How Murray made the final

1. Murray wins 6-7 (6-8) 6-0 6-3 7-5
2. Murray through to fourth Australian Open final
3. Scot will play winner of Djokovic v Wawrinka semi-final

So, Andy Murray is back. Some doubted him last year; his decisions were questioned, there was talk of a new generation emerging to wipe away the old guard, but it's the familiar names which remain in this tournament.

Andy Murray is through to the final and either top seed Novak Djokovic or defending champion Stan Wawrinka will join him. To find out who comes out on top of what is likely to be an epic battle, join us on Friday for more game-by-game coverage. Thanks, as always, for your chit-chat. Bye for now.

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Andrew Neill: As long as Murray doesn't do what he did in 2010 (play amazing attacking tennis up to semis then defensive only in final) he can win.

Saarah Farooqi: Go Mauresemo - she's put up with a lot of stick. This seems to be the start of another great partnership.

DeathApeDisco: If Murray had lost to Berdych, questions would have been asked. The real tests of his coaching partnership are Novak and Rafa.

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James, Warrington: Allow me to get ridiculously over excited for a minute, if he wins on Sunday he goes in to Roland Garros looking for the career grand slam. He couldn't could he?!

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Want to know how Andy Murray fares in Sunday's final? Luckily you are in the right place. BBC Sport will have comprehensive coverage across television, radio and, of course, online.

The match will be live on BBC One at 08:15 GMT, with online text commentary and BBC Radio 5 live coverage starting slightly earlier. Set your alarm clocks, folks.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Murray has been asked by ESPN just how satisfying that win was, and he cannot suppress a grin. "Very satisfying. Very satisfying." He reasserts his earlier on-court view that coach Amelie Mauresmo took 'a lot of unfair criticism' last year, and then heads into the warren of tunnels beneath Rod Laver Arena and has a long chat with mum Judy."

The question is: can Murray become the first man in the Open Era to win the Australian Open title after losing three finals? The sixth seed was runner-up in 2010, 2011 and 2013 but no-one is a bridesmaid on four occasions, surely?

Andy Murray is through to his eighth Grand Slam final and is closing in on Fred Perry's record of 10 Grand Slam finals. The British number one is also now equal 13th, alongside Ken Rosewall and Guillermo Vilas, on the list of most Grand Slam finals reached in the Open Era. Only three active players have made more Grand Slam finals. There are no prizes for guessing the three. Not even a token doff of the cap.

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Dom Bourke: Good to see Murray back competing at the top! Australian Open seems to be his home from home.

Benjamin Watts: Plenty of praise for Team Murray-Mauresmo from Andy. Points out Madison Keys coached by Lindsay Davenport. New trend emerging?

Simon Mirren: Superb interview underlines Murray a figure at total peace with his game. Spoke brilliantly about Mauresmo.

Player reaction

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Andy Murray on the impact of his coach Amelie Mauresmo: "A lot of people criticised me working with her and we've shown this week that women can be very good coaches as well.

"I'm very thankful to Amelie for doing it. It was a brave choice from her to do it and hopefully I can repay her in a few days."

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"Murray was very aggressive, took charge and, overall, it was a very good performance. Berdych has played well in these two weeks, and once again it shows how difficult it is to play against Murray. He was brilliant. He is very close to being back to his best."

Player reaction

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Andy Murray: "There was little bit extra tension - it was a big match. A lot was made about Dani Vallverdu, my former coach, working with Tomas. But we've been friends since we were 15 years old and I felt that the focus was unfair and unnecessary.

"This is sport - and there's more to life than sport. It created a bit of extra tension but everyone calmed down after start of the match"

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Asked whether he'll be watching Friday's semi-final against Novak Djokovic and Stanislas Wawrinka, Murray says: "I will try to watch a little bit but judging their matches in the last couple of years I might be in bed before the end. Both have been playing well and whoever has tickets for that one will be very lucky."

Aggression the key for Murray

Murray thinks there's a punchbag near his chair as he's repeatedly punching thin air. He's clearly delighted to have won that match.

"I was disappointed to lose the first set, I had a couple of chances at the end, I was disappointed but felt I started to play better as the set went on and I was very aggressive at the beginning of the second set.," says Murray. "I changed tactics a little bit and I was getting more comfortable with the conditions, with Tomas's ball. He hits the ball hard and I got used to that. I tried to play aggressive, after losing a tough one like the first it was important to get the momentum back."

Game, set and match

EPA

Berdych has had opportunities in this set, but he's wasted every single one. It'll be a sleepless night for the seventh seed this evening should he go on to lose this match, which he probably will. Two easy points for Murray...a serve into the ribcage nearly knocks Berdych onto the canvas, the Czech's knees are wobbling, Murray with a forehand winner - three match points Murray. And a thigh-slappingly good ace down the middle is his coupe de grace.

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Graham Goddard: Being a stay at home dad has its advantages, come on Murray almost there.

Murray breaks

Pat Cash

1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It has been a very focused performance from Murray. He has applied pressure and Berdych has sprayed a couple of shots. Berdych will be hoping Murray cracks in the next game and drops a second serve short.

"Berdych is going to have to come up with something special and take a bit of a risk."

