SCOT Andy Murray is just one win from Grand Slam glory and I reckon it will be third time lucky for the British No.1 when he contests the Australian Open final early on Sunday morning.
Murray, who lost in the 2008 US Open final, booked his second-successive spot in the Melbourne final after seeing off gutsy Spaniard David Ferrer on Friday.
A third 3-1 victory in a row for the popular Scot would be a mammoth result for British tennis and would surely lead to cries of “Sir Andy Murray”.
Bookies certainly won't be looking to knight me after my tips on his quarter-final and semi-final showdowns.
I took Murray to win both 3-1 at odds of 11-4 and 13-5 respectively.
If he delivers that elusive first Slam on Sunday who knows how many he could go on to win with so many years left in the sport.
But let's not get carried away. World No.3 Novak Djokovic, the younger of his good friend by a week, stands in the way and should not be pushed aside.
Both players came through the various age groups together and know each other's tennis well.
Djokovic, who has reached two US Open finals, has been over the course Down Under, having grabbed his only Grand Slam here in 2008.
He has the edge on the head to head at 4-3 but not so long ago that record was 4-0 because world No.5 Murray was unable to get the better of the Serb.
Times have changed, however, and having won the last three he clearly has the beating of his rival.
Murray, in fact, has grabbed the last six sets against Djokovic, straight-set wins in the finals of the ATP Masters events in Miami and Cincinnati in 2009 and 2008 respectively.
Earlier in 2008 he grabbed his maiden win over the Serb in the quarter-finals of the ATP Master event in Toronto.
The duo are determined and both believe they can triumph on Sunday. I can't see this final being over in straight sets unless someone immediately takes a stranglehold on proceedings.
It's going to be at least four but a marathon five-setter is more likely. Djokovic, who has enjoyed an extra day's rest after Thursday's semi-final win over Roger Federer, is the bookies favourite and is best priced at 8-11 with Betfred and William Hill. Murray is 11-8 with Victor Chandler.
My investment will go on Murray 3-2 (6-1, Skybet and Stan James) but I may cover myself on 3-1 just in case (9-2, Bodog, bet365).
Djokovic to win in five sets is 11-2 with Betfred, a 3-1 win for the Serb is 7-2 with Blue Square and 888sport.
Murray to win in straight sets is 6-1 with Blue Square and 888sport, a Djokovic whitewash 4-1 (William Hill).
Ace bet
- Murray 3-2 (6-1, Skybet and Stan James)
Final gets underway on Sunday at 8.40 approx (GMT). Live on BBC1.
