Australian Open 2015: Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka match preview

A look ahead to the semi-final match in the men’s singles

(Getty Images)

Andy Murray booked his spot in the final after an outstanding performance against Tomas Berdych. Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka will now battle it out to see who will join the Scot in Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

Although Djokovic leads the head-to-head count comfortably 16-3, it was Wawrinka who knocked the Serb out of the Australian Open last year after a gruelling five-set battle in the quarter-finals.

When they met last year Djokovic was the defending champion, now the roles are reversed. Faced with pressure of being the titleholder for the first time Wawrinka has progressed confidently through the tournament so far, conceding just one set.

That will not be enough to impress Djokovic who not only cruised through the tournament winning every match in straight sets, but also dropped just one service game en route.

Djokovic said in his press conference that he is ready for a battle. Which it is likely to be, after all of their Grand Slam clashes in the past have gone the distance, with those in Melbourne being particularly close.

START: Friday, Rod Laver Arena, not before 8.30 am GMT

PAST MEETINGS…

2014 – London (Hard) 6-3, 6-0

2014 – Australian Open (Hard) Wawrinka won 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7

2013 – London (Hard) Djokovic won 6-3, 6-3

STATS…

Djokovic has dropped 53 games in his first five rounds, while Wawrinka 67.

Djokovic has an 85% ratio of first serves won.

Djokovic has won 15 out of their last 16 matches.

Wawrinka has made almost twice as many unforced errors (203) as Djokovic (105)

ODDS…

Djokovic to win 1.22

Wawrinka to win 4.30

TV: British Eurosport