Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray Faces Crucial Career Moment vs. Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray needs to show up in the 2012 Australian Open semifinals against stellar opponent Novak Djokovic.

He can lose—given the talent Djokovic possesses I don't see that being a dishonorable way to go out—but no matter what he has to compete.

This is his time to get it right, this is his time to show up on the big stage and prove that he's worth his weight in gold.

Murray wants to be known as one of the best. He wants to have his name mentioned with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Rodger Federer and Djokovic. With his berth in the semifinals he's at least put himself in the discussion.

That's as far as he'll go if he doesn't get a majors win under his belt, though.

Unfortunately, the task couldn't be any harder at the Australian Open.

If he's lucky enough to get past Djokovic, who is the world. No. 1 mind you, he'll be looking square in the eyes of the No. 2 ranked Nadal—who is arguably just as good, if not better.

They say it's a long way to the top if you want to rock n' roll, and that couldn't be more true for Murray.

If he wants to be ranked amongst the best in this game he's going to have to start beating the best. That may be quite a tall order with the two stars that he has in front of him, but at the very least he can start by competing.

Murray and Djokovic faced off last year in the finals at Melbourne, but Djokovic essentially wiped the court with Murray—winning in straight sets 6-4,6-2,6-3.

Djokovic went on to have one of the most dominant years in the history of the sport, and well, we're still talking about Murray's potential.

Murray cannot allow the same thing to happen this time around.

Nobody will blame him if he loses to Djokovic, most are expecting it. He can turn some heads if he gives the world No. 1 competition, though.

He would shock the world by beating him.

Either way, Murray needs to step up and prove he can hang with the big three.

Some would be surprised if he makes Djokovic break a sweat. If he wants to be considered one of the best, he'll have to do a lot more than that.