Murray breaks

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Berdych with an iffy overhead, Murray's eyes widen but he's a fraction long with the improvised lob from way beyond the baseline and the Scot merely gives out an anguished cry as he watches the ball bounce two inches long. Matter not, Murray goes 15-30 up - and a double fault from Berdych gifts Murray with two break points. The sharks are circling around Berdych's feet. Der-dum-der-dum. Murray has won five of nine break points so far so the odds are against the Czech.... Der-dum-der-dum... And Murray goes in for the kill! Well, Berdych biffs a backhand long.

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Simon: Can't ignore the significance of Murray's extra days rest (if he gets through) given Djokovic and Stan's history of five setters.

The spectators purr as Murray lobs Berdych, turning the Czech on his heels, the ball is still in play but not for long as the Scot comes out on top. Murray adds a 14th ace of a match to the stats but from 40-0 up he's having to defend a slender advantage at 40-30. Kim Sears can be seen nervously tapping her knee, whispering "come on" from the sidelines. Berdych with an iffy return and another tie-break could be in store.

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Ian Rhodes: Been a good performance by Murray but will not get away with Djokovic/Wawrinka missing chances like this if he makes the final.

All Murray has to do is break Berdych in this game, hold his next serve and he's through to the final. Peasy. Not so easily done in practice, although Murray's giving it a shot - unleashing a phenomenal return to level at 30-30. Berdych under pressure but remains as cool as a cucumber which has been wrapped in an ice pack and kept in the freezer. He forces Murray down a blind alley and beats him with a stonking forehand. The Czech comes through the test with credit, hitting without fear to dismiss Murray's threat.

EPA

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Andrew Murfin, Isle of Man: The way top level sport is Murray needs to close this match off whilst he has a slight ascendancy. Will need everything for the next match.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"That was a big opportunity for Berdych - and he didn't take it. It is not often that you get three second serves in a row, at that pace, and not do much with it. You could see Murray say to himself in that final point: 'I'm not having another second serve'. And he slowed it right down."

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"Argh" screams Berdych as he clobbers a tame Murray second serve into the net. That should have been a free lunch for the Czech and he knows it. A second bite for Berdych, though, as another second serve comes his way and he steps in to put away a forehand return. 30-30. Second serve after second serve from Murray, three on the trot, but Berdych is letting his opponent get away with such sloppiness. Finally, a first serve from Murray and Berdych's return goes long.

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Tom W: A lot more exciting than my materials lecture. Come on Andy!

AP

Bravo! Murray swinging loose on the forehand and his wizardry beats Berdych. The Scot flares his nostrils, clenches his fist and nods his head in admiration of his own brilliance. But one shot doesn't make a game and at 40-30 Berdych should have this one wrapped up. What would be winners against many an opponent are made to look like average groundstrokes against Murray, such is the Scot's defensive skills, but, eventually - after two big forehands into the corner, Berdych sees off the threat with an overhead.

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Danny, Liverpool: Murray has played some great tennis but has been well aided by Dimitrov and now Berdych's lack of composure in key moments.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"Couple of gifts for Murray in that game. There was hesitation from Berdych, who had a chance on the backhand and lost the advantage. Gutsy play from Murray though."

"Yay" sings a lone voice in the crowd as Berdych, lunging on the baseline, ends a rally by netting a forehand. A 13th ace from Murray and the Scot is 30-0 up. Berdych nibbles at Murray's lead, though, firing a series of forehand into Murray's backhand corner before seeing his opponent off with an overhead. A nibble turns into a big bite at 30-30... decibels rise inside the arena... Berdych with a fine return, forcing Murray to play, the Scot screwing his forehand into the barrier - Berdych with a break point. Masterful recovery from the Scot, an indecisive Berdych caught in no-man's land and Murray passes him. Danger averted.

Has someone switched off the lights? Possibly. Murray comes a cropper on his backhand. Second break point Berdych. Second break point saved - Berdych botching his return. Deuce. Advantage. A momentum-changing crosscourt backhand from Murray, defence has been turned into attack, and Berdych goes long. And that's the sound of the Czech's chances whistling in the wind...

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Former women's world number one Victoria Azarenka: The level that tennis is at at the moment, men and women, is super exciting...

Pat Cash

1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

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"Murray is very annoyed with himself. But I don't think there was a lot wrong - you've got to give credit where credit is due.

"Berdych came up with a couple of good second serves and two great first serves. Murray just wants to intensify the pressure."

A collective intake of breath from the spectators as they watch a Murray down-the-line forehand curl in... a surprised Berdych nets and seeds of doubt are being sown at 30-30. Berdych wriggles free, though, Murray letting an opportunity slip on the Berdych second serve and the Czech wraps up the game with an angry overhead. Talking of angry, a frustrated Murray growls on the baseline, wondering about the ifs and buts which passed him by in that game.

Two female spectators wave to the camera once they've noticed they're on the big screen. They don't seem particularly embarrassed that pictures of them wearing elaborate headwear - swimming caps which have been made to look like tennis balls - are being broadcast around the world. No drama to write about in this game. An ace takes Murray to 40-15. Berdych looks towards the line judge. Oof, that was an evil stare. Murray lasers a backhand down the line, Berdych can do little but net and we're all-square once more.

