Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after securing his sixth Australian Open tennis title by beating Britain's Andy Murray at Melbourne Park, Jan 31, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

MELBOURNE - Novak Djokovic vanquished Andy Murray for the fourth time in an Australian Open final on Sunday to win a record-equalling sixth title and serve notice to his rivals that he could surpass even his stellar 2015 this year.

The Serbian's fifth crown in six years on his favorite court not only allowed him to match Roy Emerson's record Australian Open tally but also brought him level with Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on 11 grand slam titles.

He has won four of the last five slams, 38 of his last 39 matches, and at this rate Roger Federer's record 17 is within range of the 28-year-old.

Although world number two Murray battled hard after losing the opening five games in the blink of an eye, the dominant manner of Sunday's 6-1 7-5 7-6(3) victory vindicated Djokovic's opinion that he was at the zenith of his powers.