Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray in Australian Open men's final – as it happened
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Version 0 of 1. 12.46pm GMT12:46 And so the Australian Open ends and Novak Djokovic is the champion. It was ever thus. Andy Murray played a great tournament but he just couldn’t drag himself out of that slump from the middle of the third set onwards. Djokovic showed no mercy. He rarely does. Still, it’s encouraging to see Murray playing these matches again. He can be proud of what he’s achieved over the past fortnight. But not as proud as the remarkable Novak Djokovic! Five Australian Opens. He’ll be back for more next year. Thanks for reading and sending those emails over the past fortnight. Bye. Updated at 12.50pm GMT 12.42pm GMT12:42 And now it’s over to Novak Djokovic, who walks up to receive his trophy. He’s given a grand reception. How many more of these is he going to win. “Firstly I want to return the favour and thank Andy for a great tournament,” Djokovic says. “I want to wish you all the best for the end of the season. Most of all I want to congratulate you and Kim on your engagement and wish you a wonderful wedding and many kids.” Murray looks nonplussed, but Kim is swearing laughing. See? There are more important things than sport. Djokovic says he thinks about these things now that he’s a father. 12.38pm GMT12:38 Andy Murray steps up to receive his runners-up trophy. He musters a a weak smile. “Hello,” he says. “I’d like to congratulate Novak on his fifth Australian Open. Fantastic. Well done.” Djokovic gives him a thumbs up. “I’d also like to thank everyone who came out the whole fortnight,” he says. “I’ve had amazing support here and it’s been probably my most consistent grand slam over my career, but I just haven’t been able to win, but I’ve had fantastic support, so thanks for that. I’d also like to thank my team, who are over down that end. We put in a lot of hard work to try and get back in that position after a difficult year. “We couldn’t do it tonight but I’m a little bit closer than I was a few months ago. I’d also like to say thanks to the ex-player who have come to watch the last few weeks. It’s so amazing to play in front of all these great players. It’s a real privilege. I’ll try and come back next year and hopefully have a slightly different outcome in the final.” And with that, he walks off with a laugh. THE MISERABLE GIT. 12.30pm GMT12:30 We’re going to hear a word or 17,000 from the sponsors. This is it. This is what everyone was waiting for. 12.29pm GMT12:29 It’s time for the trophy presentation. This is probably going to last longer than the match itself. 12.26pm GMT12:26 Murray gives Djokovic a short, sharp handshake at the net and then storms back to his chair. He’s livid with himself. Losing 12 of the last 13 games was not great. But it’s Djokovic’s day. He’s made history by becoming the first man in the open era to win the Australian Open five times. He’s some competitor. He celebrates by chucking his racket into the crowd. Not a bad memento for whoever got it. 12.23pm GMT12:23 NOVAK DJOKOVIC IS THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION! HE WINS 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-0 Murray locates some fleeting resistance at 15-0, hammering a backhand winner down the line, but it’s too little, too late. He’s out of juice. Soon it’s 30-15 to Djokovic, before Murray nets a backhand to give Djokovic two championship points. A record-breaking fifth Australian Open is within touching distance. He can almost feel it in his hands. There’s one last hurdle to get over, though, and he prolongs the wait by drifting a backhand long, but only for a few seconds. Djokovic pings a forehand into the corner, romps foward and Murray’s backhand flies into the net. That’s it! Djokovic is the champion! Updated at 12.36pm GMT 12.18pm GMT12:18 Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 5-0 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic is all over Murray now, banging a forehand down the line for a 0-15 lead. It’s getting a bit embarrassing now. Djokovic fancies a bagel. Murray sends a backhand wide to make it 0-30, before Djokovic overwhelms him to earn two more break points. This set has turned into a Novak Djokovic masterclass, which is utterly out of keeping with the rest of the match. Murray’s head is gone. He calls for HawkEye when a Djokovic goes deep with a forehand, but the shot was right on the baseline, which means it’s Djokovic’s point. Murray was already walking back to his chair as HawkEye whirred into action and he looks like he’s about to burst into tears. “As I’m not watching on telly, your words are my only source. Murray’s winning bigtime, yes?!” says Andrew Benton. “Go on, you know you want to...” 12.14pm GMT12:14 Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 4-0 Murray (*denotes server): The Murray from the first two and a half sets is nowhere to be seen, replaced by this leggy, weary, sad version that doesn’t have a hope against a rampant Novak Djokovic. Maybe that leads to some complacency from Djokovic, who lets Murray take this game to deuce when he had it in the bag at 40-15. Djokovic slaps himself across the chops, furious himself for some poor shot selection, and then jams Murray with a