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Captain P: On a train from Stansted to Birmingham. Intermittent signal. Come on Murray. Keep me entertained and drain my battery.

@RoryMcIlLroy

World number one golfer Rory McIlroy: Solid start here at the Dubai Desert Classic. Relaxed afternoon watching this... Come on Andy Murray!!!

Much like the third set, both players have found their serving groove early in the set. Three points in quick succession for Berdych for 40-0 and it ends up as a hold to 15, with Murray unable to keep his return on target. The calm before the storm. It's only a matter of time until the fireworks start popping and the set explodes into action.

EPA

As David Attenborough would say, what we have here is a creature of rare athletic ability. A Scot who possesses the speed of a panther around the baseline; the strength of a wild beast to launch powerful serves beyond his opponent; and the mind to keep his rival guessing with every toss. An impressive service game from Murray as he holds with little fuss.

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Gary Woodhall: Awesome! Come on Murray, kill this match and conserve some energy for the final.

Alice Stainer: Take eye off live text update for few minutes and match has swung more than most swingy swingometer. This is more like it Murray!

Charles Shires: Incredible two sets from Andy. I think we could be looking at the Australian Open champion of 2015!

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Interesting to see Murray reading notes at the changeover, maybe making a very visual point about tactics after suggesting in the pre-match media conferences that the Berdych camp should be able to come up with the 'perfect game plan' to beat him. Or maybe it's Wolf Hall."

AP

Murray's ability to artfully manipulate his opponent thanks to his incredible ability to fetch and retrieve all day long means Berdych is now drinking in the last chance saloon. He's just got to win this set. The Czech opens with a trouble-free hold to 15. A teenage-like shrug of the shoulder from Murray as he nets a forehand on what ends up being the final point.

Murray wins third set

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"Berdych is struggling with his first serve percentage now. The crucial thing in that set was the three double faults by Berdych, particularly two going in that game where he was 40-0 ahead. It was a strange game with someone of Berdych's experience doing that.

"Murray served very well and dominated but that was a gift at this level - and you take it with both hands."

Game and third set

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Whoosh! That's the sound of a Murray ace, his eighth of the match, hurtling down the middle for 30-15. The Scot untroubled, although Berdych unleashes a venomous forehand winner to show that he still has some tricks up his sleeve. But a riled Murray responds with a bazooka of an ace to the wings and the British number one is a set away from a fourth Australian Open final.

Berdych serving to stay in the set and, you sense, should he lose this set Murray will (should) march on into the final for a showdown against either Novak Djokovic or Stan Wawrinka. But let's not start counting chickens just yet.

At 40-0 Berdych double faults, but in this game he regains his composure, with a passive crosscourt drop shot from Murray, allowing the Czech to hold to 15.

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Rat-a-tat-tat. How easy was that? A nod of approval from Kim Sears, she then clenches her fist as Murray holds to love. Berdych's sparkle has been dimmed.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"That was a gift for Murray. In the end he had to work hard but it was the sort of game where if you're Berdych and you lose the match, your coach will say afterwards: 'What were you thinking?'

"Berdych was 40-0 up, made two double faults, then a forehand error. He basically handed that break over to Murray. Now he is in big trouble."

Murray breaks

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The third set has turned into a game of chess. Both players serving with gusto, matching the other game for game which spectators are forced to wait until someone makes their crowning move.

Having said that, Berdych coughs up a couple of double faults and the door is slightly ajar for Murray. Berdych into the tramlines... Murray's tapping turned into a wallop of a knock...

A dreamy backhand return from Murray, a wrong-footed Berdych goes into the net, and from 40-0 down, the Scot has break point. The Scot wielding a hammer and preparing to bludgeon the door off its hinges... Berdych creaking, but his makeshift defence holding Murray off. For now.

A crosscourt forehand from Murray sets him up for a stunning forehand winner. Second break point. A baseline slug-fest ensues. From side to side they shuffle, supernaturally good from Murray, a thunderclap of a forehand and he's broken Berdych!

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Donal, Co.Fermanagh: Come on Murray. Outstanding three sets of tennis so far. Unlucky not to take the chance to win the first set but been aggressive since then. Early break now in third set and I think Murray will take it in four sets.

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Dannii Minogue watching on from the posh seats, possibly impressed as Murray wins three points in succession. No sign of big sister, Kylie, however. We should be so lucky, eh. [Tumbleweed]. Anyway... A blip from the British number one as he hits a forehand into the tramlines, but it's a minor fault. Murray holds to 15.

Only two Czech men have reached the Australian Open final in the Open era. Should Berdych beat Murray today, he will become the first Czech player to reach the final since Petr Korda did so in 1998. Enough of the stats, though, because Berdych is racing through this game. A blemish-free hold from the seventh seed, not giving Murray a whiff of a sniff.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

AP

"Murray looks very comfortable now. At the beginning he was on the back foot but he has been more aggressive since the start of the second set, keeping Berdych on the back foot.

"Berdych has somehow got to hold his serve and try something different on the Murray serve. At the moment he doesn't look like breaking his serve and getting back into this match."

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Craig Williams: Glad I swapped shifts to nights tonight, hope this is done before mid afternoon nap!

Sue Tyhurst: Dogs crossing their legs and need to walk them before work at 1pm, Go Muzza!!

