Djokovic tops Murray in 5 sets, reaches Australian final
Novak Djokovic hits a backhand return to Andy Murray during their semifinal match at the Australian Open. (Jan. 27, 2012) Credit: AP
MELBOURNE, Australia -- Defending champion Novak Djokovic has moved into an Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal after edging Andy Murray in a five-set, almost five-hour semifinal late Friday night.
Despite appearing tired and sore from the second set, Djokovic rallied to beat Murray 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 7-5 in a rematch of the 2011 final at Melbourne Park to reach his third consecutive Grand Slam final.
The 24-year-old Serb finished last year at No. 1 after winning three of the four majors, with his only loss at a Grand Slam coming against Roger Federer in the French Open semifinals.
He beat Nadal in six tournament finals last year.
Nadal, the 2009 Australian Open winner, beat four-time champion Federer to advance.
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