Murray vs. Djokovic: Score, Recap and Highlights from Australian Open Semifinal

Men's Semifinal Recap

Novak Djokovic proved exactly why he's No. 1 in the world in his win over Andy Murray, as Djokovic now takes on No. 2 Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final.

Djokovic would win in what was arguably the best match of the tournament. It was one which went five sets and resulted in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 7-5 victory for the Djoker.

The match would start out with Murray winning two of the first three sets, as Djokovic would lose the third-set tiebreak in heartbreaking fashion. Djokovic looked fatigued and without an answer for Murray's aggressive game.

Djokovic had an uncharacteristic 21 unforced errors in the third set alone, as it was clear Djokovic had to turn up his game dramatically and quickly.

Djokovic would do just that, committing just 18 unforced errors in the final two sets and dictating the pace of play early in the fourth set. Murray got away from his aggressive game and it would ultimately cost him the match.

In the tough fifth set, Murray had four break point opportunities and let them slip away. He would convert just one of four break point opportunities in the final set as Djokovic was able to hold and break Murray twice.

What's at Stake in the Australian Open Final

Djokovic against Rafael Nadal will make for a jaw-dropping spectacle at the Australian Open.

The world's best will square off at Rod Laver Arena in a match that each of the two will be bringing their top game.

Since losing his No. 1 ranking, Nadal continues to lose against Djokovic. Nadal has dropped the last six matches against Djokovic, despite leading the overall head-to-head series 16 to 13.

The finals of Grand Slams is a familiar stage for these two, as Djokovic and Nadal met in both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon tournaments in 2011, where Djokovic would win both.

Nadal has to win this match for his confidence and to save any chance at eventually getting back his No. 1 ranking. Having lost his last six matches to Djokovic and two Grand Slam finals to him in 2011, Nadal needs this win to know that he can still dominate the competition.

Djokovic needs this win to start the season off on the right foot, and inch closer to Nadal and Roger Federer in the Grand Slam victories. Djokovic has just four Grand Slam titles, while Nadal has 10 of his own.

The 2012 Australian Open final is sure to have a significant impact on much of the way the 2012 season goes for each of these two talents. Djokovic and Nadal will make for one of the grandest, if not the grandest match at the tournament in what is undoubtedly a match expected to go to five sets.

Top Statistics and Facts of the Semifinals Match

*Andy Murray won just 13 percent of his second serve points in the fifth set, as Djokovic was able to make the most of his poor service game in the final set.

*Djokovic boasted 13 winners in the fifth set and 49 for the match. (Murray had 46.)

*Djokovic won 21 of 28 net points, as his aggressive play was critical in this down-to-the-wire finish

*Djokovic and Nadal will meet in the final for the third time in the last five Grand Slam tournaments