at slams and Djokovic admitted afterwards he was second best on the night.

Enjoyable

"It wasn't to be but I want to congratulate Andy for his first grand slam. He absolutely deserves it."
Novak Djokovic on Andy Murray's US Open victory Quotes of the week

"It wasn't to be but I want to congratulate Andy for his first grand slam. He absolutely deserves it," he said.

"His team, this is your success as well.

"I would like to thank my team, family, friends for supporting me. I tried my best.

"I gave it my all and it was another tremendous match to be a part of.

"It was definitely enjoyable."

Murray, who had lost in his previous four major final appearances, admitted his good friend - the pair first played against each other when they were just 11 - had pushed him all the way.

"After the third and fourth sets, it was tough mentally for me. Novak was so, so strong - he fights till the end in every single match," he said.

"I don't know how I managed to come through in the end.

"I've had some really tough matches with him in the past but I just managed to get through it."