second serve that allows him to punch a forehand away. A huge forehand seals Djokovic’s seventh consecutive game. Updated at 12.16pm GMT 12.08pm GMT12:08 Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 3-0 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray is fading fast. His forehand is betraying him. It’s supposed to be his closest friend, but it’s quickly becoming his worst enemy. They’re going to have to sit down and have a serious chat about what’s gone wrong. And now his backhand’s at it too, the ball flopping into the net at 15-all. Then it’s back to the forehand. Djokovic has two break points and Murray is starting to feel dizzy. Djokovic knows he’s wounded. He raps a backhand return away and it’s hard to see Djokovic throwing this away. Murray buries his face in his towel. 12.04pm GMT12:04 Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 2-0 Murray (*denotes server): Everything Djokovic hits is clipping the line at the moment. It’s tough for Murray out there. He’s going to have to fight like he’s never fought before. Although here’s some amusement at 40-15. Murray tries to lob Djokovic. His overhead hits the top of the net and drops delicately on to Murray’s side. Murray flicks it back and Djokovic just knocks it wide. But then Murray wonks a forehand long when he had Djokovic right where he wanted him. Djokovic is closing in on victory. Updated at 12.09pm GMT 11.59am GMT11:59 Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 1-0 Murray* (*denotes server): Two suspiciously tired forehands from Murray give Djokovic a 15-30 lead, and at 30-all Djokovic clubs a huge forehand return past Murray to earn a break point. Murray is entering choppy waters - and he nets another forehand to gift Djokovic the break, which is pretty much the last thing he needed to do. “Imagine a long stream of expletives here,” says Kara Gone. “He’s gonna lose it ain’t he? Tell me Jacob, why do I always chose the difficult one to root for? Why?I look at those people with their Federers and their Barcelonas and all and envy them.It’s not like life is not stressful enough already. Then why? Why I ask you.” Updated at 12.00pm GMT 11.54am GMT11:54 NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS THE THIRD SET 6-3; HE LEADS 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 If you think this is going to be simple, you’re an idiot; Djokovic loses the first point of the game by netting a backhand. But Murray’s forehand lets him down on three successive points, handing Djokovic two set points. Murray’s picking an unfortunate time to dip. Djokovic sends a serve out wide and a stretching Murray can only send his forehand past the baseline. Oh. The third set is over. It was quite simple actually. Maybe I’m the idiot. Updated at 1.39pm GMT 11.50am GMT11:50 Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 6-7, 5-3 Murray* (*denotes server): Another dangerous game for Murray - although every game is fraught with danger at this point - and he loses the first two points, knocking a backhand and a forehand wide. “It’s so unhelpful!” he cries. “So unhelpful! So unhelpful.” He needs to help himself by winning this point. But he can’t. A poor volley is a gimme for Djokovic and he whacks a forehand past him. More shouting from Murray. Three break points. He saves the first, Djokovic blocking a return long, but then he double-faults! Oh dear. Djokovic will serve for the third set. That was a dismal game from Murray, who tosses his racket to the ground. 11.46am GMT11:46 Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 6-7, 4-3 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic wallops a forehand long on the first point. 0-15. What next? Your guess is as good as mine. It turns out two aces are next, but a stonking return from Murray then sets him up for a leaping overhead for 30-all, before he crashes a forehand down the line to earn a break point. Djokovic stands firm. He pulls Murray forward with a volley and Murray can only drill his backhand into the net, before almost hurtling into the ballboy who’s sitting next to the net. That could have been a disaster! But thankfully, Murray avoids him. The game goes to deuce and Djokovic holds. “Tennis puns,” announces Gordon Inglis. “Djokovic is currently having a bit of (Leonardo) Mayer. With regards to his supposed ailments, he (Tommy) Haas done this before. I really have to (Sam) Querrey his gamesmanship.” Enjoy. 11.40am GMT11:40 Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 6-7, 3-3 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray could do with halting Djokovic’s momentum here and this is a mighty game from him, three serene points setting up a 40-0 lead. Murray polishes it off with an ace down the middle. Djokovic lets it whizz by. He doesn’t need to waste any unnecessary effort. 11.37am GMT11:37 Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 6-7, 3-2 Murray (*denotes server): Murray was up a break at the start of the second set, but he came back to win four straight games, and this third set is starting to fall into a similar pattern. Then again, I was busy writing that when he was up 30-0, failing to realise that Murray was plotting a charge back to 30-all. This is a tricky game for Djokovic, but Murray can’t sustain it, and Djokovic whips a forehand down the line to hold. Murray is now swearing a lot. He loves a good old swear. Personally, I am outraged. 