Novak Djokovic is the defending champion at the Australian Open, and he’s made it all the way back to the finals in 2016. He’ll be facing the runner-up from last year, the guy he beat to get the title in Melbourne, and the circumstances are essentially the same.
Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray, Australian Open men’s final preview
Djokovic is trying to defend his title while Murray is trying to establish himself as a real threat to the Serb.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Djokovic is playing great and has been the favorite since the start of the tournament, while Murray has continued to impress on the other side of the bracket. Djokovic is going for his sixth Australian Open title, which would tie Roy Emerson for the most in tournament history, while Murray is still searching for his first title in Melbourne.
The so-called “Big Four” has existed with Murray at the back of the pack over the past couple years, though he’s trying to assert himself as being on the same level as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic. But Djokovic is indisputably at the top of the Big Four, having reached the finals in six of the last seven majors, and with a winning record over the other three.
Beating Djokovic has eluded Murray over the years. Djokovic has a 21-9 record against Murray, and has won 10 of the last 11. His last loss to Murray came at the 2015 Rogers Cup, shortly after Djokovic was once again denied a title at the French Open with a loss in the finals.
Djokovic is coming off a dominant four-set win over Federer in the semifinals, though he was forced to five sets against Gilles Simon in the fourth round. Djokovic played his worst tennis in awhile in that match, committing 100 unforced errors. He also took down Kei Nishikori without much issue.
Murray had a tough semifinal match, and nearly lost to Milos Raonic, who looked dominant at times. Murray may have been bailed out by a Raonic injury in the fourth and fifth sets though, and he skirted through with the victory.
But anything can happen when two of the best players in the world face off. Djokovic, the first seed, is just as likely to win as Murray, the second seed. Murray’s five-set match against Raonic may be a big factor, however, as Djokovic has an extra day of rest. A five set war could favor Djokovic in this situation.
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