For the first two sets Novak Djokovic ran into a wall in Andy Murray; but the champion that he is the world number one found the right ammunition to break down that barrier and create history by clinching his third straight Australian Open title.
The Serbian machine kick-started in the second set tiebreaker and then systematically cut down Murray to shreds in a 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 5-1 victory.
Djokovic became the first person in the Open era to win three straight Australian Open titles, and the third one was just as impressive, if not more, as the rest.
The first set began on expected lines, with the baseline slugfest in full view to the capacity crowd at the Rod Laver arena. Murray, though was the better player, making more of the shots, and holding most of his serves comfortably, as Djokovic looked to find his 'A' game.
But, despite Murray being marginally the better player, neither could break through their opponent's serve, leading to the set going to a tiebreak.
Murray absolutely dominated the breaker, earning himself five set points at 6-1, before converting his second to take the lead.
It was all going the Brit's way at that moment, with Djokovic frustrated by the fact that he was not able to pierce his way through Murray's impeccable defense.
However, despite again playing well in the second set, Murray could not take his opportunity when presented with break points, with the match yet again going into a tiebreaker.
There came the turning point in the match. A must-win breaker was won ruthlessly by Djokovic, barely putting a foot wrong, to level the match at one set all.
The force was now entirely with Djokivic, who had 47 winners in all to Murray's 29, and once the Serbian decides to put his foot on the pedal there really is no stopping him.
Slowly but surely, with one winner after another, Djokovic set about dismantling his opponent, as Murray started to wilt under the extreme pressure, with a couple of minor injuries also not helping him one bit.
It took 32 games for the match to see its first break of serve and Djokovic was the one earning it at 5-3 in the third. The world's best player served out for the set to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Murray, who produced 46 unforced errors to his opponent's 61, was now completely disheartened; his confidence and fighting spirit seemingly gone, with Djokovic ruthlessly taking full advantage.
The final set produced two breaks of serve for Djokovic as Murray could just watch and see his dream of winning a second straight Grand Slam title go up in smoke.
There is little doubt that this is just another match in what promises to be a rivalry for the ages - right now Djokovic is well ahead of the Brit and it is up to Murray to reduce the margin; onto the next Grand Slam we go.