Paul Moody: Come on Andy! I've got a driving lesson at 1:20! Get it done in four sets please!

EPA

I'm on my second warning because I've yet to mention that you can watch the first and second set highlights at the top of this page. There. I've done it. (Ed, the security guards take a few steps back now). At 30-15, Berdych finds himself in the line of fire, the sixth seed with an ace down the middle. The Scot 40-15 up and seals the deal with little fuss. "Come on," mouths Murray's fiancee Kim Sears as she proudly watches her beau.

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Tom, London: Re Terry at 10.26. I'm 100% behind you mate. Tuned in for the tie break and Andy loses. Restricted myself to live text ever since and look what happens. Come on Andy!

Berdych has lost seven games on the trot and must stop the rot if he is to experience a revival in this match. Murray has a bucket-full of confidence at the moment, though, regularly visiting the net and it's one of those visits which forces Berdych to dribble a forehand into the tramlines. Questions being asked at 40-30... Berdych with a second serve... Murray's eyes light up... the Scot jumps in, but flashes his return into the tape. Opportunity missed.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"Andy Murray took the best that Berdych had in that game and still came out ahead. Berdych was hitting groundstrokes with pace, like he did at the start of the first, but Murray kept coming back."

Vote result

The match may be level at one set all, but the vote tells a different story, with 72.2% backing Andy Murray to make his fourth Australian Open final.

Tomas, over to you to prove them wrong…

o

EPA

Here we go then. We're even-stevens. Level-pegging. Momentum has swung one way and then another. Berdych was on top, now Murray is king of the hill. The third set is a fresh start and the first blow goes to Berdych, but he doesn't have the lead for too long, a loose backhand return gifting Murray an easy point.

Berdych stepping in from the baseline, forcing Murray on his heels and crunches a forehand winner into the corner. There's fire in the Czech's belly once more. 30-30. "Come on," yells Murray, a familiar cry when an opponent falters and he wins a point. 40-30. The Scot dominant on the next point... forward he goes... feather-soft volley at the net... Berdych sent packing.

Former British number one Greg Rusedski: Wow! What a role reversal. One way traffic from Murray in second set. Let's see what Berdych is made of. We know what Murray is made of.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"That got pretty ugly for Berdych from 30-0 in the second game, and he ended up with just one winner in the set compared to 16 in the first. Murray hit three fewer with seven but dramatically cut down the errors from 18 to three. Which all adds up to 6-0."

Murray wins second set

Pat Cash

1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Wow, I'd never have picked that one ending 6-0. Murray didn't do an awful lot, he applied a bit of pressure and Berdych unravelled.

"Murray started the set aggressively which is what he didn't do in the first. Berdych has disappeared off court - he'd be crazy not to disappear, go to the toilet and have a break. He lost his intensity."

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Jay Miller: Murray has dropped a metaphorical piledriver on the second set.

Terry Mahoney: I watch it, he's losing. I stop watching it, he is 4-0 up in the second. I'm relying on you, please keep me informed.

Craig Wilson: Boarding flight shortly from Heathrow to Brussels. Hoping Andy Murray is in the final by the time I land.

Game and second set

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Berdych is getting a beating. Should he just wave the white flag and conserve some energy for the next set? It won't be long until the Czech loses a set for the first time in this tournament and there's no sign of Berdych wanting to delay the inevitable as Murray skips to a 0-30 lead.

Berdych hauls himself back into contention though, levelling at 30-30. "Andy!" screams Andy as he butchers a simple-looking backhand. A messy game proceeds to deuce... splutters to advantage... coughs to deuce... both engines faltering... Murray with enough fuel in the tank to grab set point, though. And Berdych goes long, long, long. His fuel gauge is dangerously low. A second-set whitewash.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"It is going to be a really important next changeover for Berdych. He needs to reset, mentally, and get back into this match."

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Andrew Steele, Southend: Not only was the first set magical but it took 76 minutes to win 7-6 which is the same order as their ranking. Spooky.

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Murray, like a fine puppeteer, pulling the strings, working his opponent this way and that before seeing him off with a driven forehand volley for 40-30. Berdych far less aggressive than he was in the first set, but that is perhaps Murray isn't allowing him to dictate as much. Murray arrows a thunderclap of a serve down the 'T' to conclude the game, and this is turning into a second-set romp. Who doesn't like second-set romps?

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Aidan Williams: Murray has woken up. Beating Berdych badly in the second set. Real potential for a bagel. Come on Murray.

Bhavik Raja: Murray has clearly been pumped up by whatever Berdych said at the end of the first set. He's showing Berdych now!

Murray breaks

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"This set is just about over. Brilliantly constructed point from Andy Murray to win the double break. That variety of Murray, different heights, different spins, it is very frustrating to play against."

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Unusual to see Berdych slip over twice within a few seconds on a hard court, but they can get a bit slick. They are given a once over between matches with what looks like old-school carpet cleaners, Melbourne's version of the much-loved foot/towel approach taken at the US Open."

