Andy Murray. Pic: ©PA
Novak Djokovic has defeated Andy Murray in the semi-final of the Australian Open.
The world number one recovered from two sets to one down to beat the Scot 6-3 3-6 6-7 6-1 7-5.
Djokovic will now face Rafael Nadal in Sunday’s final, with the Spaniard having defeated Roger Federer in the other semi-final.
The Serbian star broke the world number four twice the opening set, at 3-1 and 4-2, to claim the best of the early exchanges.
Murray was continuing to struggle on his serve and the world number one broke in the first game of the second set to press home his advantage.
The Dunblane ace was forced to battle just to get on the scoreboard in the second set. Two well-constructed points allowed Murray to take a 0-30 advantage on Djokovic's serve.
And, after a game lasting more than 10 minutes, the Scot broke back.
Another fine service game saw Murray take the lead and the Dunblane ace was beginning to win the baseline battle as he broke Djokovic again.
Both players relinquished serve as Murray went 5-3 ahead and kept his nerve to level the match at one set all.
Djokovic fought off five break points to hold his serve in the first game of the third set, before Murray's relentless pressure eventually brought him a break in game three.
The world number one immediately rallied though and was back on serve straight away, as Murray served a double fault.
Djokovic then held three set points on his serve but Murray rallied brilliantly, recovering to take his second break point. The set went to a tiebreak, which Murray claimed 7-4.
With Murray seemingly in control, Djokovic blew him away in the fourth set, instantly breaking twice to set up a commanding lead.
The Scot had a brief opportunity to break back at 1-4 but failed to take the advantage, before Djokovic broke again to level the tie.
Djokovic was not going to give up his title without a fight, though, and he came out swinging at the start of the fourth set, breaking for a 1-0 lead.
And with Murray's footwork going AWOL, he broke again for 3-0. An easy hold followed before Murray finally got on the board.
There was a whiff of a chance for Murray when he held two break points at 1-4 but Djokovic snuffed out the danger and then broke the Scot's serve to love to take the match to a fifth and final set.
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