Djokovic speaks. “I was ready for the battle and it was a great battle,” he says. “We pushed each other to the limit and I congratulate Stan on a great tournament. I think I played well, two sets to one and a break point, and I just played a couple of loose games. Stan is a quality player and I made my life very complicated. The first game of the fifth set was very close and making it 2-0 was crucial.”
He says he was too defensive in the second and fourth sets, but stepped it up in the fifth set. But what about the final? “Andy and I go back to when we were 12 years old,” he says. “We know each other for a long time and it’s nice to see we’re playing another grand slam final. We’ve played many and hopefully we can come up with another great match for you guys.”
Yes. Hopefully. It’s Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final. It should be special. See you then. Thanks for reading today. Bye.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC BEATS STANISLAS WAWRINKA 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0!
It’s a weary Wawrinka now. Djokovic loops a lob over him to make it 30-all and then pings a backhand down the line for match point. Wawrinka is done. He’s all out of puff. His forehand goes wide and Novak Djokovic is back in the Australian Open final! But what a strange match.
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Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 5-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): He couldn’t, could he? Wawrinka earns a break point with a spectacular backhand down the line. But Djokovic saves it by jamming him with a body serve to take the game to deuce. Djokovic screams at himself after wasting an advantage, but he uses his rage to his advantage, hammering a forehand past Wawrinka. And he’s soon pumping his fists. Has Wawrinka got anything left? I hope he doesn’t get bageled here.
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Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 4-0 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka is hanging by a thread at 0-30, but he fights back to 30-all - an ace landing in by inches - and then takes a 40-30 lead with a faultless volley. But the game goes to deuce. Djokovic knows he could pretty much wrap this match up in this game and after Wawrinka misses a forehand, he seizes another break when Wawrinka drills a backhand wide.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 3-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Djokovic holds to 15. Can Wawrinka fight back again? The next game is crucial.
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Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 2-0 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Having survived that assault from Wawrinka, Djokovic glimpses a break at 0-30. The next point goes Wawrinka’s way, but a double-fault lands him in it; here are two break points for Djokovic. Wawrinka saves the first with a big serve, but Djokovic plays the second intelligently. Careful shot-making rushes Wawrinka into missing a backhand. Djokovic is the first to land telling blow. But judging by the pattern of this match, there could still be a few twists and turns.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Djokovic has been inexplicably poor ever since he broke at the start of the fourth set. He must have thought he was going to cruise to victory at that point, but Wawrinka had other ideas. Now this match is impossible to call. There’s no rhyme or reason to it, no consistency. This game goes to deuce, Wawrinka plugging away, trying to find a chink in the Djokovic armour. Wawrinka blasts a backhand down the line. It’s called out. He doesn’t realise for a moment, so he challenges, and it turns out it was in! He has a break point. Djokovic isn’t happy at first, arguing that Wawrinka took too long to challenge, but he accepts Wawrinka’s explanation with good grace. Anyway, Wawrinka can’t take it; this time, his backhand is long and he belts a forehand just wide on game point. It’s not called out initially, mind you. Djokovic challenges and then stands with his hands on his hips, staring at the offending line judge, who would quite like the ground to swallow him up if that’s not too much trouble.
STANISLAS WAWRINKA WINS THE FOURTH SET 6-4 TO LEVEL THE MATCH
There must be a few butterflies fluttering around Wawrinka’s stomach as he steps up to serve. They share the first two points. It’s not going to be easy. But two Djokovic shots are stopped by that pesky net and Wawrinka finds himself with two set points. He seals it with a blistering forehand into the corner! It’s going to a fifth. And do you know who’ll be enjoying this? Andy Murray.
Meanwhile here’s an article about the 1984 Australian Open.
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Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-5 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Djokovic regains some composure on his serve, forging into a 40-15 lead. He holds. Wawrinka will have to serve it out. Has he got what it takes?
Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 3-5 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Those inside Rod Laver Arena are on Wawrinka’s side. Well, Novak Djokovic isn’t and nor are the people in his box, but you know what I mean. There’s a roar when Wawrinka wins the first two points with bullish aces, before he overpowers Djokovic with a swaggering forehand for 40-0. Wawrinka holds to 15 and he’s a game away from taking this to a decider. Again. It’s never simple with these two. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. “What an amazing match and advertisement for tennis,” says Ray Leung. “Outrageous hitting, good sportsmanship and twists & turns.”
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 3-4 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Is the balance of power shifting Wawrinka’s way? At 0-15, a horror from Djokovic, a horrific forehand that almost leaves the ground; then comes a wild backhand to give Wawrinka three break points - and he only needs one, Djokovic netting a forehand! Could we be heading for a fifth? Or is the weird tennis flu that seems to be floating around Rod Laver Arena about to hit Wawrinka again?
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Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 3-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Djokovic pulls Wawrinka wide with an angled backhand, but leaves too much room for Wawrinka to leap into his backhand and send it down the line for 15-0. He does it again to make it 30-0. Then a scorching forehand down the line makes it 40-15. That’s a beauty. But so’s this forehand return from Djokovic. 40-30. But not this one. It flashes wide and Wawrinka holds.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 3-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Djokovic steadies himself and holds to 15.
Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 2-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Djokovic will still back himself despite that setback, though, especially when he sees Wawrinka make his 51st unforced error of the match in the first point of this game. Unforced errors 52 and 53 soon follow, giving Djokovic three break points. Wawrinka belatedly locates his best tennis to save the first two two with a monstrous forehand and an outrageous drop-volley, and then Djokovic nets a forehand on the third! Wow. Djokovic will wonder how he hasn’t got this game neatly wrapped up. Three break points he had there. But it’s Wawrinka’s game.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 2-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): But wait! At 15-30, a Djokovic backhand is called out. It wasn’t out. No break points for you, Stan. Not yet, anyway. They replay the point - and Djokovic swats a backhand long to make it 15-40. And then he does it again. That was dreadful. But not from Wawrinka’s perspective. He breaks back and I might have spoken too soon.
Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 2-0 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka is in danger of losing the plot, bashing a backhand long to give Djokovic a 0-30 lead. Djokovic must be smelling blood. He’s licking his chops when Wawrinka knocks a forehand past the baseline at 30-all. But Wawrinka saves the break point with a big serve to take the game to deuce. He has a few chances to win the game but can’t take them, and then a tired forehand gives Djokovic another break point - this time, there’s no escape, wonderful defence from Djokovic forcing a stooping Wawrinka to drive a low ball into the net with forehand. That might be it for Wawrinka. It’s going to take a monumental effort to come back from this position.
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Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): As I return from a quick toilet break, Djokovic holds at the start of the fourth set. Wawrinka has made 45 unforced errors to Djokovic’s 29.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS THE THIRD SET 6-4; HE LEADS 7-6, 3-6, 6-4
Wawrinka begins what promises to be an awkward game by dragging a backhand wide - but then comes up with a miraculous shot to make it 15-all! Djokovic scoops an absurd forehand from right to left and it looks like he’s got Wawrinka, but the Swiss reaches behind him and flicks an even better forehand from right to left, the ball dying a death just as Djokovic reaches it. That took guts. It took chutzpah. What a delightful touch from Wawrinka. Even Djokovic is applauding, though he’s not so impressed with himself when he gifts Wawrinka a 40-15 lead with two lame forehands. But Wawrinka busily makes it difficult for himself with a double-fault and Djokovic, as stubborn as ever, takes the game to deuce and then increases the aggression, ripping through a forehand to earn a set point. Wawrinka delivers a strong first serve, but Djokovic gets it back, and Wawrinka slams a forehand into the net! He lost four points in a row there! How he’ll regret that double-fault at 40-15.