AFP

Murray breaks

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Berdych seems to have lost some grip in his trainers as he slips at the net on his way to losing the first point, and is doing his best Bambi-on-ice impression on the baseline as he lets another point slip. The Czech studies his daps, but carries on. Berdych, regardless of the dodgy footwear, reins his opponent in to 30-30, but the big-serving Czech is not at his best. He falters at the net - an area where he was supreme in the first set - to gift Murray a break point. And the Scot is hurtling towards the end of this second set as a Berdych backhand drifts into the tape.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"Just because Berdych won the first set, it doesn't mean he is favourite to win the match. Best of three is much more of a sprint, whereas best of five is a marathon. There are so many ebbs and flows in a five set match.

"Murray has done tremendously well after the blow of losing the first set. Berdych, in the first eight games, had plenty of time dictating the pace, now he is rushing a bit and not constructing points as well. He's got to calm down a bit."

@HeatherWatson92

British women's number one Heather Watson: That moment when someone steals your KitKat chunky... #takeabreak #hestolemybreak #ausopen #staredown

A game which had it all, other than chokingly-tense drama and magical trick shots... other than that, it had an ace, a ballooned return from Berdych and super serve and volleying from Murray for a hold to love. Berdych's intensity has dipped and Murray's currently cruising.

Murray breaks

The crowd oohing and ahhing at the players' brilliance. Berdych turning quickly on his heels to retrieve a lob... Murray patiently waiting at the net, whacks a driving forehand towards Berdych's forehand side... the Czech chases like an enthusiastic Labrador, but comes unstuck and fails to negotiate the barrier. Better from Murray in this set, a break point comes his way and he takes it! A clench of the fist from the Scot. He's in control.

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Dane: Tight first set that one was tough to call! Be such played well and served well!

Tony Dhanda: This tennis match is hotting up nicely. I want to see more needle between the players!

Vote

An intriguing battle so far, with Tomas Berdych taking the first set.

But will it last? Who do you think is going to win this sem-final? You can vote on the right-hand side of this page, or via the vote tab on your mobile or tablet.

We'll shut the vote at the end of the second set and see what you reckon…

BBC

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Murray recovers from the first-set blow by collecting the opening two points with ease - a winning forehand into the corner, Berdych looping a forehand long... And the Scot then delves into his box of tricks - a fabulous crosscourt winner which has the crowd purring. Murray's 40-0 up and he's soon walking back towards his chair with a game in his back pocket, a dodgy Berdych return ending matters.

Berdych wins first set

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"That was a crucial set for both players but particularly Berdych. If he had lost that set after dominating at 5-3, the match could have slipped away from him. To hang in there and win that is psychologically huge."

Game and first set

AFP

Ugly from Murray. He slaps a forehand into the net and the set belongs to Berdych. The Czech has yet to drop a set in this tournament.

Ace! Berdych moves 7-6 ahead and now has set point. Murray to toss...

Cool from Berdych. He approaches the net and sets himself up for a sweet backhand volley. Level at 6-6. Berdych still serving...

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"There's a real edge to this contest, with a huge Murray celebration followed by a Berdych staredown, and some choice words from the Briton after the Czech complained about the balls. Both men probably feel they've done enough to win the set already. Expect a world class display of fist pumping from whoever wins the tie-break."

Berdych with a tired-looking backhand into the net. Murray leads 6-5. Set point Murray. Berdych to serve.

Tie-break

A quick one-two from Murray, ending with a thumping winner down the line. We're level at 5-5.

Tie-break

Berdych sends Murray scampering, and beats the Scot with an overhead. Berdych leading 5-4, Murray to serve next.

Tie-break

Uh oh. The last thing you want at this stage is a double fault. Berdych double faults.... 4-4

Tie-break

A beefy forehand from Berdych leaves Murray floundering at the baseline. Berdych leads 4-3

Tie-break

Murray lets a scream of anguish as the ball pops out of a routine forehand return. A string pops out of his racquet too. All square 3-3.

Tie-break

Berdych with a booming ace to the wings. Murray leads 3-2.

Tie-break

Murray sees daylight. Berdych meekly slaps a forehand return into the tape. Murray leads 3-1.

Feather-soft touch at the net from Murray, volleying his way to the lead. 2-1 Murray. Berdych to serve next.

Tie-break

Murray to serve, he thunders one down before Berdych has the Briton scampering. Murray lunges to his left, pulling his forehand wide of the tramline. 1-1, Murray to serve next.

Tie-break

Berdych nets on the first serve... Super return from Murray on the second serve... A baseline slug-fest ensues and Murray wins the opening point with a fabulous backhand volley at the net. 1-0 Murray.

Two straightforward points for Murray on his own serve, which is refreshing. Oof! A peach of a backhand into the corner from Berdych as he reduces the arrears, but Murray still has a little cushion. The Scot serves out wide, steps in, hits loose and free from the middle of the court, leaving Berdych floundering. Is that a tie-break on the horizon? Erm. The Czech nicks another point - and another as simple errors trickle from Murray's racquet, the last one a mistimed backhand.

Berdych swaggering towards the tape... he has oodles of time... Murray is in a fix here, but Berdych messes up, botching a volley to let his opponent off the hook. Advantage. Back to deuce. Fortune favours the Scot as a netchord goes his way so we're back at advantage. Murray has decided the best route to a tie-break is via a tightrope, which isn't particularly wise, but to a tie-break we go.

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Paul Thame: Re 09:34. Don't say there's a deflate-gate for the tennis now?

