Novak Djokovic has dominated the Australian Open for some years now. The Serbian has won the title four times in the last five years. Djokovic will be keen to defend his title in the 2016 Australian Open final as he prepares to face Andy Murray at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
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The Serbian has been in an incredible form throughout the tournament, and has not been troubled much, apart from his fourth round five-set clash against Gilles Simon. Djokovic showed some strong character to emerge triumphant.
However, his best performance came against Roger Federer in the semifinals of the competition, where the world number one played an amazing tennis to oust the Swiss ace. It was the first two sets against Federer, which was one of the best Djokovic has played against Federer and the world number one also agreed to it.
"Well, I've had matches where I've played similar tennis. But I think against Roger, these first two sets have been probably the best two sets I've played against him overall I think throughout my career," Australian Open official website quoted Djokovic as saying.
If Djokovic comes up with a similar level of tennis, Murray will not be able to stop the Serb from clinching the title. Coming into the finals, Djokovic is favourite to clinch his sixth Australian Open title. Even their head-to-head records suggest the Serb, who has a 21-9 win-loss record, to be an overwhelming favourite.
Djoker has been playing some consistent tennis over the last couple of years and his confidence level is at another level as well compared to other players in the circuit. Though, Murray might be the second favourite, he has it in him to win his first Australian Open title.
Murray, who was tested by Milos Raonic in the semi-finals, has been on top of his game in the competition. However, Djokovic is going to pose as his biggest challenge. The most important thing for Murray, who won a set in last year's final against Djokovic, needs to be consistent and play a similar level of tennis throughout the final if he wants to take avenge last year's final loss.
"Yeah, the most important thing for me is to sustain my level for long enough, not just for one set here or there, a few games here or there. I need to do it, you know, for a very long period if I want to get the win. That's my challenge on Sunday," said Murray.
"Well, I mean, we've played obviously a lot in the last couple of years. Last year here is a good match for me to look at because the tennis, in my opinion, wasn't miles apart. It was a very close match for three sets."
The final is expected to be an entertaining affair, with Djokovic and Murray possessing some amazing game from the baseline. What makes the contest even more interesting is their never-give-up game, which is expected to be in full show on Sunday.
Murray, who has squared off against Djokovic in the Australian Open final thrice in the past, has never emerged triumphant. Will 2016 Australian Open final be any different? Only time will tell.
Where to watch Australian Open live
Australian Open 2016 final — Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray — is scheduled for 7:30 pm local time (2 pm am IST, 12 am GMT, 7 pm ET) start. The live coverage of the Australian Open will be on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD in India, with the online live streaming option on Sonyliv.
Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray Australian Open final can be viewed live in the UK and Ireland on BBC, with live streaming on BBCiPlayer.
Eurosport and Eurosport Player will show the Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray final in the rest of Europe. Channel 7 will broadcast the Australian Open live in Australia.
US viewers can watch Australian Open live on ESPN with live streaming options on Watch ESPN.
Fox Sports will show the Australia Open matches live in South East Asia as well as South Korea.