11.32am GMT11:32 Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 6-7, 2-2 Murray* (*denotes server): “Come on! Come on!” The words of Andy Murray as Djokovic leaps into a second serve and bullets a blistering forehand past him. Every point feels crucial. Every point feels like the most important. Djokovic seizes a 0-30 lead when Murray nets a forehand. He’s rousing himself and Murray hands over two break points when he nets a backhand. “Don’t worry about it,” says Murray, “he does it all the time.” No idea what he’s on about. He saves the first break point with an ace, but back comes Djokovic, dragging himself back into the set when the net again stands in the way of Murray’s hopes and dreams. 11.27am GMT11:27 Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 6-7, 1-2 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic speeds into a 40-0 lead thanks to some solid serving and then seals the game with an accurate backhand down the line. I fancy that around 1,056 twists and turns are on the way. That’s a rough estimate, but I think I’m close to the right figure. Djokovic won’t be panicking. He knows how to break Murray. 11.24am GMT11:24 Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 6-7, 0-2 Murray* (*denotes server): Biff! Bash! Bosh! Murray holds to love. “Novak Djokovic is a classic case of beware a wounded animal,” says Mark Puttick. “Or at least, an animal that is clearly pretending to be wounded for purposes psychological ploys.” Updated at 11.29am GMT 11.22am GMT11:22 Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 6-7, 0-1 Murray (*denotes server): Are you tired? I bet you’re tired. I’m tired. You would finish most matches in the time it’s taken these two to get through two sets and there are at least two more to go. So, if you’re feeling knackered, imagine how Murray and Djokovic are feeling. Pretty. Damn. Knackered. Maybe Djokovic is feeling it a bit more at the moment, a limp forehand into the net giving Murray two break points at 15-40. Murray hangs in there and Djokovic slips and nets a forehand. Murray breaks! But I’m not going to get excited because I have watched Novak Djokovic play tennis before. He’s come back from worse. 11.15am GMT11:15 ANDY MURRAY WINS THE SECOND SET 7-6 TO LEVEL THE FINAL! Second-set tie-break: Djokovic* 4-7 Murray (*denotes server): A delightful forehand return down the line from Murray is too much even for Djokovic! He’s done it! The final is level! I am tired! That took 80 minutes to settle. My word. Updated at 11.18am GMT 11.14am GMT11:14 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic* 4-6 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic spanks a smash away. Murray has seen two set points come and go. 11.13am GMT11:13 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic 3-6 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic just gets his return over the net and Murray charges forward and wallops a backhand too far! 11.13am GMT11:13 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic 2-6 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic wafts a backhand long and Murray has four set points! 11.12am GMT11:12 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-5 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic nets a forehand after another spectacular rally! Murray is two points away from the second set. 11.10am GMT11:10 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-4 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic finds the line with a stunning forehand winner. 11.10am GMT11:10 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic 1-4 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic hooks a backhand wide. In the time it takes to finish the point, you could probably write a novel. 11.09am GMT11:09 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic 1-3 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic flicks a forehand return long. 11.08am GMT11:08 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic* 1-2 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic responds with an ace out wide. 11.08am GMT11:08 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic* 0-2 Murray (*denotes server): This point takes around 45 minutes to finish and Djokovic eventually fires a forehand long! 11.07am GMT11:07 Second-set tie-break: Djokovic 0-1 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray starts with an ace! Djokovic claims it clipped the top of the net. “Everybody heard it!” he shouts. The umpire heard nothing. Nor did his machine. 11.06am GMT11:06 Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 6-6 Murray (*denotes server): These two preposterous fellows pack a full five-set match into the first point, which ends with Murray whistling a backhand inches wide. Djokovic holds to love, arrowing a backhand from left to right. Tie-break time. “These two are incredible, so absolutely stressing and marvellous to watch that I couldn´t bear it anymore and went out to have coffee,” says Diana Badder. “It looks like they’ll still be at it at teatime, like two dogs with a bone. Hope you have your victuals ready to keep you going!” 