I don't really think his outplaying Djokovic, considering the breathing difficulties the other is having. If a player is struggling you must dominate (not happening), if you don't a top player will eventually find that 1% that makes them one of the best. Still think Murray will win (IF he wins the third), but he'll have no chance in hell beating Nadal. Murray should by right, be playing the game of his life. Still in good position, but i think Nadal will be smiling right about now. Edit - If Murray wins the 3rd, the 4th should be over pretty fast, but we'll see soon enough.
Nadal has the advantage if only because he gets the extra day of rest, awesome as they've been both semis have been brutal for the players. Nadal looked very dangerous last night, and my only concern for him at this point is his knee. Given that Djokovic, while still obviously playing at an incredibly high level, doesn't seem as unbeatable as last year Nadal could have a big year. Or maybe Murray. Maybe a new coach is what he's needed all along. He has an excellent opportunity now that he's up 2 sets to 1. Edit: And early break for Djokovic. Last night I was worried Nadal may not have enough left for the finals. He's going to be fresh next to whoever he's playing at this rate.
There is nothing wrong with Nadals knee now. Seen all the games and it's in great condition. One extra day rest won't be much considering Murray has had it uber easy so far (he plays so well until he makes the semi-finals). Did you see the Nadal V Berdych game? IMO that was the game of the touny so far, and the fact he got through that one, i think he'll be fine. Murray would love to win the Aussie Open, but Nadal wants to win 2012. I've become a Nadal fanboy though i will admit. I just preder absolute want/passion over the absolute skill of Federer/Djokovic. Edit - If Murray could somehow win a major, it could change things. It would chance his moodset thats for sure, but until then. The only thing that bothers me about this match, is the 3rd set took so long that Djokovic might find fitness and form again. It happens so often with tennis players.
If this goes into as fifth set, Murray goes into his head again, AND with Djokovic now comfy with his body again. Will be a great fifth set though i hope. If Murray has to lose this set, might as well be over fast though.
Like the 2nd, I think Murray needs to get a break in the first few Djokovic service games to get himself back into the match. Bad as it was, at least the 4th set went quickly.
Murray hasn't had a lot of aces, but they seem to come when he needs them most- he saved two break points last game with his serve. Big hold there. Tense fifth set so far...
Giving Djokovic a love game after the game he served before, ouch! Might be going in to overtime tonight. Me no complain. Just hit Midnight too.
Here we go, 5-3 Djokovic, Djokovic serving. Either it's over in a few minutes or we're going to be here a while yet. Edit: What a game from Murray! After 8 AM here, as a night-shifter I'm getting pretty tired. Probably not as tired as the players though.
This is what I love about tennis- it's amazing how fast it can turn around, and how nerve-wracking matches between top players can get.
God i hope Murray can got the last metre. Feels like his playing for more than this game in my opinion. A game within a game, thus i hope he pulls through for his sake.
Murray Excellent match, but it's hard not to feel for him, losing this one. Hopefully he can focus on the fact that it was so close and not that it slipped away at the end.
It will hurt, but taking it to 5 sets is a step up for Murray. Though - ....Great match. Can't wait to watch the press conferences in a little under an hour.
It sucks I can't watch these tennis matches. I caught glimpses of it while in my seminar (someone was sneakily watching it) and saw that Murray had lost the first set but was 4-2 up on the second set. Shame he lost, but I kinda knew Murray would even though I really wanted him to win. Looking forward to the finals that I may actually get to watch!
It's more disappointing because there were a number of times I believed he could win... but even as a Murray fan (or Djokovic. Or neither) this was still a strong early contender for match of the year, and a must watch on the replay.
Any (American) fantasy football fans here? Hello, First, put the clarification in the title because I got scolded on another forum for not deciphering between American and European. Anyway, I started playing fantasy football this past season. Found out I love it. Been reading a few books, blogs, etc. Well, point of this post is, I'm always on the lookout to chat with other players. Especially ones that are writers. I wouldn't mind starting my own blog in future, if I can swing it. Hope to hear from people, SportzChick
^ I've played before, but took a year off this year. We have a few NFL fans around WF, maybe one year we can put together a flea flicker league or something. I'm so happy for Azarenka. She's finally arrived. The only thing holding her back has been herself- her temper, and her tendency to let bad breaks get her down. It goes without saying this is the greatest performance of her career, but the game that really stands out to me is the 2nd game of the 2nd set. It was Azarenka's first service game after breaking Sharapova to open the set. Early in the game it looked like it might slip from her- there were some close line calls, Maria made her best shots of the set that game. In similar situations in the past she's folded in that type of game (see two years ago in the quarters against Serena Williams, a match Azarenka was dominating until she let one mistake get to her) but tonight she just laughed a close call off and turned the game around. If she keeps playing with the confidence and skill she showed tonight, Azarenka has a real chance to hold her #1 ranking for some time. I wish Sharapova had given a better performance, but so much of the reason she struggled was the fact Azarenka played a similar style, only better. Would be nice to see these two form a little rivalry at the top of the rankings, as I'm sure Sharapova will come back stronger next time.
I'm glad Azarenka beat Sharapova. I didn't see the match but it seems that Azarenka just really went for it and Sharapova wasn't playing that well. Nadal v Djokovic tomorrow. Come on, Nadal! ;D
Not long now until the Aussie Open, mens final. I want Nadal to win, but i just hope its a great match to be honest.
It should be good. Even though he hasn't played at his best this tournament, and had that marathon match just two nights ago, I'm giving a slight edge to Djokovic. He just seems to have the perfect game and mindset to meet the challenges Nadal presents.
Nadal showed against Federer that he's an almost superhuman athlete, and his will to win is just unbelievable. Then if you consider Djokovic's tiredness from the other night, I fancy Nadal this time to have a slight edge