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Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 5-4 Wawrinka (*denotes serve): Djokovic slices a sumptuous second serve out wide on the first point. Wawrinka did not see that coming. He was not ready for that. 15-0. Wawrinka hits back with a glorious, spinning forehand pass, but it’s 30-15 when he misses a forehand; 40-15 when he snorts a backhand wide and long - you could spend all day analysing what was wrong with that point. But we don’t have time for that. Djokovic holds and Wawrinka has to hold to stay in the third set.
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Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 4-4 Wawrinka* (*denotes serve): Wawrinka hasn’t been making his first serves in this set, so he’ll be pleased to land three on the first three points of this game. Life is so much easier when you’re on song with your first serve. I say that to myself every day. Another big serve polishes off the game.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 4-3 Wawrinka (*denotes serve): Djokovic gathers his thoughts and wins three quick points to take a 40-0 lead. He holds when Wawrinka sends a hopeful volley wide. Djokovic is playing some way below his normal level at the moment, but Wawrinka will need to watch out in the next game. You shouldn’t always judge Djokovic by his body language. Sometimes it’s just a bluff, all part of the plan.
Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 3-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes serve): It’s a fascinating match, but the quality could be higher. A great match is struggling to break out. It could happen belatedly, especially if we get more Wawrinka backhands as classy as the one that wins him the first point of this game. Djokovic remains a threat, however, and he finds the depth with a backhand to take the game to 30-all. Wawrinka comes up with the goods, though, a forehand down the line overwhelming Djokovic, who then slaps a forehand return into the net. Djokovic isn’t happy. He’s moping around a fair bit.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 3-2 Wawrinka (*denotes serve): Wawrinka is back! Smash! 0-15! He lashes a backhand into the corner and puts away a volley! 0-30! Then Djokovic nets a forehand and that’s 0-40! Three break points! Djokovic comes to the net, but Wawrinka swipes a backhand from left to right and Djokovic’s desperate volley spins wide. How does he respond? By lashing a ball in the direction of his box, almost hitting a line judge on the way. Careful.
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Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 3-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes serve): A baffling start to the game from Djokovic. Two poorly judged drop-shots into the net give Wawrinka a 30-0 lead. Enough foolishness. He plays the next point clinically, blootering an emphatic forehand past Wawrinka, who then lets himself down with two awful errors to make it 30-40. Yet Wawrinka restores a semblance of order to his game, saving the break point with a big serve that forces Djokovic to knock a forehand wide. Wawrinka holds. He’s not out of it yet.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 3-0 Wawrinka (*denotes serve): Djokovic has woken up. He’s playing with intensity again and Wawrinka has picked a bad time to dip. Meanwhile this week’s Joy of Six is about Roger Federer and it’s by, er, me. Feast your eyes upon its magnificence.
Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 2-0 Wawrinka* (*denotes serve): Having held Wawrinka off in that last game, it would be classic Djokovic to break here and he bursts into life with a whipcrack forehand pass that makes it 15-30. Soon he has two break points and his stubborn defence gradually frustrates Wawrinka, who keeps more and more power into his shots, until one finally goes long, handing Djokovic a very welcome break.
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Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-6, 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes serve): Djokovic needs to move up a few gears here. He’s in a match now - and Wawrinka hammers that home by whistling a forehand past him to claim the first point of the third set and more passive tennis from Djokovic leaves him in a quandary at 30-40. Wawrinka throws a few bombs at Djokovic. But his aim is awry when he goes for a huge backhand. The game goes to deuce and stays there for a while. Wawrinka thinks he’s got another break point at one stage, but a challenge from Djokovic shows that it was well wide, and eventually Wawrinka nets a forehand. Djokovic digs deep. “I would say quite a lot actually, at Wimbledon, the US Open and the 2nd time they met in Australia I think it played a part,” says Alan Robertson. “US Open 2012 – Djoko had to come out on Sunday to finish his match, murray won in the 5th when Djokovic’s comeback was halted. Australian Open 2013 – Murray played 5 verse Federer, looked knackered by the third set after the first two were so gruelling. Wimbledon Djokovic never got started and murray pulled him apart, Djokovic’s 5 setter versus Del Potro I think played a small part. I don’t think it mattered in 2011 but for the record Djokovic had the easier match in the semi-finals and the day’s rest there too, so for not mattering very much it seems they’ve split their finals according to who was the most rested.”
