Murray stands in Djokovic's way for unprecedented sixth Masters title

The Australian Open and Wimbledon champion is wary of Andy Murray's form on hard courts in Cincinnati.

Andy Murray says he battling a lack of fitness ahead of his Cincinnati Open final against Novak Djokovic.

CINCINNATI, OHIO // The world No 1 Novak Djokovic looks to make it an unprecedented six out of six in Masters series titles when he takes on Andy Murray in the final of the Cincinnati Open tonight but both players say their bodies are feeling the strain.

Djokovic, who has a 57-1 record this season, has already claimed nine tournaments in what has been a remarkable year of dominance in the sport and he is the clear favourite for the US Open, starting in New York on August 29.

The Serbian booked his place in the final with a victory over the Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych, when his opponent had to retire with a shoulder injury having lost the first set to Djokovic 7-5.

Despite only spending 52 minutes on court, Djokovic, who has some shoulder problems of his own, said that he was not in peak condition ahead of the final.

"To be honest, I am definitely not 100 per cent but I'm getting out there and trying to give my best to win every match I play on. I know that I felt better last week.

"But I'm in another final. It's a great achievement. Tomorrow I'll try to get another title.

"I hope it's not going to be too hot and let's hope for another good match. We have a good rivalry, same age, same generation and it's nice to play him in a final again."

Murray beat the American Mardy Fish in his semi-final last night but said he was hampered by fitness problems

"I was struggling physically. That's frustrating for me, because that's something I haven't struggled with for quite a long time," said the Briton.

The pair met in the final of the Australian Open in January with Djokovic winning in straight sets and the Serb came out on top again in the Rome semi-finals four months later.

But Djokovic also recalled that Murray beat him here in the 2008 final — one of seven Masters triumphs for Murray.

"This is a surface that he plays well on, I think," said Djokovic.

"We played here in the final and had two tough sets and he won that. So he knows what it takes to win a big match, a big tournament. There is no favourite."

Murray, who has yet to win a grand slam, is under no illusions though about the size of the task facing him.

"I'll need to play well to get it tomorrow, but it's the perfect test to see exactly where my game is before the US Open because he's the No 1 in the world just now," he said.