Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Andy Murray final

Novak Djokovic has set up an Andy Murray final in this years Australian Open after defeating defending champion Stan Wawrinka in five sets.

The pair clashed for the third year running, but it failed to live up to the five-set marathons at Melbourne Park in 2013 and 2014 with a tension-filled clash going the way of the Serb 7-6 (7-1) 3-6 6-4 4-6 6-0 in exactly three and a half hours.

Djokovic now has the chance to become just the second man to win more than four Australian Open titles – Roy Emerson won six between 1961 and 1967.

“As it was the last two years we played five sets, I was ready for the battle,” said Djokovic in an on-court interview.

“It was a great battle, we pushed each other to the limit and credit to Stan for playing well.

“I think I played well up to 2-1 and a break up and then I played a couple of loose games, I allowed him to come back into the match and Stan is a quality player. He knows how to use his opportunities. I made my life very complicated.

“The opening game in the fifth set was very close and making the break was a crucial turning point.

“My game depends on how well I move and I was too defensive in the second and fourth set and Stan stepped it up after that.

“In the fifth set I managed to stay consistent and serve well when I needed to and am so glad to go through.”