Australian Open 2016: Andy Murray hoping for weaknesses in champion Novak Djokovic

epa05091859 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina during their quarter final match at the Qatar ATP Open tennis tournament at the Khalifa Tennis Complex in Doha, Qatar, 07 January 2016.

Djokovic looked tired and needed treatment on a back problem but just when you thought an epic Nadal comeback was very much on the cards, Djokovic rediscovered his form and instead it was the Spaniard who fell away in the fourth set as his opponent wrapped up victory after four hours and 10 minutes of majestic tennis.

Djokovic beat Tomas Berdych in the semis to reach the final against Nadal.

With Williams’ perch secure, questions begin right behind her. Maria Sharapova, who lost to Williams in last year’s Australian Open final, played sparingly down the stretch last season with leg and forearm problems. The Serbian player has enjoyed his one of the best years in his career.

Djokovic posted 30 winners to only nine for Nadal in the 73-minute match. “I played like I wanted to”.

“This is exactly how I want to start the year, playing in the finals of the first tournament against one of my biggest rivals and I’m looking forward to that”, Djokovic said.

At 24-23, Djokovic holds a career edge against the Spaniard for the first time.

“I guess it’s a pretty important match tomorrow; let’s see what happens”, Djokovic said following his semifinal victory over Berdych.

He and Nadal boast the most prolific rivalry, in terms of meetings, in the professional era of men’s tennis but the latest only emphasised how dominant Djokovic has become. Obviously knowing that I can play a match makes me feel relieved a bit, but it’s a little issue that has been there for most of this week.

Having already captured five Australian Open titles (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015), Djokovic is the massive favourite to reign supreme once again at Melbourne Park.

Nadal will play tomorrow his 99th final on the tour in #ATPDoha… I believe, though, that two milestones achieved in this encounter by the Serb are of particular note.

Nadal last held the singles title in Doha in 2014, but in 2015 suffered a first-round exit to Germany’s Michael Berrer. “It’s a great start to the season and I’m very happy”.

The moment hardly had an impact on the calm composure of Djokovic, who won the next game to go 5-1 up. “It’s always a great challenge and both of us had to go through a lot of emotions before the match getting ready and kind of analyzing and preparing tactically with the team”.