It wasn’t the memorable marathon of the previous year.

But Novak Djokovic admits his sixth career Grand Slam title – a four-set Australian Open victory over Andy Murray on Sunday night – will live long in his memory.

Djokovic’s 6-7 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-2 victory in three hours and 40 minutes was a tense, tough encounter, but was a much different beast compared to his epic 2012 win over Rafael Nadal in perhaps the greatest Grand Slam final ever.

Yet the 25-year-old says his feat of winning three successive Australian Opens, and his fourth title at Melbourne Park, is something he will celebrate and remember.

“To be mentioned with the history, winning three in a row, it’s a huge achievement,” Djokovic said.

“In life, you don’t get many opportunities to win a Grand Slam and as a tennis player, that’s the pinnacle of the ambitions and of success.

“Winning three in a row is incredible. I’m full of joy right now.”

Djokovic’s fourth Australian Open title matched the records of Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, who fittingly was on hand to present the trophy to him.

But the Serb started slowly, with Murray winning the first set and being the better player in the second.

Both sets went to tiebreaks – Murray winning the first and faltering in the second when he double-faulted after a feather landed on court prior to his serve.

Djokovic grabbed the mini-break as a result, and claimed the tiebreak in what appeared a critical shift of momentum.

There were no breaks of serve for the first two hours and 51 minutes of the match, before Djokovic snapped the Scot and closed out the third set.

Hampered by blisters on his feet and fatigue, Murray struggled in the fourth.

Djokovic managed two more breaks of serve in the set to close out the match – Murray suffering his fifth defeat in sixth Grand Slam final appearances.