STANISLAS WAWRINKA WINS THE SECOND SET 6-3 TO LEVEL THE MATCH
Wakey wakey, Novak. He belts a simple forehand into the net to hand Wawrinka the first point and the game is slipping away when an ace soars past him to make it 30-0. Wawrinka then chucks a boulder down the line and clunks away a smash to make it 40-0. Hey, he’s got three set points! A big serve out wide and Djokovic’s backhand return sails long and the match is level! It’s the first set Djokovic has dropped in the tournament and it’s a fine response from Wawrinka. Maybe we’re going to get our classic after all.
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Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 3-5 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka is buzzing now, successfully reaching a Djokovic slice and sending a splendid forehand down the line on the run to make it 15-all. But Djokovic knuckles down and takes the next two points, before Wawrinka overcooks a forehand. He’ll now serve for the second set. Can he do it? You never know when Novak Djokovic is on the other side of the net. “Should this match be a five-set marathon, we’ll no doubt hear how good that is for Andy Murray, especially with the odd scheduling of one semi the day after the other,” says David Hopkins. “But how much effect does that really have? Will a player be markedly more fatigued if he plays for four hours rather than three?” It’s an advantage, but only a small one. They’re peak athletes.
Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 2-5 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Students of history, or those who can remember as far back as 30 minutes ago, will recall that Wawrinka couldn’t push home his advantage when he broke Djokovic in the first set. And it’s a dodgy start to this game, failing to put away a smash and allowing Djokovic to pass him with a forehand. But he stays cool. He makes it 15-all with an ace and soon Djokovic is staring at his box after two limp shots make it 40-15. But Wawrinka still can’t get Djokovic off his back, the world No1 putting up strong resistance and taking the game to deuce. Suddenly Djokovic is striking the ball with authority. But Wawrinka is undeterred. He scorches a backhand down the line to earn the advantage and holds when Djokovic nets a backhand. This match has a different complexion all of a sudden. It’s Djokovic who’s gasping for air.
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Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 2-4 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Where’s 2014 Wawrinka gone? Are we going to see 2014 Wawrinka? I’d like to see 2014 Wawrinka. There’s no sign of him at 30-0. But suddenly he pops out, winning the next two points, making it 30-all with a stunning backhand down the line. Djokovic thinks he’ll try one of those too but he picks the wrong moment to pull the trigger and his backhand goes wide, giving Wawrinka a break point. Djokovic misses his first serve and then recklessly goes for it on the second serve - but overcooks it and the ball flies long! Wawrinka breaks! This is a really weird match.
Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 2-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): The first two points are shared, but Wawrinka wins the third and fourth, working Djokovic over with a couple of cracking forehands and a stinging backhand. That’s more like it. Djokovic has a good old chunter and promptly makes it 40-30 with a big return. But Wawrinka holds as Djokovic fails to time a forehand properly.
Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 2-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka shouts at himself after trying to beat Djokovic with an ambitious forehand lob from the baseline. No dice. Unfortunately Djokovic is not 2ft tall and as such, it’s an easy task for him to put his smash away for 30-0. Djokovic then comes up with a gorgeous drop-volley for 40-0. He holds to love. This is not as electrifying as we thought it might be.
Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): A sixth ace from Wawrinka gives him a 30-0 lead and then he unloads with a backhand to make it 40-0. There was a lot of frustration packed into that shot. He holds when Djokovic nets a backhand return.
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Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka is making so many unforced errors. Too many. He won’t win playing like this.
Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 0-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): There’s no point hyping it up. That was a scrappy, error-strewn first set. It wasn’t pretty. But that’s always going to suit Djokovic better. But now he appears to be moving ominously into The Zone, carving out two break points at the start of the second set. It’s looking bleak for Wawrinka - but Djokovic lets him wriggle clear by missing two forehands. Wawrinka was in danger of being sunk there, but instead he clambers on to the nearest available lifeboat and wins the game with an ace that just kisses the line. What an important hold that could be.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS THE FIRST SET 7-6
First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 7-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): This tie-break has been an unmitigated disaster for Wawrinka. He completely mishits another forehand, the ball wonking off into the distance, and that’s all Djokovic needs to take the first set. Wawrinka has a mountain to climb now. [alanpartridge]And that mountain is called Mount Djokovic.[/alanpartridge]
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First-set tie-break: Djokovic 6-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): No more hope. Wawrinka nets a forehand, his 15th unforced error, and Djokovic has set point.
First-set tie-break: Djokovic 5-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Djokovic gives Wawrinka the tiniest bit of hope by missing a backhand return down the line.
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First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka whistles a backhand pass just wide. Poor Stan.
First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 4-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka nets a forehand return.
First-set tie-break: Djokovic 3-0 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka balloons a backhand horribly wide. This has gone south very quickly.
First-set tie-break: Djokovic 2-0 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): A Djokovic shot clips the top of the net and Wawrinka can’t quite adjust with his volley, making it an easy task for Djokovic to lift a backhand lob over his stranded opponent.
First-set tie-break: Djokovic* 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka drags a backhand inches wide. He challenges, but Hawkeye refuses to come to his aid.
First set: Djokovic 6-6 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): There’s the Wawrinka backhand! He zooms one down the line for 15-0 and then races into a 40-0 lead. Is it to be a tie-break? Yes.
First set: Djokovic* 6-5 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Djokovic takes a chance by coming to the net on the first point. The ball is on Wawrinka’s racquet, but he mistimes his forehand and it barely reaches the net. From there, it’s a regulation hold for Djokovic, thrusting the pressure back on to Wawrinka.
First set: Djokovic 5-5 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): The warning signs are there for Wawrinka when he wallops a forehand into the net to make it 0-15. Then he can’t find his range with a backhand at 15-all, flaying it wide. Djokovic likes what he sees. He likes it a lot. He likes it even more when Wawrinka plops a second serve right into his strike zone and his backhand forces Wawrinka to net a backhand, giving Djokovic two set points. Wawrinka saves the first with a big serve and then Djokovic’s forehand lets him down. Deuce. Wawrinka then wills two aces down the middle. Panic over. Never in doubt. Not for a single second.
First set: Djokovic* 5-4 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Djokovic doesn’t mess around on the first two points, shaking off whatever malaise was afflicting him a few minutes ago, and taking a 30-0 lead. Wawrinka hits back with one of those acidic backhands but Djokovic isn’t in the mood for any more nonsense and holds to 15. Wawrinka will serve to stay in the first set and he needs to get his head back in the game.
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First set: Djokovic 4-4 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): There’s a bit of needle to this match now. During the changeover, the trainer put some drops in Wawrinka’s eyes, while a furious Djokovic smashed his racquet into itty bitty little pieces. He’s livid with himself. That was such a sloppy game. But Novak Djokovic knows how to fight. Wawrinka makes life difficult for himself with two jittery errors that make it 0-30 and Djokovic earns three break points with a splendid rally, overpowering Wawrinka with a fizzing cross-court forehand from right to left. Wawrinka panics. He knocks a forehand long and Djokovic immediately breaks back! What an odd few minues.