Pat Cash

1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Andy Murray will be kicking himself. All of a sudden he got on top of Berdych in those rallies, Murray was making him feel nervous. But then he went for a couple of rash shots that let Berdych back in."

EPA

Where were we? Ah, yes, brilliant by Murray, forcing Berdych to slice into the net. Second break point Murray. Second break point gone, gone, gone. "What are you doing" asks Murray as the points slip by and Berdych gets out of jail. The Czech, by the way, was complaining about the compression of the balls and the umpire and an official are examining the fluffy yellow things while the players take a break during the changeover.

This is a public announcement before we get back to the tennis: had you missed Murray's dreamy crosscourt volley a few games ago, you can watch it on the 'highlights' page at the top of this page.

On the court, the two rivals are neck-a-neck at 30-30, but Berdych wipes out any potential of drama by winning at the net. The Czech has been particularly successful during his forays forward, losing just two points at the net. Did I say there was no drama? Hold on.

Murray, fleet of foot, is dashing around the court as if he's wearing rocket-propelled trainers and Berdych has probably noticed that the Scot has upped the tempo.

The Czech faltering. To deuce we go. And he can do little but direct a canny sliced shot from Murray towards the tape. Break point Murray. Berdych hauls the game back to deuce, there's some chit-chat between Berdych and the umpire about the tennis balls, before the game restarts... Stand by for more action.

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Steve Huish, Surbiton, via text: Murray wins the fashion stakes for me. Berdych stuck in the eighties...he is so busted.

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There's plenty of support around the Rod Laver Arena for Murray. Some spectators are vocal while others have, well, shown their passion through other eye-catching means...

Murray growls as a sloppy backhand allows Berdych to level at 30-30. Murray faltering on the backhand side with concerning regularity. The Scot going for it on the second serve, though... he slices it out to the wings and that's caught Berdych by surprise. The Scot sneaks ahead to 40-30 and cleans up as Berdych nets a forehand once more. Isn't this exciting.

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Edward Poole: Murray has been nowhere near Berdych all set, he's been handed an absolute gem of a present in that game.

Murray breaks back

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"There were a number of times in that last rally, where Murray was out wide and pushed back deep, that he put extra spin on his forehand returns and pushed Berdych back. He didn't let him take charge. In the other service games Berdych had dominated."

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Matt McGladrigan: Murray has got to mix that serve up. Can't keep going wide on the deuce and T on the ad side. Contrasting holds of serve so far.

James Billington: Looks like Murray might have overindulged on haggis on Burns night. Come on Andy!

Murray breaks back

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Has Murray been below par or is Berdych playing super tennis? It's probably a combination of both. Murray with a sniff at 15-30, though, and Berdych, under pressure for the first time in this match, crumbles like a chocolate flake - netting to gift Murray two break back points. Tut-tut-tut. Murray screws a backhand long. One break point remaining. The Scot lunging from tramline to tramline, fetching and retrieving... but will his opponent falter? Yes! Yes! Yes! A frustrated Berdych fails to negotiate the barrier and Murray is back in business.

Berdych breaks

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"That's as good as it gets from Berdych. That's where he wants to be, inside that baseline taking charge of these rallies. Perfect start for him."

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"It is kicking off on Rod Laver Arena, and not because of the tennis. After half an hour of tense action, the changeover is party time as Kenny Rogers is introduced to the crowd and 'The Gambler' blast out around the stadium. Hoping for a Danni Minogue Classic next."

Berdych breaks

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Much has been made of Murray's former coach Dani Vellverdu being now on Berdych's coaching team. Vellverdu and Berdych's game plan working so far, with the Czech mixing up play and upping the aggression on Murray's second serve.

Speaking of which, a stonking backhand winner down the line from Berdych on Murray's second serve earns Nadal's conqueror two break points. On the next point, the pair go blow-for-blow on the baseline before Berdych ups the ante and seals the deal with a stunning backhand winner.

At 30-15, a confident Berdych gets the better of Murray by prowling at the net, seeing his opponent off with a cool volley. The British number one not returning at his best, flapping at a forehand and Berdych is ahead once more. Kenny Rogers is now leaving his seat while the crowd clap along to The Gambler. He's not going to do a Cliff Richard and start singing, is he?

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"Murray needed that cross-court winner for 15-30 because it would have given Berdych three break points. Well rescued from Murray."

Reuters

A delay in play as Kenny Rogers makes his way to his seat. He's a gambler is old Kenny, and this time his risky strategy didn't pay off because he's missed the opening five games. Murray, on the other hand, knows when to hold them and when to fold them, and knows when to run, because the Scot sprints towards the net like a greyhound being released from the traps and clips the line with an exquisite crosscourt backhand volley. The crowd roar in approval. He follows with an ace to wipe out Berdych's advantage, levelling at 30-30.

Murray has not been at ease on his own serve, though, and Berdych once again forces the Scot to deuce.

Advantage. Deuce. Advantage. Uncharacteristic errors from Murray as the pair scrapping on the baseline, but he pulls through with Berdych's backhand drifting wide. "Come on" screams Murray once more.

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Andrew Neill: With Berdych keen to get to the net Murray needs to wheel out the excellent lobs that worked so well against Kyrgios.

