Djokovic vs. Murray: Melbourne Tale Of The Tape

© Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic has hit 64 backhand winners, 36 more than Australian Open final opponent Andy Murray.

Here is a statistical preview of the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, courtesy Leo Levin, of IDS.

Djokovic Highlights:
• Strong serving 1st and 2nd serves - 66% 1st serves in play - 80% won on 1st serves -  66% won on 2nd serves
• Solid returning - especially against 2nd serves (57% won) - won 32% of return games
• He's won 57% of his baseline points (best in the tournament) and has shown great balance from the backcourt - 85 forehand winners - 64 backhand winners

Murray Highlights:
• Very effective 1st serve - 71 aces - 75% 1st serve points won - 35% not returned - 2nd serve can be an issue - only 2 double faults, but won less than 40% on 2nd serve against Berankis and Chardy (won over 60% against Sousa and Federer)
• Great return of serve - 79% hit back in play - won 36% returning 1st serves and 62% returning 2nd serves - converted 54% of his break chances - broke serve 41 times in 92 return games (45%)
• Forehand has been his dominant shot from the backcourt (71 winners) - backhand, not so much (28 winners in 6 matches

Match-up:
This is a match-up between two of the best hard court players in the game. Both players have served well to get to the final with Djokovic having the edge in 2nd serve performance.  Murray has been the best returner of serve in the tournament, breaking serve 45% of the time. From the backcourt they both are lightning fast and cover the entire court well.  The forehand battle seems to be pretty even while the backhand battle favors Djokovic. 

Djokovic has put in more time on court than Murray, but he's had an extra day to plot and plan...and rest.  The challenge for Murray will be to impose his game on Djokovic's without adding to the unforced error total.  Controlled Aggression is the key phrase for this match.