Djokovic, using his new HEAD YouTek™ IG Speed MP, sent out four-time champion Roger Federer 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4 while Murray (HEAD YouTek™ Radical Pro) ended the run of Spain's David Ferrer, taking down the seventh seed 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-1, 7-6(2) after Ferrer had knocked out Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals.
Djokovic came out on top in a 58-minute opening set as Federer struggled to settle in. The Serb won the first in a tiebreaker then recovered in the second after losing a break and trailing the Swiss 2-5. The Serb somehow closed the gap to take that set against the odds, on the first of three set points. Djokovic advanced on his third match point and denied Federer any chance of a comeback.
Nole, who switched to his newest HEAD racquet recently, praised his own inspired serving. "It was a great performance, I'm very happy with the way I played," said the World No. 3. "I’ve been serving well under pressure. It's a great and encouraging fact that I can rely on my serve in the important moments, which gives you a little bit of the relief and advantage."
It is Djokovic's second Grand Slam final in a row after the US Open last September. The Serb says he's a different player from the Melbourne champion of three years ago. "I'm older and I'm more experienced player on the court, physically I'm stronger,” he said and does a preview to the final: "It's nice to see somebody that you grew up with across the net. We grew up together and basically made a breakthrough to top 100 more or less at the same time. It's nice to see somebody doing well, the person who was your long time friend."
Murray will be playing in his second straight final at the Open after being runner-up in 2010, and his third Grand Slam final overall. In an epic semi-final lasting four hours, Murray battled back after being down 0-1 in sets and facing a set-point against him in the second. “I did not even realize it was set-point, I thought it was 3-4”, Murray admitted right after the match. Excited by another tremendous performance, Murray was grateful for all the support he has been receiving from back home, but also by the great atmosphere in the Arena. He is as much looking forward to the clash with fellow HEAD racquet rebel and hitting partner Djokovic and said, "Novak's had a great tournament, we've had similar experience. We're good friends and we practise together a lot. There are no secrets in our games, it will be a brutal match."
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