Andy Murray recovered from a set down against David Ferrer Friday to set up an Australian Open final against Novak Djokovic, where he will aim to break Britain's 75-year men's Grand Slam drought.
After a slow start, Murray won 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) to advance to his second straight Australian final, as he aims to go one better than last year's straight-sets loss to Roger Federer. Sunday's title match will be the British fifth seed's third Grand Slam final overall as he seeks to breakthrough for his first major trophy against the Serbian world number three.
"In the first Slam final I played against Federer (2008 US Open), I didn't know what was going on, it went so quick. And last year was better than before, and I hope this one going to be better than last year," Murray said after the 3hr 46min tie.
"Experience-wise Novak and I are similar, he won here three years ago, we're good friends, we practise a lot together so there won't be any secrets with our games, but it's going to be a brutal match I think."
Murray is bidding to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam since Fred Perry in 1936. Perry was also the last British player to win the Australian Open, in 1934.
{{/usCountry}}Murray is bidding to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam since Fred Perry in 1936. Perry was also the last British player to win the Australian Open, in 1934.
{{/usCountry}}Last year Murray was the first British man since John Lloyd in 1977 to play in an Australian Open final.
Murray extended his current winning streak to nine matches and dropped only his second set of the tournament against the tenacious Ferrer.
Ferrer was playing in his second Grand Slam semi-final after taking advantage of an injured Rafael Nadal to win their quarter-final in straight sets.
Dulko-Pennetta win
Argentine Gisela Dulko and Italy's Flavia Pennetta beat Eastern Europeans Victoria Azarenka and Maria Kirilenko 2-6 7-5 6-1 to win the Australian Open women's doubles titles on Friday.
The top seeds produced a stirring fightback from a set and 4-1 down to seal victory on their first grand slam final appearance together.