Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have been right behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for years, so it's fitting that with R&R getting some earlier-than-expected R&R Down Under, the other two members of tennis' "Big Four" will compete for the Australian Open title.
Murray's semifinal win over David Ferrer—4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-1, 7-6 (2)—wasn't as clinical as Djokovic's but may have been as impressive, considering the Scot came from a set and set point down to win. Ferrer took advantage of some shaky Murray tennis early on, winning the first set despite being down a break. He nearly took the second set as well, but a somewhat sluggish Murray belted a strong first serve and eventually prevailed in a tiebreaker.
The interminably long rallies of the first set—there were 41- and 36-shot slugfests, to name a few—gradually gave way to more offensive tennis, which benefited Murray. He ended more points off both sides and served with greater pop and placement. He finished the task just as he did in the second set: By dominating a tiebreaker. Murray saved his best tennis for last in racing to an insurmountable 6-1 lead.
Murray overcame nerves and a confident opponent in winning today's match, and the same test will apply against Djokovic.
—Ed McGrogan