Australian Open 2015: Day 12 Schedule, Matchup Predictions for Melbourne Bracket
On the heels of a thrilling Day 11 at the Australian Open, just one match will take place on Day 12. Even with only two opponents taking the court in singles competition, it's easily one of the biggest matches to this point.
No. 1 Novak Djokovic will duel with No. 4 Stan Wawrinka for the opportunity to play in the men's final. Andy Murray, the sixth-seeded player, has already advanced to the final to take on either opponent.
Before the men's match gets underway, here's a look at the schedule and full breakdown for the semifinal.
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| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Live Stream |
| No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 4 Stan Wawrinka | 3:30 a.m. | ESPN | WatchESPN |
No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 4 Stan Wawrinka
It only seems fitting that tennis fans get a rematch from one of the most thrilling showdowns in last year's Aussie Open. This time around, it's in the semifinals thanks to Wawrinka climbing up the rankings since last January.
The two battled last season during the quarterfinals, with Wawrinka ultimately advancing and eventually clinching the crown. After going down in the first set, 2-6, Stan the Man rallied to win the next two and secured the victory with a 9-7 win in the fifth.
Since that point, Djokovic has avenged the loss with a straight-sets win in the Barclays Finals. However, he still knows how important this win will be to right the ship, via the Aussie Open's official account:
Wawrinka is one of just three players outside of the Big Four to win a Grand Slam in the last 35 events. Therefore, if any man knows how to step up in this situation, it's the Stanimal.
On the other side, Djokovic has earned the right to call himself the No. 1 player in the world for a reason. Having a hard-court win over Wawrinka and a Wimbledon title since last year's upset, Djokovic comes in with a wealth of confidence.
As Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com notes, this is the equivalent of a heavyweight title match:
By the end of the match, only Djokovic will be left standing. While Wawrinka is undoubtedly one of the top players on the planet, the Djoker has not dropped a single set up to this point.
Currently holding a 16-3 advantage head-to-head over Wawrinka, Djokovic will look to regain his title over the weekend. Already claiming four Grand Slams in Melbourne, Djokovic looks like the favorite to continue that success.
Prediction: Djokovic wins in four sets.
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