Djokovic fights Murray for Miami tennis mastery

After their match at the 2015 Australian Open in January, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray meet for a second time this year to contest a final. Their showdown on Sunday comes at  the Miami Masters where Djokovic is seeking a fifth title, Murray his third.

World number one Novak Djokovic has won 17 of his 25 encounters against Andy Murray 17 times Reuters/Charles Platiau

It will be their 26th meeting on the men's professional tour since 2006, and the world number one Novak Djokovic is the master of the encounters. He's won 17.

Andy Murray last overcame Djokovic on the grass during the Wimbledon final in July 2013.

Back then Murray basked in the glory of becoming the first British man in nearly 80 years to claim the home grand slam. It appeared that the two players - born within a week of each other 27 years ago - would be equals in the quest for the top prizes in tennis. That hasn't happened. Djokovic has won the subsequent six matches and has this year seen off Murray in the final at the Australian Open in January and a few weeks back in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.

Both men enjoyed straight sets wins in their semi-finals in Miami.

Third seed Murray edged past the Czech eighth seed Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-4. "I did most things well," said Murray.

"There's not a lot I could complain about. My second serve was much better in the second set. I served well on the big points and got a lot of free points behind my serve."

It was a case of déjà vu for Djokovic. He played the big serving American John Isner at the Indian Wells Masters and in Miami after taking a tight first set 7-6, he strolled through the second 6-2. "I played a terrific match," Djokovic said. "The opening set was pretty close. His resistance wilted a bit in the second set."

Murray passed 500 career victories on his way to the final. He's seeking a third crown and Crandon Park after winning the trophy in 2009 and 2013.

Djokovic already has four titles and victory on Sunday night will place him one behind Andre Agassi's haul of six at Miami.