Novak Djokovic outplayed Andy Murray to win the Australian Open for the second time and end the Briton's hopes of a first Grand Slam title.
The 23-year-old Serbian won 6-4 6-2 6-3 in a stiflingly hot Melbourne to regain the title he first won in 2008 and condemn Murray to a third defeat in Grand Slam finals.
Murray had been hoping to become the first British man to claim a major title since Fred Perry won the US Open in 1936, and Scotland's first ever Grand Slam singles champion, but he was overpowered by the world number three.
"He had an unbelievable tournament and deserved to win," said Murray afterwards. "Hopefully I'll come back and have more chances in the future."
A victorious Djokovic responded: "I want to congratulate Andy for a great two weeks, it was really difficult to play against you tonight. Hopefully you will have another chance to win a Grand Slam trophy and, with your talent, I'm sure you will.
" Djokovic went into Sunday's final a slight favourite having beaten reigning champion Roger Federer in straight sets in the semi-finals, and with the confidence of having won the Australian title in 2008.
Meanwhile, A mid-match rethink helped Kim Clijsters battle back to victory in the Australian Open final against Li Na.
The 27-year-old Belgian struggled to find her rhythm for more than a set at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.
But a change in tack saw Clijsters claim the second set before running through the decider to complete a 3-6 6-3 6-3 win over 28-year-old Li.
"I tried to do things differently to break her rhythm a little bit and make her think a little bit more," she said.
"I mixed it up a little bit, put some slices in, also hit a few higher shots and it made her make some unforced errors.
"And then she got a little bit aggravated and I just tried to hang in there."