11.03am GMT11:03 Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 5-6 Murray* (*denotes server): Sitting to my right, Daniel Harris concurs when I turn to him and say that Djokovic is going to break here. “It reeks of it,” he says. But Murray’s doing his best to hold his nose. At 15-all, his forehand clips the top of the net. Djokovic drop-shots him. He lobs him. The ball goes long and Murray is running around pumping his fist as if he’s won the tournament and been told he’s got free steak for life. But then Djokovic rips into a second serve to make it 30-all, before clubbing a splendid forehand down the line to earn a break point. It’s positively reeking of it. Murray saves it with a big serve down the middle, but Djokovic carves out another with a smooth forehand down the line. Djokovic jumps into the attack - but, incredibly, he angles a backhand wide. He calls for HawkEye, but it was out and he’s got no challenges left. He’ll just have to back his talent, which isn’t the worst thing in the world, and Djokovic has a third set point when Murray nets a forehand. Murray’s response? A curving, wondrous ace down the middle that bends bewildering out of Djokovic’s grasp and then, despite an absurd defensive lob from Djokovic, Murray spanks a cracking volley past that flipping brilliant Serbian who’s driving him mad up the other end of the court. Finally, Murray holds when Djokovic sends a return long, and it’s fair to say that my nerves are frayed. 10.52am GMT10:52 Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 5-5 Murray (*denotes server): This Novak Djokovic chap. He’s not bad, is he? He looks like he’s got no hope of winning the first point when he stumbles at the back of the court; instead he picks Murray off with a backhand pass. Murray is then furious with himself when he batters a very easy backhand volley wide with Djokovic stranded. He’s had his chances. He looks down and out at 40-0. But he hauls himself back into contention at 40-30 thanks to some stunning tennis. The athleticism of these guys is staggering. Djokovic should then wrap the game up with a backhand volley but instead of sending it down the line, he tees it up for Murray to pass him down the line with a backhand, forcing the game to deuce. Murray has won three straight points here. Two more would bring him the set and Djokovic then flails a forehand wide to give Murray a set point. Is this it? Djokovic bounces. And bounces. And bounces. And bounces a bit more. And serves. Murray’s in the rally, but he nets a very easy backhand; oh dear. Another chance goes to waste. It’s the kind of thing that makes you think it’s not going to be his day. But Murray can’t let himself think like that. He’s not going to let Djokovic wriggle clear that easily, though he should have another set point with a forehand pass, only to send it too long. Eventually Djokovic holds when Murray nets a backhand. What odds on him breaking now? Djokovic is seriously pumped up after surviving that game. Updated at 10.57am GMT 10.40am GMT10:40 Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 4-5 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray needs two stabs at putting away an overhead at 30-0 but he gets there in the end. He holds to love and now Djokovic has to hold to stay in the fourth set. What a confusing match. “I’ll fix a cup of coffee for Andy if it will help him get back on his game,” says Donna Will. “Milk and sugar, love?” Updated at 10.42am GMT 10.38am GMT10:38 Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 4-4 Murray (*denotes server): You may recall that something similar happened in the 2013 French Open final between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer. Anyway. Back to the tennis. At 15-all, Djokovic is knocked off-balance when a Murray return skids off the line and he hoicks a forehand well wide, but Murray then nets a forehand off a second serve to make it 30-all.But then a string of deep and powerful shots from Murray force Djokovic back and he nets a forehand to give Murray a break point at 30-40. Murray is nothing if not stubborn and resilient and when he drives through a forehand into the left corner, Djokovic is floundering! Murray is back in it! Once again, I reiterate: For a sport that has KNOWS what happens when spectators get close to players, this break of security is APPALLING. 10.32am GMT10:32 Drama before the start of this game as someone in the crowd unfurls a banner with some kind of statement. I’ve got no idea what it was about, the cameras aren’t showing it. Security are dealing with it. They’re being escorted out, while the jaunty sound of Taylor Swift blares around Rod Laver Arena in the background. A few stewards are standing around the players. Eventually it’s all sorted out and play can resume. Updated at 10.46am GMT 10.28am GMT10:28 Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 4-3 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray is all over the place here. He’s in danger of losing the plot, starting this game with a double-fault. But he digs deep, willing himself into a 40-15 lead and holds to 30 with an ace. He’s desperately trying to gee himself back into life. After all, we know it’s not beyond Murray to break Djokovic. But he needs to cut out the errors. 