Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic - in pictures

It's time for Andy Murray's semi-final - the ninth Grand Slam semi of his career. His supporters are out in force in Melbourne - they've got face paint, kilts and the classic 1978 World Cup shirt ... Photograph: Barbara Walton/EPA

... and a few personalised rugby shirts and Tam o'Shanters too Photograph: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic starts off well with a couple of booming forehands and backhands which give the Serbian a 2-1 lead Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

A poor game from Murray, including a weak backhand volley into the net and a double fault, costs him another game Photograph: Jason O'Brien/Action Images

... before a glorious backhand winner into the left corner gets the Scot back into the game. He's now only 3-2 down Photograph: Tim Wimborne/Reuters

But more mistakes from Murray and some unstoppable play from Djokovic hands the world No1 a 5-3 lead Photograph: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images

A volley at the net from Djokovic ends the first set in his favour, 6-3. This looks like a familiar tale for Murray, who was flattened in straights sets by Djokovic in the final last year Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters

Hang on ... maybe there's a new script this time around; after going two games down in the second set, Murray dominates the remainder of the set winning four straight games - his aggressive tactics forcing Djokovic to shoot long at a critical stage. Murray goes on to win the set 6-3 and level the match Photograph: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images

Both players are stretched in a gruelling third set - the opening game alone lasts almost twenty minutes. Murray eventually nicks the set on a tie-break (7-4) to take control of the match Photograph: Mast Irham/EPA

We know Djokovic is supremely fast, but his display in the fourth set is taking the biscuit. Even as he struggles with fatigue, the Serbian is swarming around the court Photograph: John Donegan/AP

The set is deservedly his, 6-1, while Murray is losing his grip ... It's down to a fifth and final set, then Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters

But first up, a change of shirt. That lurid orange number wasn't very flattering in any case, Andy Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

It's pitch black out there. This match is heading towards five hours! Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

The fifth set is a titanic affair - Djokovic breaks twice before Murray pulls one back. Still Djokovic has the chance to serve out the match but Murray retaliates again .... it's 5-5 in the fifth Photograph: Darren Whiteside/Reuters

Murray spurns three break points in the next game - or rather Djokovic cooly saves them with wonderful tennis under pressure Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Needless to say, Djokovic capitalises in the very next game, winning the set 7-5 and therefore the match 6-3 3-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 7-5. He's fallen to the floor as if he's won the tournament! Afraid not, Novak, you've still got to beat a chap by the name of Rafael Nadal on Sunday Photograph: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images

Murray looks a broken man as Djokovic cradles him. Exhasuted, dejected and, unfortunately, defeated in his Grand Slam ambitions yet again Photograph: Paul Crock/AFP/Getty Images