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First set: Djokovic* 3-4 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka’s trainer has appeared, so it seems less likely that his loss of temper had anything to do with Djokovic’s entourage. It’s not clear what’s ailing him. But he’s hopping up and down on the baseline when he has a 15-30 lead after a couple of Djokovic errors, and then he yelps a “Come on!” after Djokovic fires long, giving him two break points! Well! Who saw this coming? Djokovic’s serve is testing, but Wawrinka returns with interest and Djokovic ends up battering a forehand past the baseline! Wawrinka is the first to break. And on comes the trainer.
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First set: Djokovic 3-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): During the changeover, Wawrinka lets fly at James Keothavong, the umpire, with a string of expletives. Then he glares at Djokovic’s box. What’s riled Wawrinka here? He completely lost it! Has he been watching Kim Sears? Incidentally has there been a more important news story this year than Kim Sears swearing? One for a parliamentary select committee, perhaps. It looks like that little outburst is going to cost Wawrinka initially, as Djokovic grabs a 0-30 lead. He fights back to 40-30, the game goes to deuce and Wawrinka holds.
First set: Djokovic* 3-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): A slight worry for Wawrinka might be that he’s yet to hurt Djokovic in the longer rallies. He’s making a few loose errors and he’s not been able to move Djokovic around or let fly with that majestic backhand of his. Then again, it’s not easy when Djokovic is serving with this much poise, accuracy and venom.
First set: Djokovic 2-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): The serving clinic continues when Wawrinka bangs down an ace on the first point, although Djokovic then wins his first point when returning when Wawrinka drifts a slice long. Djokovic isn’t quite into his returning rhythm yet, however, and Wawrinka holds to 15. They’re just feeling each other out at the moment.
First set: Djokovic* 2-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Djokovic bounces the ball a few times and then whizzes an ace right down the middle, Wawrinka nowhere near it. He’s been serving so well over the past fortnight. At 40-0, he belts a scorching serve out wide and again Wawrinka can’t extend far enough to reach it. This has been a typically efficient start from the world No1.
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First set: Djokovic 1-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka bustles into a 40-0 lead thanks to some excellent serving. He doesn’t look nervous. He looks like he’s got a job to do. He holds to love when Djokovic sends a forehand long.
First set: Djokovic* 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): It’s time for the second men’s Australian Open semi-final. Who will earn the right to play Andy Murray in Sunday’s final? We’ll know in ... well, I’m not sure when we’ll know. This could take a while. Although the opening game doesn’t. Djokovic holds to 15, the only blip a double-fault at 30-0.
Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re knocking up.
Here come the players. Stan Wawrinka walks out first, followed closely by Novak Djokovic. Hopefully this is going to be a closer match than their last one, when Djokovic beat Wawrinka 6-3, 6-0 in London in November.
Preamble
Morning. Stanislas Wawrinka tried, failed, tried again, failed again, failed better and then, after all that trying and failing and trying and failing better, he won. He had been threatening it for a while. Two years ago, he pushed Novak Djokovic all the way in their Australian Open fourth-round match and would later go the distance with him in their US Open semi-final. Djokovic won both times, but it was obvious that Wawrinka was getting closer - and then, finally, he beat him. He had to win the fifth set of their Australian Open quarter-final 9-7 last year, but he beat him and then he beat Tomas Berdych and then he beat Rafael Nadal and the trophy was his. For the first time in his career, the trophy was his.
The memory of that stunning run to glory in Melbourne a year ago will fuel Wawrinka’s belief today. Initially he struggled to deal with his new status as a grand slam champion, after so many years scrabbling away just outside the elite. He went on to lose in the first round of the French Open and the quarter-finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open, rarely finding the form that had earned him entry into that exclusive little club that had been occupied by the Big Four for five years. Yet he likes this tournament and he looked in good shape in his straight-sets victory over the dangerous Kei Nishikori in his quarter-final on Wednesday. Djokovic is yet to be tested in this tournament and the world No1 is the favourite, but not the overwhelming favourite. He knows how dangerous Wawrinka can be. This could be another classic.
They are playing for the right to: face Andy Murray in Sunday’s final.
They will be doing so from: around 8.30am GMT.
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