Andy Murray’s Australian Open hopes have once again been dashed by World No. 1 Novak Djokovic

You can watch and bet on the action from the Australian Open live for free at bet365 > live streaming > tennis

After five gruelling sets, Andy Murray’s chances of winning the 2012 Australian Open have been dashed by the seemingly unstoppable world No. 1, Novak Djokovic. In a match that will surely be remembered as one of the most memorable to be played in the Rod Laver Arena, the Serb held his nerve in a breathtaking fifth set, seeing out a 6-3, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 7-5 victory.

Murray took everyone by surprise when he opened up a  lead of two sets to one. The pace of the match was frantic up to this point, with both players demonstrating their capacity to dig in and produce the goods on lengthy rallies. There was no let up as the contest progressed, but as Djokovic began to dominate the fourth set, it looked like there was only one possible outcome.

Up a break in the fifth, Djokovic was in a commanding position. Murray, staring at defeat 3-5 down, somehow managed to find the strength to break back, and he did so emphatically. After holding to make it 5-5, Murray earned himself two break points in the fifth. Djokovic started to find consistency at this point, and refused to hand Murray any cheap points. Murray carved open another opportunity, a third break point. The Serbinator once again held his nerve though, and established a 6-5 lead.

Murray couldn’t quite serve his way past Djokovic, who took match point by forcing an error from the Scot following an exhilarating rally. Having won the match, Djokovic immediately lay on his back, catching his breath before making any movements resembling a full-blown celebration.

Djokovic will now take on Rafael Nadal for the Melbourne crown. Nadal struggled against him in 2011, and he’ll be looking to make amends for this. With these two greats stepping on court, the 2012 final promises to be an epic.