10.24am GMT10:24 Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 4-2 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic holds to love. He rattles an ace down the middle and although it’s called out, a challenge shows it was in. “Oh!” says Murray. “Oh thank you!” Four straight games. Updated at 10.27am GMT 10.20am GMT10:20 Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-2 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic looked he had no energy in his legs at the start of the second set, but now he’s threatening to wear Murray down. He glides into a 0-30 lead when Murray drags a forehand wide and earns three break points thanks to a decisive return, taking the first with a comfortable smash. Murray is in trouble here. It was all going so well, but Djokovic has come roaring back to win three straight games. 10.17am GMT10:17 Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 2-2 Murray (*denotes server): This is a hard match to read. Just when it seems someone is about to run away with it, they start playing as if their shoelaces are tied together, tripping over to let the other man right back in it. Sure enough, Murray is quickly into a 0-30 lead and Djokovic’s mood darkens. But then it’s Murray’s temper that’s reaching boiling point when he cracks a backhand into the net at 15-30. Djokovic grins and Murray then completely mishits a forehand to make it 40-30. He holds when a Murray volley sits up invitingly, allowing him to slither a backhand past him and into the open court. Updated at 10.20am GMT 10.10am GMT10:10 Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-2 Murray* (*denotes server): “Caarrrmmmm aaaarrrrrrnnnn,” yelps Murray as Djokovic nets a return for 15-0. But he looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders when Djokovic wins the next two points and he’s in trouble when Djokovic punishes a tame second serve at 30-all to earn himself a break point. Murray nets a forehand and suddenly Djokovic’s ankle seems fine. Break points cure any ailment, don’t they? Murray is seething. That’s a blow. 10.05am GMT10:05 Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 0-2 Murray (*denotes server): Then again, consider this: Murray has never beaten Djokovic after losing the first set. Oh. Shall we all just go home? Well, no, but it’s going to take a supreme effort from here. But hang on. A few sloppy misses from Djokovic, who appears to be limping a bit, gives Murray two break points! Murray probably won’t be fooled by Djokovic’s limp, but this is a lame game from the world No1, who duffs a backhand into the net to give Murray the early advantage in this second set. “Murray must take the positives, says me, the life-coach and motivational expert sitting at home with a bacon roll while Andy plays his eighth Grand Slam final,” says Simon McMahon. “He should have won that set despite being 4-1 down. This is ON!” Updated at 10.09am GMT 10.01am GMT10:01 Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 0-1 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray has to keep his composure. A rather peculiar first set was only settled by a few points here or there. It’s not like he was totally outplayed, he was just guilty of a couple of bad misses at bad moments. But I think he might be encouraged by the way that he played. It’s far from over and Murray makes a good start to this set, holding to 15. 9.55am GMT09:55 NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS THE FIRST SET 7-6! First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 7-5 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic momentarily thinks he’s got an ace. It’s called out. He challenges. It was just wide. But it doesn’t matter. Murray nets a backhand off a second serve and Djokovic is eyeballing his box and has his fist in the air. It only took 72 minutes to prise them apart. Updated at 10.01am GMT 9.54am GMT09:54 First-set tie-break: Djokovic 6-5 Murray* (*denotes server): What a miss from Murray! He was at the net and had the ball on his racquet but puts a forehand long! A challenge isn’t going to save him. Djokovic has the first set point! Murray has really let this tie-break go. 9.52am GMT09:52 First-set tie-break: Djokovic 5-5 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray belts a forehand into the corner and then thrashes a gutsy forehand volley away! 9.51am GMT09:51 First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-4 Murray (*denotes server): Murray overcooks a backhand. Djokovic has won three straight points. 9.50am GMT09:50 First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 4-4 Murray (*denotes server): Murray nets a forehand at the end of a patient rally. 9.49am GMT09:49 First-set tie-break: Djokovic 3-4 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray isn’t making many first serves. And he doesn’t make a second serve either. A double-fault lets Djokovic back into the tie-break. What a gift. 9.48am GMT09:48 First-set tie-break: Djokovic 2-4 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray wallops a backhand down the line, Djokovic nets a forehand, and Murray stays in control as they change ends. Just about. 9.47am GMT09:47 First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-3 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic splutters a forehand long. This is tense. Murray sneaks ahead again. But for how long? 9.46am GMT09:46 First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-2 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic has woken up again; he wins this point with a backhand from left to right. 