The stage is set for an epic encounter between World Number 1 Novak Djokovic and US Open champion Andy Murray.

Born exactly a week apart, Murray and Djokovic have played each other 17 times - including two Grand Slam finals.

The Serbian triumphed in straight sets when they faced off in the 2011 Australian Open, before Murray returned the favour in last year’s US Open final.

Australian Open 2011

Djokovic has an excellent record on the hard courts of the Australian, winning in 2008, 2011, and 2012, while Murray had reached the 2010 final.

On his way to the 2011 final, Djokovic won every match in straights sets – with the exception of his second round contest against Croatian Ivan Dodic, while Murray had cruised through the early rounds, before dispatching Alexandr Dolgopolov and David Ferrer in four sets in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.

But the 2011 final, proved to be a walkover for Djokovic who was a comfortable straight sets winner over the Scot by 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 scoreline.

The Serbian made better use of his serve during the match, winning 70 per cent on his first serve and 60 per cent on his second serve. In contrast Murray struggled, particularly with his second serve, winning just 31 per cent of his second serve points.

Murray also made 47 unforced errors, 14 more than Djokovic. 

2012 US Open  

By the time the duo met in the 2012 US Open final, Murray was yet to win a Grand Slam while Djokovic had already won five times. The Scot had also just suffered the heartbreak of losing to Roger Federer at an emotional Wimbledon final just weeks before – although Olympic Gold on the same court two weeks later would have boosted his confidence.

That US Open final saw Djokovic make far more unforced errors – 65 in all to his opponent’s 56. In comparison to his 2011 Australian Open defeat, Murray’s percentage of points won on his first serve was not much higher. But he managed to win 48 per cent of points on his second serve.

Meanwhile Djokovic’s serve was not as dominant, winning 63 per cent and 42 per cent on his first and second serves respectively, although the Serb had more winners.

With both players more evenly matched it set up a nerve-jangling finale with Murray prevailing 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in five sets.