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Australian Open 2015: Novak Djokovic will edge Andy Murray in a classic final, says Barry Cowan

Williams is also tipped for victory

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray

Andy Murray against Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Australian Open final will be “another classic”, believes Barry Cowan.

I'm 100 per cent convinced that Andy will do himself justice, play some great tennis but Djokovic is the better player.
Barry Cowan

Djokovic defeated reigning champion Stan Wawrinka in five sets on Friday to set up his third Melbourne Park final against Murray, who beat Tomas Berdych in their semi-final.

The final will be a battle of fitness and mentality, believes Cowan, rather than a tactical encounter.

“Often we talk about tactics, but with these two when they're playing, it will be which one doesn't switch off for long periods,” said the Sky Sports expert.

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Murray v Djokovic: US Open 2014

“That really was a decisive factor when they played at the US Open [2014 quarter-final] which was an incredible match for two sets and then it was Murray who blinked and Djokovic ran away with it in the end.

“Both are strong and I think the winner will be whoever is more courageous and whoever doesn't have that dip.

“Tactics in every match play a part, but when it’s a Djokovic-Roger Federer match for example, Federer has to play a certain way to execute his tactics and has to come forward.

More from Australian Open 2015

“But I think for Andy and Djokovic it will become physical. When they played in that US Open final in 2012 and in the Australian Open that year, their words were 'are you ready for a physical battle?' and 'are you ready to go four and a half hours?’"

Cowan is convinced that an in-form Murray can push the world No 1 into an enthralling final but ultimately believes a third Grand Slam will be a step too far for the Scot.

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Murray v Djokovic: Paris 2014

“I think we could be in for another classic,” he continued. “But I just have to say Djokovic will win because he's world No 1, because he's the one that's won more Slams, because he's the one that has a huge recent head-to-head record. He's won seven out of the last eight against Murray with the exception being the Wimbledon final.

“Djokovic is the best player in the world and rightly so because he's the one that's been able to win the bigger matches in the last 18 months than the rest of his peers. Unfortunately, I'm going to go with Djokovic to win in four or five sets. 

“I'm 100 per cent convinced that Andy will do himself justice and play some great tennis but Djokovic is the better player. Whatever happens, it should be a very promising 2015 for Andy.”

Better and better

Serena Williams shakes hands with Maria Sharapova after beating her in the Sony Open semi-finals. Miami, Mar 27 2014.

World No 1 Serena Williams will continue her dominance over Maria Sharapova in the women’s final, says Cowan.

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Murray v Djokovic: US Open 2012

The American has an intimidating record against her Russian opponent, winning all 15 of their encounters in the past decade, and Cowan can’t see that changing.

He said: “This is a terrible match-up for Sharapova, not just in terms of tennis, but I think in terms of mentality which is massively against her. Also, crucially, Serena is a player that gets better and better the longer she goes into the tournament.

“Serena is looking to become one of the greats and she is edging towards that number of Slam wins.

“Serena will look to wallop the second serve of Sharapova. Although Maria's managed it reasonably well over the last couple of years and has still been able to win Grand Slams."

Barry Cowan is backing Djokovic to beat Murray in four sets AT 11/4 in his Sky Bet charity bets.

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