The editors of TENNIS.com preview all four Australian Open semifinals.
What Djokovic needs to do to win:
In short, he should do what he did against Murray last year in Oz: Serve with authority to set up his first strike, control the center of the court, occasionally hit behind the speedy Scot to open the court, and use his variety to prevent Murray from establishing a rhythm and gaining confidence in extended rallies. Easy, right? For Djokovic, maybe.
What Murray needs to do to win:
The three-time major finalist must maintain a high first-serve percentage, attack mid-court balls, hit his forehand with authority, and win the longer, grinding baseline exchanges to prevail. But Murray’s mental tactics may be paramount. He needs to play with positive emotion and not get down once Djokovic inevitably begins to surge.
The Pick: Djokovic in five sets.
Murray has won 10 straight matches and will be pumped to avenge his loss to the Serb in last year’s final, but Djokovic is playing at a very high level and competing with the confidence that comes from capturing three of the last four Grand Slam crowns.
More Previews:
—Clijsters vs. Azarenka
—Kvitova vs. Sharapova
—Nadal vs. Federer
—Djokovic vs. Murray