Australian Open preview and odds: Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray

Published on: 29/01/2016

Australian Open preview and odds: Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray

January 31 2016 - Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open - Men`s final

Andy Murray will feature in an Australian Open final for the fifth time after beating Canadian hopeful Milos Raonic in five sets on Friday. The Scot has yet to win the event, and now has the daunting task of taking on World No. 1 and reigning champion Novak Djokovic - the man who beat him at the same stage last year.

Djokovic eyeing sixth Aussie Crown

Novak Djokovic will come into this years final having played less hours and enjoyed an extra day`s rest than his opponent.

The Serbian was barely tested on his way to the final - even a semi-final clash against Roger Federer proved to be a comparative walk in the park for the worlds best player. He will now go up against the player that he defeated in last years final as he hunts down his sixth Aussie Open crown.

Key stats from Djokovic`s semi-final match:

- First serve success: 67%

- Points won on first serve: 77%

- Points won on second serve: 66%

- Returns won: 44%

- Break points won: 5 out of 9

Murray better than 12 months ago

After taking four sets to find a way past eighth-ranked opponent David Ferrer in the quarter-finals, Andy Murray then played out an epic five-setter against Canadian Milos Raonic in the semis.

The World No. 2 took a while to get going in that match, but he will be keen to hit the ground running against Djokovic. If he is going to stand a chance in the final, he will need to stay in touch with the Serbian during the early exchanges and hope that he can wear him down in the latter stages.

The good news for Murray, is that he has improved in some aspects of his game that have previously let him down. In particular, his second serve success rate has picked up significantly - he even bagged three second-serve aces in the duel with Raonic. His only weak spot against the Canadian was his return success rate. If he can find another 10% in that area, he could cause Djokovic some problems with his own serve and net game.

Key stats from Murray`s semi-final match:

- First serve success: 68%

- Points won on first serve: 79%

- Points won on second serve: 68%

- Net points won: 75%

- Unforced errors: 28

- Returns won: 34%

- Break points won: 4 out of 16

Betting odds and tips

Djokovic has had a monster 12 months and looks totally unstoppable right now, but Murray has improved his all-round game since last years final and could push his opponent all the way. The early exchanges will be crucial for Murray.

You can back Over 3.5 sets at 8/13 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 29/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (29/01/2016 14:22:02) but are subject to change.