Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray preview

Sunday January 29, 2016 – Rod Laver Arena

Men’s Final

Andy Murray will make a fifth attempt to don an Australian Open crown when he goes up against arch-rival Novak Djokovic – the player who denied him glory just 12 months ago – in this year’s final showdown.

Can Djokovic make it six Down Under?

Novak Djokovic is now within touching distance of his sixth Australian Open title after brushing off the challenge of World No. 3 Roger Federer at the semi-final stage. What was expected to be a close encounter against the Swiss player turned out to be a routine game for the World No. 1 – although he did drop a set on his way to a 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3 victory.

Djokovic has won 10 of his last 11 meetings against Murray, with his only defeat coming in the final of the Canadian Masters back in August (on a hard court). They last met in a Grand Slam final at Roland Garros back in May 2015, when the Serbian prevailed after an epic five-set battle.

In Grand Slam finals, Djokovic has 3-2 record over Murray.

Is Murray’s best good enough?

Andy Murray will make his fifth Australian Open final appearance after beating Canadian Milos Raonic in a five-set semi-final thriller.

The Scot was rattled early on by a blistering start from Raonic, but hauled himself back into the match before cruising to victory in the fifth.

The World No. 2 managed to cut down on his unforced errors and continued to dominate on his serve, and at the net. He also put in one of the best second serve displays of his career to frustrate his 14th-ranked opponent.

Prediction

Murray will need to be at the top of his game mentally and physically if he is to find a way past his rival. If he can serve as well as he has been, and continue to be creative at the net, then he might just stand a chance, either way, this game can be expected to last longer than three sets.

You can back Over 3.5 sets at 8/13 with Bet365