Dallas Campbell: Ouch! Berdych on fire early in the first.

Fergal Fitzmaurice: Good luck Andy Murray. I am not mystic meg but I predict a straight set win.

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Heavy-duty hitting from Berdych and the 6ft 5in 29-year-old also has a twinkle in his toes, volleying with aplomb when he scoots towards the tape. The Czech winning over 90% of points on his first serve, which would probably get him into Oxford if there was such a thing as a degree in the art of serving. But there isn't. I'm pretty sure there isn't. Berdych has started the better, Murray yet to find his form.

Groans from the spectators, thousands of surprised voices that the Briton netted a sliced backhand from the middle of the court. At 15-15, Berdych is the aggressor, coming out on top of a baseline tussle as Murray biffs a backhand well wide. From 15-30 to 30-30 to deuce. Nervy stuff. Unpredictable stuff. Berdych oozing confidence as well as oodles of sweat. Murray makes a rare trip to the net and swipes a forehand volley beyond his opponent. Berdych then balloons a forehand during a short-ish rally and it's a stentorian "come on" from the Scot as he holds.

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Grant: Pretending to work while watching Murray v Berdych on my mobile phone with the volume off. CMON MURRAY!

EPA

Berdych untroubled on his own serve so far, rattling off three points in succession to move 40-0 up. Murray nicks one point, but can he nick another? Well... the pair trade blows on the baseline... tramline to tramline... Berdych turns defence into attack, a super-duper forehand into the corner allows him to stride towards the net... the Czech an intimidating presence by the tape and he concludes a fine game with a deep volley towards Murray's backhand side. This could be a cracking contest.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"That was a 'good' loss in that game for Berdych - he attacked Murray's serve and there were some good signs for him."

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Jono: This one is anything but a foregone conclusion. For me Murray has more variety and a better all round game so Murray in four.

Andrew Neill: Part of me wants a great match but the other part of me wants an easy match for Murray to conserve energy for Djokovic in the final.

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Blimey. A double fault from Murray and he's probably not served as badly as that since he was a toddler. The Scot recovers, though - an ace to the wings, full of slice and dice, moves him to 30-15 and another unreturnable boomer takes the British number one to within a point of holding.

Cripes. Berdych pounces on a tame Murray second serve and all the Scot can do is watch a crisp forehand return fly by. 40-30. Trouble ahead? Possibly. Berdych threading a forehand down the line for deuce. Murray skips to advantage, stretches on the baseline to return what looks like an unreturnable but Berdych is at the net, his eyes widen, but his concentration dips and the Czech plonks a simple volley into the tape. Game over. Let's move on.

Heather Watson on Twitter

British number one Heather Watson: Breakfast with @andy_murray vs @tomasberdych on the tele!

The spectators are in boisterous mood. Spine-tingling roars as the players leave their seats to begin the match. Two easy points for Berdych as he eases to 30-0. Murray looks up towards the Melbourne sky as he slaps a forehand into the net, gifting Berdych a 40-0 lead. Sloppy. The Czech concludes the game with a thunderous ace. A confident start for the seventh seed.

Former England footballer Rio Ferdinand: Keeping an eye on the tennis this morning.. Good luck Andy Murray.

Judy Murray on Twitter

Judy Murray: Pre match snack....

The warm-up is over. Last-minute hydration for both players before they hop back to the court. Berdych wipes his face with one of the official towels. We're seconds away. Let showdown commence.

John Lloyd

1977 Australian Open runner-up on BBC Two

"In the build-up Murray said that Berdych was the slight favourite - that's nonsense. Murray is the favourite.

"There has been evidence in these past two weeks that Murray is getting back to his best. He is showing how good an opponent he is, his defence has been magnificent.

"He is physically strong, confident in his group and ready to win the tournament."

Another final for Tomas?

BBC Sport

It's been a while since Tomas Berdych competed at a Grand Slam final. In fact, it's been nearly five years. Doesn't time fly? Back in 2010 he beat Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to reach the Wimbledon final where he was beaten by Rafael Nadal at SW19, but there's no shame in that.

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Andrew Forbes: Vallverdu "knowing" Murray's game just means he knows Murray is solid pretty much all over the court. How can you plan for that?

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"There is a parting of the crowd outside Gate 13 as Team Murray sweep past, fiancée Kim Sears front and centre with Murray's mum Judy making relaxed chit chat with those who recognise her. And look out, we have a Minogue in the house! Danni is sitting in the VIP seats, quite rightly."

Berdych on top

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The players are warming-up on Rod Laver Arena and the majority of spectators are already in their seats.

As you probably know by now, Berdych has a fine record against Murray, beating the British number one in six of their 10 previous meetings. But don't hit the snooze button just yet because here's something you might not know: Berdych is one of just eight players to hold a positive Tour-level win-loss record against Murray.

The others? Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Mario Ancic, Milos Raonic, Arnaud Clement and Fernando Gonzalez.

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Lynne Fison: Go Andy .... Make us proud.

They've Got Tonight

Serena Williams on Twitter

Serena Williams: I just met Kenny Rogers. Was maybe too excited and told him I always karaoke his songs. He asked me what one and I said Lucille! #Truefan

Williams & Sharapova final

Reuters

The semi-finalists are walking through the corridors of the Rod Laver Arena and are hopefully heading in the right direction.

