2016 Australian Open Men’s Final Open Thread: Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray
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In a rematch of last year, the top two players in the world, No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Andy Murray, renew their rivalry for the Australian Open title.
In their 31st career meeting, Djokovic leads 21-9. He’s also won 10 of his last 11 matches against Murray. His only loss in that time came in the final at 2015 Montreal-1000. Djokovic has a 7-6 win-loss record against Murray in Tour-level finals.
Djokovic has a 6-2 win-loss record against Murray at the Grand Slams, and a 3-2 win-loss record against Murray in Grand Slam finals. The only player Djokovic has beaten on more occasions than Murray at a Grand Slam is Roger Federer (defeated 9 times).
It will be the 6th meeting between these 2 players in a Grand Slam final which puts them in 3rd position on the all-time leaderboard for most match-ups in a Grand Slam final.
Murray and Djokovic are the closest Grand Slam finalists by age. Murray is just 7 days older than Djokovic. The previous closest Grand Slam finalists in terms of age were Guillermo Vilas and Jimmy Connors who met at the 1977 US Open when Vilas was 16 days older than Connors.
Djokovic has an 18-7 win-loss record against Murray on a hard court.
Djokovic leads each of the members of the big 5 – Federer (23-22), Murray (21-9), Nadal (24-23) and Stan Wawrinka (20-4) in their previous meetings.
“It’s no secret we know how we play against each other,” said Djokovic. “It’s two games that are very much alike, so it’s basically who’s going to outplay who from the baseline. I think serve is an important factor in tomorrow’s match. I think both of us will try to serve high percentage of first serves and not allow the other player attack the second serve too many times.
“A lot about tactics and a lot about how of course you handle your emotions of the greatness of that occasion of playing for the Grand Slam title.”
SUNDAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN SCHEDULE
Rod Laver Arena 4:00 PM Start
1. Mixed Doubles – Final
Elena Vesnina (RUS)[5]/Bruno Soares (BRA)[5] vs. Coco Vandeweghe (USA)/Horia Tecau (ROU)
Not Before: 7:30 PM
2. Men’s Singles – Final
Novak Djokovic (SRB)[1] vs. Andy Murray (GBR)[2]
WUNDERGROUND.COM SUNDAY FORECAST
Periods of rain. High 71F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
BET AT HOME ODDS
Novak Djokovic 1.16 vs Andy Murray 4.56
US TV SCHEDULE
ESPN will have live coverage of the match starting at 3:30am ET.
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