9.45am GMT09:45 First-set tie-break: Djokovic 1-2 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic comes to the net. Murray tries a lob. It lands long. 9.44am GMT09:44 First-set tie-break: Djokovic 0-2 Murray* (*denotes server): A huge forehand keeps Murray ahead. He clenches his fist. 9.43am GMT09:43 First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 0-1 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic serves a double-fault to begin the tie-break. 9.42am GMT09:42 First set: Djokovic 6-6 Murray* (*denotes server): A lengthy rally on the first point is won by Murray, whose solid defence results in Djokovic netting a forehand. Djokovic stares. He thought he had that under control. I thought he had it under control. But Murray was so stubborn and kept finding a way to stay in the rally. Murray claims the next point and then skips into a 40-0 lead with an adroit backhand volley. He holds when Djokovic nets a forehand and, just like in 2013, we’ll need a tie-break to sort this out. Updated at 9.47am GMT 9.38am GMT09:38 First set: Djokovic* 6-5 Murray (*denotes server): Is the momentum shifting Murray’s way? It seems to be when Djokovic nets a backhand to make it 0-15. Djokovic needs to regain his focus quickly - and he does precisely that, two aces and a big serve making it 40-15. Murray then creams a forehand return from right to left to make it 40-30, a pleasingly clean winner, but Djokovic responds with a pinpoint forehand to hold. Murray has to hold to force a tie-break. 9.36am GMT09:36 First set: Djokovic 5-5 Murray* (*denotes server): Djokovic has had some treatment on his thumb, but that’s not all that’s bothering him. He’s also annoyed that someone in the crowd shouted out during that last point and he’s letting the umpire know. There’s not much Jake Garner can do about that, of course, and Djokovic will just have to get on with it. In any case, I suspect he’s mostly just annoyed with himself for not wrapping up the set in and is finding a way to vent. A bit of sloppiness is creeping into this game. Three misses hand Murray an extremely welcome 40-0 lead and Murray holds when Djokovic nets a forehand. They’ve now been playing for 53 minutes. Updated at 9.39am GMT 9.32am GMT09:32 First set: Djokovic* 5-4 Murray (*denotes server): Djokovic appears to have a problem with his right thumb and has called for the trainer. It doesn’t seem to be affecting him when he wins the first point. But Murray makes it 15-all and then comes out on top in an outstanding rally, putting away an overhead after Djokovic failed to do enough with a smash of his own. 15-30. Murray has a glimmer of hope and then he grabs two break points with a glorious backhand down the line. Is it on? It’s on! He overwhelms Djokovic with a rasping low backhand! Murray breaks! Another break. Is anyone going to hold? Murray has to hold here, else the first set really will be Djokovic’s. Meanwhile Djokovic has the trainer on. 9.27am GMT09:27 First set: Djokovic 5-3 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray is serving with new balls in this game and quickly holds a 30-0 lead. For a brief moment, Djokovic doesn’t look quite as frightening. But that’s what he wants you to think. He’s got no intention of going anywhere and soon it’s 30-all. A minute later, Djokovic has a break point when a Murray clips the top of the net and drops wide. That’s so unlucky - Djokovic wasn’t going to reach it. But Murray can’t spend too long feeling sorry for himself. He has to win this point. And he does. Djokovic knocks a backhand return long. An escape. But not for long. Soon Djokovic has another break point when Murray knocks a forehand long. Murray then sends another forehand long and Djokovic will serve for the first set. Updated at 9.31am GMT 9.19am GMT09:19 First set: Djokovic* 4-3 Murray (*denotes server): The first two points are shared, before Djokovic nets a backhand to make it 15-30. He shakes his head. Is he about to have a slump? It happened a few times against Wawrinka on Friday. On the next point, Djokovic tries to serve-volley, but Murray sees him coming and cracks a brilliant backhand past him to earn two break points. He had three earlier in the set, but couldn’t take them, and he can’t take these either. He sends a forehand long on the first and then just overcooks an attempted forehand winner, the ball flying wide. He can’t keep passing up these opportunities. But he has another chance when Djokovic nets a backhand. And this time, he shows no mercy. Once again, it’s an attritional point. Murray goes close to losing it a couple of times, almost drifting a backhand wide at one point, clipping the tape with one shot, but it’s Djokovic who blinks first, netting another backhand to let Murray back in the set! Kim applauds but does not swear, which is disappointing. 