Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray: Australian Open live scores, blog

 
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By , 27 Jan 2012 The Crowd is a Roar Pro

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Live Scores

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2012 Australian Open Live Scores

Men's Singles, Semi-Finals

Melbourne

N. Djokovic won in 5 sets

  
 
Finished s1 s2 s3 s4 s5
Novak Djokovic,SRB (1) 6 3 6 6 7
Andy Murray,GBR (4) 3 6 7 1 5


In a repeat of last year’s final, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray clash for the right to face Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open decider. Join us for live scores and blog from 7:30pm AEDT.

Although Djokovic dismantled Murray in last year’s Australian Open final in straight sets, expect a more even contest tonight between two players that possess similar styles of play.

Thus far, Djokovic and Murray have only dropped two sets between them in their run to the Australian Open semi-finals.

The Serb however has had the harder passage to the semi-finals, digging deep to outlast tenacious opponents Lleyton Hewitt and David Ferrer in his last two matches.

Djokovic looked particularly troubled against Ferrer in the second set, and looked as if he was on the verge of retiring given that he appeared to be struggling with his fitness. The world No.1 however recovered just in time to record a tight straight sets victory.

Murray on the other hand has recorded routine victories over Mikhail Kukushkin and Nei Nishikori in his last two games, and will undoubtedly approach the match against Djokovic as the fresher player.

The world No.4 however will need to dig deep, both physically and mentally, if he is to get the better of Djokovic tonight.

With new coach and tennis legend Ivan Lendl by his side, it will be interesting to see whether or not Murray has actually improved the mental aspect of his game playing under the tutelage of the 8 time Grand Slam champion.

Despite being a gifted counter puncher, Murray will have to go on the front foot against Djokovic if he is a chance of progressing to his third consecutive Australian Open final.

Prediction:

While there are no obvious chinks in Djokovic’s style of play, Murray may look to engage the Serb in long rallies, if only to test his fitness.

Just like Hewitt and Ferrer before him, The British No.1 has to stick with Djokovic for as long as possible, given that the Serb has already had trouble maintaining his extremely high level when pushed to the limit physically.

Murray however cannot solely rely on his counter punching expertise to oust Djokovic.

As the world No.1, one would think that the Serb will find a way to handle Murray’s conservative tactics, so the Briton will have to be aggressive at some stage to unsettle Djokovic’s rhythm.

Even if Murray does play at a high level though, one feels that Djokovic will still have the Scot’s measure.

At the moment, Djokovic possesses the complete package. He is very strong off both the forehand and backhand sides, generating ridiculous angle and depth that always seems to keep opponents on the back foot in the majority of rallies.

Even when he is on the defensive, Djokovic has proven to be the game’s best mover, with his court coverage seemingly allowing him to retrieve shots that would penetrate most players on the ATP tour.

Although Murray certainly has the game to keep the Serb honest, it is difficult to see a fit and firing Djokovic losing tonight’s semi-final.

Djokovic in four sets.

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