Sir Andy Murray will remain as world number one, but it's not going to be an easy ride. We'll be back for the Australian Open. Until then.

Novak Djokovic on Eurosport: "Definitely one of the best ways to start a year. When he turned it around, wow, I thought I hope this is not payback time for yesterday.

"All the way, to the last shot, you never know with Andy. It's no strange occurrence for both of us to play three sets for three hours. It's a very physical battle. We're both going to need a little time to recover.

"To win here, against the biggest rival, is a dream start."

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Well. That was fun. A thoroughly absorbing match that could have gone either way. Murray battled his way back into it in the second set but a few errors cost him. Djokovic will retain his title. We're nicely set for the Australian Open.

We're into full-on grunt territory now. Just like before when he was on top, Djokovic looks a little tentative, and Murray takes advantage. A long rally goes Murray's way as he comes up to the net, beats Djokovic for pace with a two hander and the Serb skews the return out. Murray holds, but Djokovic will now serve for the match.

Emil Antonios: Noooooooooooo.

Djokovic takes his time, bouncing the ball before hammering a huge serve past Murray. It's a great demonstration of serving from Djokovic, upping his tempo constantly, and a tired-looking Murray eventually hammers a rally back into the net. One more game for Djokovic. But then, we've been here before.

Murray gestures to the sky as he's on the losing end of another long rally. A lovely shot down the line from Djokovic has him grinning and the crowd on his side again. Murray smacks into the net and his head drops. Djokovic has broken him again.

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Murray has never before come from a set down to beat Djokovic. I'm saying nothing. He squanders two well-earned points though as Djokovic wins a tussle at the net, but Djokovic is starting to tire and he sends a return wide to bring it to deuce. He looks pained as Murray starts to take control, but two fiery returns from the Serb ensures he holds, and the grin finds its way back to his face.

Djokovic ends up doing the splits as he attempts to return a hearty thwack from Murray, but it crashes into the net. Another cheeky backhand, Murray right up to the net, brings another point before an ace secures the game.

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A quick banana break for Murray and we're back underway, Murray letting out an agonised yell as Djokovic steams a forehand past him. Another long rally goes Djokovic's way. He wipes his face on a towel, despite looking like he hasn't broken sweat for the past two hours, while Murray takes a few deep breaths. A cheeky backhand dab ensures he holds.

Neither of these are giving an inch on their serve. Murray keeps on upping his power, blasting past Djokovic, but he miscues a return forehand to give Djokovic his first point of the game. It doesn't last though, as Djokovic can't control another big slam and Murray holds.

Image source, Reuters

More assertive from Djokovic as he slams another serve past Murray. He looks more comfortable coming to the net and breaks his run of losing five in a row by holding to love. He has a few expansive stretches afterwards, while Murray has a quiet word with himself.

Nuren: Murray has never beaten Djokovic after losing the 1st set. That stat is now in real jeopardy.

Folarin Olawale: That's what I'm talking about Sir Andy Murray. Now into the third and final set. Yes!!! Saving three match point. Wow.

joshua byers warner: That is why he is world number 1 #isandyturningingintogandalf, external

Djokovic has celebrated the decider with a change of t-shirt. Murray holds the first game, dancing forward to the net again to keep Djokovic at bay.

This looked over 20 minutes ago. What a comeback from Murray. He looked frustrated midway through that game when he made a few silly errors that Djokovic capitalised on. Now it's Djokovic making the errors, and Murray looking like he's in control.

That's lovely from Murray, a dinky backhand up at the net after Djokovic powered his way to the first point. Murray then beats him cross court and now it's Djokovic that is huffing, while Murray nods towards his box. He saves three match points and we're going into a decider. 

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This is just daft. Djokovic takes the first blow but Murray wins another rally with an aerial shot that somehow, somehow, lands in. Murray fires in from the baseline and Djokovic's head drops as he can't get near it. 

Djokovic then smashes his racket on the floor as he overhits another return and that's a penalty point from the referee. Game, Murray.

Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Murray outmuscles Djokovic with two powerful volleys and now he's the one conducting the crowd, with Djokovic angrily ranting to himself.