9.12am GMT09:12 First set: Djokovic 4-2 Murray* (*denotes server): Murray steadies himself by holding to 30, directing an accurate backhand down the line on the final point. But I’m not sure Djokovic will be too concerned. He had a couple of near misses in this game and he’s looking pretty impenetrable at the moment. He’s playing with such aggression, attacking the Murray backhand and making swift, early darts to the net. “Pretty torn between my favourite Nole and, because I’m British in origin, Murray who deserves to win with the hard work he has put in this year and, especially, a change of attitude, less aggressive,” says Diane Badder from sunny Spain. “However, let the best man win, happily there are plenty more tournaments.” Updated at 9.13am GMT 9.07am GMT09:07 First set: Djokovic* 4-1 Murray (*denotes server): Murray can’t get disheartened about that break. There’s a lot of tennis left to play in this match. Then again, Djokovic is on a mission. He’s located his A game. He loses the first point of this game, but it’s a comfortable hold to 15 for Djokovic, who’s starting to look ominously good. Updated at 9.12am GMT 9.04am GMT09:04 First set: Djokovic 3-1 Murray* (*denotes server): You always worry when Murray drops those second serves short. It allows Djokovic to establish himself in the rally and he wins the first point of this game with a forehand that zooms and whooshes past Murray. Then Murray tries a drop-shot. Bad idea. Djokovic knows what’s coming. He’s basically at the net by the time the ball has left Murray’s racquet and suddenly Murray’s in trouble at 0-30. Djokovic then batters another forehand down the line to earn three break points. Murray couldn’t take his chances in the previous game. Can Djokovic take his? Well, he wastes the first, whipping a forehand wide. But not the second. Murray drifts a serve out wide and Djokovic pounces on it and stings a spectacular cross-court forehand past his stranded opponent. The first break goes to Djokovic. “I got that to be both murray and djokovic winning 74% of fifth sets,” says James Mayo. “So, that’s cleared up ‘who to back if it goes to a fifth, here.’ But that was a very efficient provision of stats. You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. I thank you. In answer to your question, I have not showered, eaten or gone outside. There’ll be time for all those little luxuries once this is over. The only breaks I’ve allowed myself have been spent watching vines of Kim Sears swearing or not swearing. It was case related research. Hope you have an excellent morning.” 8.57am GMT08:57 First set: Djokovic* 2-1 Murray (*denotes server): What a relief for Murray to hold in that first service game. And he’s feeling even better when he races into a 0-30 lead at the start of this game, before he earns three break points with a commanding forehand up the line. Murray is playing positive tennis here, standing well inside the baseline. Djokovic saves the first with a strong serve. The next point is a minor epic. Forehands. Backhands. Slices. It goes on for a while. Then Djokovic steps in and Murray can’t beat him with his running forehand pass. He has one more break point, though, and he has a look at a second serve, but can’t get a backhand over the net. How frustrating. Three break points come and gone, just like that, and Djokovic holds from there. That was nerveless from the world No1. Updated at 9.04am GMT 8.52am GMT08:52 First set: Djokovic 1-1 Murray* (*denotes server): This is already cooking nicely. Murray wins the first point with a huge forehand and the next is one of those see-sawing baseline grinds these two specialise in. Murray is hitting his forehand with considerable force and Djokovic is always on the back foot - but Murray has to be at his best with a sharp volley at the net as Djokovic tries to pass him. Nut 30-all becomes 30-all, Murray dabbing a forehand long and Djokovic attacking a short second serve. A Djokovic return is then called out, but he correctly challenges. The point is replayed. Djokovic challenges a Murray serve. It was in. 40-30. But Murray can’t close the game out yet. Djokovic pulls him to the net with a drop-shot and Murray sends a backhand wide. Deuce. Djokovic is pushing hard here. But Murray holds him off with an ace, which is followed by a big serve that Djokovic knocks into the net. “http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/01/kim-sears-parental-advisrory-explicit-content-murray Updated at 9.47am GMT 8.45am GMT08:45 First set: Djokovic* 1-0 Murray (*denotes server): It’s time. Are you ready? This could take a while. Especially if the first point is anything to go by. It lasts an age, both men whacking the fuzz off the ball, until Murray steps in with a thumping backhand that’s too much for Djokovic to handle. He’s won the first point! It’s 0-15! This is going to be a doddle! Or not. Djokovic wins the next three points, thumping a lovely backhand down the line at 15-all, and holds when he charges to the net to put away a backhand volley. 