Novak Djokovic: No. 1 Seed Will Steamroll Through Andy Murray in Semifinals

If we've learned one thing from Andy Murray's career, it's that when he plays Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in Grand Slams, the young Brit does not show up. The way Djokovic has been playing at the Australian Open, the semifinal match between the two will not go any better for Murray. 

I could say that Djokovic has only dropped one set in Australia and use that as an argument for his dominance. That is true, but it's not particularly troubling for Murray, who has only dropped one set on his own. 

No, the problem for Murray lies in how well Djokovic has started his matches. Let the numbers tell the story. 

	Opponent	First Set Score
First Round	Paolo Lorenzi	6-2
Second Round	Santiago Giraldo	6-3
Third Round	Nicolas Mahut	6-0
Fourth Round	Lleyton Hewitt	6-1
Quarterfinals	David Ferrer	6-4

Djokovic doesn't only win his matches, he comes out swinging every time. There is no easing his way into things or a feeling out process. Djokovic immediately puts his opponent in a position where he is forced to come back. 

Conversely, Murray's problem against the Big Three does not stem from a lack of talent, but poor body language. He gets down early and by all appearances, phones it in. Against someone like Djokovic, you are going to lose every time that happens. 

The next set of numbers for Djokovic are no less daunting. He hasn't dropped a second set either in Australia. 

	Opponent	Second Set Score
First Round	Paolo Lorenzi	6-0
Second Round	Santiago Giraldo	6-2
Third Round	Nicolas Mahut	6-1
Fourth Round	Lleyton Hewitt	6-3
Quarterfinals	David Ferrer	7-6 (7-4)

So, even if Murray gets off to a good start, Djokovic is going to come back at him. If anything will be worse than getting drubbed in the opening set, it would be winning that set and then losing all momentum.

The mental edge lies with Djokovic. He is riding an incredible hot streak in Grand Slams and is not going to have that ended by a player who's never proven his mettle in them. 

As a result, the semifinal will have an eerily similar look to what we saw in last year's final. 

Djokovic's chances at a repeat will be extended for at least one more match.

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