For those of you who are just waking up; still in a zombie-like trance, hair like a toilet brush and toothpaste all over your chops, you may not know that Serena Williams will face Maria Sharapova in the women's final on Saturday.

World number two Sharapova won an all-Russian contest against Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-2, while top seed Williams converted her ninth match point to beat fellow American Madison Keys 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.

BBC coverage

If you need more than words to sustain you through a Grand Slam semi-final (?!), there are moving pictures available at the top of this page from BBC Two. John Lloyd has his best suit on and is chatting to Sue in the studio. You can also listen to BBC Radio 5 live sports extra coverage on this page. A broadcasting hat-trick. Of sorts.

And, before we get down to business, don't forget you can get involved with the tennis chit-chat by tweeting #bbctennis or texting 81111. How much of an advantage is it for Berdych to have Murray's former coach in his team? Who will win this ruddy match? Let us know your thoughts.

Quiz and rice for Murray

Leon Smith

GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

What is Andy Murray getting up to in the locker room? Well, in the last 90 minutes he's eaten rice and played (and lost) a quiz. Leon Smith was with Murray earlier and explains what goes on behind the scenes.

"He's certainly in a relaxed but focused mood," says Smith. "Meters away you have Dani and Tomas doing their preparation as well. There's not much privacy but certainly Andy's in a good frame of mind for this.

"Right now he'll start his treatment, his preparation with his physiotherapist, who'll be stretching him out and getting his body ready and just before the match he'll go through exercises, ball catching and throwing.

"He eaten some rice and tomato sauce. Pretty bland food, but something that's not going to play havoc with him. Something that's reliable and solid, and he's hydrating.

"We play a lot of quizzes to pass the time. It's a random one, you can choose it on his iPhone. It's great fun. It allows the time to pass because you can't think about the game all the time."

Vallverdu saw the future

BBC

Murray parted company with Vallverdu in November, which allowed the Venezuelan to link up with seventh seed Berdych. And, would you believe it, Murray and Berdych are now about to collide in the semi-finals.

Actually, Vallverdu, who happens to be a distant relative of Mystic Meg, predicted the pair would go head-to-head in Melbourne.

"When I was flying back from the Czech Republic in December with Ross Hutchins, I told him 'you know they are going to play in the semi-finals in Australia,'" said Vallverdu, who is available for horoscope readings on request.

Berdych has huge advantage - Murray

EPA

Murray said after his quarter-final win over Nick Kyrgios that Berdych had a "huge advantage" with Vallverdu on his side, adding that the coach should be able to come up with a "perfect" game plan.

Pressed on being at a potential disadvantage, Murray responded: "I also know what Dani thinks of Berdych's game because he's told me, so it works both ways."

But is it a huge advantage? Is it? Tennis is not rocket science, is it Dani? "It can be a little bit of an advantage but everyone that knows tennis knows everyone's game. It's not rocket science," says Vallverdu.

Friends become foes

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What happens when a friend becomes a foe? Do you forget about those teenaged years playing tennis on Spanish clay. Is it possible to put aside those five years together as coach and player when Grand Slams were won and history was made?

Murray says it might be "weird" seeing former coach Dani Vallverdu cheering for Berdych, but as the Briton says: "My goal isn't to beat Dani; my goal is to beat Berdych."

BBC

Berdych is the older of the two but those two years of extra experience has not brought more success, with Murray winning 21 more titles than his big-serving opponent. (I've got better chat coming up, I promise. Or let's hope I have.)

Pat Cash

1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Murray holding the trophy on Sunday night. His body's in good shape; here he is in the semi-final and he's only lost a set. To be fresh at this time in the tournament is really, really important because the next couple of matches are going to be big. All the players are going to be hurting and being the fresher man could make the difference."

Roger and Rafa out

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Andy Murray would probably have expected to meet Roger Federer in the quarter-finals. But he's out. Gone, gone, gone. The Scot would probably have expected to play Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. But he's also out. Gone, gone, gone.

What happened the last time both Nadal and Federer were knocked out before the semi-finals at a Grand Slam? Well, let's go back to Wimbledon, let's go back to 2013 and the end of a 77-year wait...

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"It's been a blustery old day at Melbourne Park and peaked at a miserly 19C, conditions which prompt memories of the 2012 US Open semi-final between Murray and Berdych. The Czech struggled badly in the New York wind, while Murray has always said learning the game in Scotland means it doesn't bother him. Berdych was out hitting on Rod Laver Arena a little while ago, with coach Dani Vallverdu at the other end, while Murray tested himself on an outside court with young Aussie Ben Mitchell."

Hello! Andy Murray was good against Nick Kyrgios. He was very good. The discipline and excellence he consistently displayed in the Ivan Lendl years has returned, but the British number one will probably have to dig a little deeper, fight a little harder, run a little longer to beat Tomas Berdych, the man standing in his way of the final. Welcome to live text coverage of the pair's Australian Open semi-final.

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Andy Murray pointed his index fingers skywards in the way he now always does after victory, before embracing his defeated opponent. "This is your time," whispered the world's best teenager, Nick Kyrgios, at the net to his quarter-final conqueror. Youthful fantasy or the words of a 19-year-old wiser than his years?

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