8.38am GMT08:38 Tok! Tok! Tokkity tok! They’re knocking up. There’s not long to go. “Morning Jacob,” says Simon McMahon. “Incredibly excited about today’s match. As you know, I’m one of Murray’s biggest fans, and reckon if he was never to win another tennis match, his place among the best ever Scottish, GB, European and world sportsmen is secure. Two Grand Slams, 9 Masters 1000 titles, an Olympic gold. In fact, such is my admiration of Andy that he could burn my house, steal my car, drink my liquor from an old fruit jar ... and I’d still invite him back and make him a cup of tea. But ... having said that, I think he needs to win this one. Assuming he’s never going win the French, victory today would complete the set of US Open, Wimbledon and Australian Open titles, with the very real possibility of adding a second title at any or all of these Slams. And at least three more years at the top in which to do it. A fourth defeat in a Melbourne final, and to his main rival, would be hard to take. I really, really, really want him to win. GO ANDY!!!” Updated at 8.48am GMT 8.37am GMT08:37 It’s time for some pictures. The players stand at the net and smile for the cameras. Murray looks very awkward as he does so, like an alien being who’s learning how to smile for the very first time. Has a smiling person ever looked so unhappy? I bet he’s fuming inside. Then it’s time for the toss. Djokovic wins it and elects to serve first. “Greetings!” chirps Donna Will. “I’ve got your liveblog up and running on my laptop, and ESPN on TV, ready to watch Andy and Djoker go at it in the mens’ final. And as it’s just past 3:30 AM where I am in the eastern US, I have coffee at the ready as well. This is gonna be great!” 8.33am GMT08:33 Here they come! Andy Murray, all in black, like a goth, emerges first. He gets a big cheer. But Novak Djokovic, wearing a blue tracksuit top, is given an even bigger cheer. It’s quite a cloudy day in Melbourne, by the way. There’s a chance they might have to put the roof on. “It’s twisty-faced Djokovic vs straight-faced Murray,” says Andrew Benton. “Smile-free all round, methinks. Maybe the umpire will smile...who is the umpire? He could make or break the game....” Updated at 8.33am GMT 8.25am GMT08:25 “I’ve been having a discussion with a friend of mine all week,” says James Mayo. “We want to know who has the best win percentage in fifth sets. Do you have any idea where we might find this information? I expected him to know - his job is to set the tennis odds for william hill online. He’s failed me so far. So, help me Jacob Steinberg, you’re my only hope. (Thought I’d chuck in a Star Wars reference, in case you’re missing near earth orbit to cover this match).” Firstly, all week? You’ve been having this discussion all week? Have you eaten? Showered? Slept? Gone outside? We need to know, James, we’re worried about you. Secondly, I have the answer for you. Andy Murray is 17-6 in five-set matches and Novak Djokovic is 23-8. 8.13am GMT08:13 Why are people so concerned about whether other people smile? Why does everyone have to smile all the time? Why is it so important? Why do supposedly smiley people get so angry about people who refuse to smile? 8.12am GMT08:12 The burning question: will Andy Murray smile? 8.03am GMT08:03 While we wait, why not get yourselves stupidly excited by watching the final game of the Wimbledon final between Murray and Djokovic? Does anyone else get nervous watching it? 8.01am GMT08:01 It’s evening in Australia. 7.30am GMT07:30 Preamble Morning. Feeling optimistic? Then let’s begin with a brief recap of Andy Murray’s Australian Open record against Novak Djokovic. In 2011, Djokovic won. In 2012, Djokovic won. In 2013, Djokovic won. Hmm. That’s not particularly promising, is it. Hmm indeed. And the misery doesn’t end there. Since beating Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in 2013, Murray’s record against Djokovic doesn’t make for pretty reading. It goes like this: LLLL. Double hmm! And seeing as I’m on a negative roll now, I might as well add that Djokovic is chasing his fifth Aussie Open crown. If he gets it, I believe they have to give him the freedom of Melbourne. And Melbourne’s a great city - never been, but that’s what everyone says - so you can be sure he’ll be bang up for this. He might have had a day less to rest than Murray and rather got away with one in his semi-final against Stan Wawrinka, but you should expect nothing less than a fired-up Novak Djokovic today. But enough gloominess. It’s too early to be gloomy. Let’s look at the positives instead. Murray has played Djokovic in four grand slam finals and he has won twice, so he knows how to beat him; the first thing he has to remember that he knows how to beat him and perhaps recall that while he has never managed it I this tournament, went desperately close to finding the answer in their five-set semi-final three years ago. What’s more, Murray has reached his fourth final here by playing some of the best tennis of his career. He’s nearing his 2012-13 level for the first time since his return from back surgery, having endured an understandable dip in 2014, and he has had a tough run to make it this far, beating Grigor Dimitrov, Nick Kyrgios and Tomas Berdych in the past week. He faced difficulties in all those matches, but he stayed calm and collected, trusted in his talent and found a way to win, and he is looking extremely strong. He has every reason to be confident. His partnership with Amelie Mauresmo is starting to pay off, despite the frankly astounding fact that she’s one of those WOMEN you hear so much about these days, and he’s got sweary Kim Sears in his corner too. Swear him to victory, Searsy! Swear as if your life depended on it! Swear strong and swear true! Tomorrow’s front pages are depending on it. Play begins at: 8.45am roughly. Play ends at: students of these two’s matches will not have put anything in the diary for the next few days at the very least. Updated at 7.59am GMT |