Djokovic saw off the challenge of fifth seed Ferrer 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 in Wednesday night’s quarter-final on the Rod Laver Arena.

The world number one’s reward is a clash with British hope Murray in the last four, a repeat of the 2011 final which the Serb won in straight sets to set the tone for a year of dominance.

Djokovic secured the opening break in the fifth game before going on to serve out the first set in 58 minutes.

But the Serb was being made to work hard for every point and cut an increasingly unhappy figure, clutching his leg during breaks in play despite appearing to move freely when the action resumed.

“It was a great match. We played almost three hours. I was lucky to get out of the second set and it was a big mental advantage to get 2-0 up.”

On his next match against Murray, Djokovic added: “I’m going to need more than that. Andy is playing great, he has shown he’s in great shape and has Ivan Lendl on his side.

“He is physically fit and eager to win his first grand slam.”