Djokovic wins epic match to set up clash with Nadal

World number one Novak Djokovic came through an error strewn battle of attrition in Melbourne on Friday to deny Andy Murray a third successive Australian Open final appearance to confirm the third consecutive Grand Slam showdown between the Serb and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic was forced to fight back from two sets to one down after Murray edged the third, an 88-minute marathon, on a tiebreak after which the Scot, who has yet to win a major tournament, seemed to throw the fourth, which Djokovic sealed 6-1. In a final one set showdown, the defending champion edged Murray by two service breaks to one to wrap up a 6-3, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 7-5 victory.

In all, the two players committed 155 unforced errors, served 20 aces and 16 double faults while carving out 50 break point opportunities, of which 17 were converted.

Nadal, who defeated Roger Federer in four sets on Thursday, says he has regained his best form during the tournament. "At the end of last year I was able to win matches but my tennis was not that of a top-level player," the world number two said after the semifinal. "I was winning more or less because I am who I am. Now I am winning because of my tennis. Tennis is not just about shots. There are other things, and in some of them I am a little better than Federer: the intensity of the match, mental intensity and probably the legs as well."

On Sunday, Nadal will have a chance to test his fortitude anew against Djokovic in his quest for an 11th Grand Slam.