Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray Knows What It Takes to Upset Novak Djokovic

The impending Australian Open semifinals contest between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic has many angling toward a Rafael Nadal and Djokovic championship grudge match. Murray is going to do all he can to make sure that doesn't happen.

Djokovic is the poster boy for powerful consistency. While he has some weaknesses Murray can attempt to exploit, they are few and less prevalent than anyone else's on the tour.

What's Murray's strategy for attempting an upset on one of the most dominant players of our time? Coming at him hard and executing perfectly.

From ESPN:

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Having fallen to Djokovic in straight sets in last year's final at the start of what proved to be a spectacular year for the Serb, Murray knows he will need to step up his game against the world No. 1.

"You have to play great tennis and try to take his legs away," Murray said. "I will need to have a game plan, stay focused and try to do better than I did last year."

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Murray is no stranger to Djokovic's on-court prowess, and he knows that few expect him to defeat the reigning Australian Open champion. But he also knows what it takes to beat the prolific Serbian.

There is no glaring weakness in Djokovic's game that make for a foolproof game plan, but he is susceptible to fatigue and breathing issues in longer matches. He can grind out lengthy matches as well as anyone, but at the same time, longer rallies don't always favor him.

Murray is fully aware of this, and by trying to take "his legs away" he essentially means he must keep Djokovic moving constantly. If Djokovic has any extra time behind his strokes, Murray doesn't stand a chance. He must force Djokovic to try and end the point early, even if he is not in the best position to do so, thus opening him up to committing extra unforced errors.

In addition to a longer spanning match increasing his chances at an upset, Murray is also privy to how a strong net game can rattle Djokovic. Murray is a superb volleyer, and if he can consistently hit strong and tactful approach shots—preferably to Djokovic's backhand—then he gives himself even more of a fighting chance.

This is not the same Andy Murray from last year. It's a calmer and more consistent Murray who has thrived under the watchful eye of Ivan Lendl. He now understands how intangibles, like emotional control, can play be a deciding factor in the outcome of a match, and he's smarter for it.

Yes, this new and improved Murray is a much better version than the one who still put up an admirable fight in 2011, and it's one who now knows what it takes to defeat the seemingly unstoppable Djokovic. Does he have what it takes to pull of the upset?

That's a different story.

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