Djokovic defeats Murray in epic
January 27, 2012 14:38:08 UK
Defending champion Novak Djokovic was pushed all the way by Andy Murray but won through in five sets to book his place in the Australian Open final.
In a match lasting almost five hours, the world number one eventually came through 6-3 3-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 7-5 to reach the final, where he will take on Rafael Nadal. Djokovic is 1.66 to successfully defend his title on Sunday, while Nadal can be backed at 2.30.
It was one of the best matches I've played.
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic won the first set in routine fashion and it seemed a repeat of last year's straight sets success over Murray in the final was on the cards. However, the British number one rallied to take the second and third sets and it appeared the Serbian was flagging.
Murray lost his concentration after a mammoth third set and went down 6-1 in the fourth, but battled to within a game of making the final in an exciting decider. He couldn't maintain the pace against an outstanding Djokovic though, leaving the defending champion to sink to his knees in celebration after winning the final point.
"I'm extremely delighted to be in another final," said Djokovic, who is 6.00 to win in five sets on Sunday.
"It was a physical match, almost five hours. Andy deserves credit for coming back into it. He was fighting and I was fighting.
"It was one of the best matches I've played."
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