Here we go again. Another Andy Murray grand slam final. The difference being, his opponent is not one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Murray has looked fantastic throughout the tournament. He survived a physically and mentally sapping semi-final with a game David Ferrer. Ferrer is a nightmare type of opponent for Murray.
His defensive prowess often mean Murray has to be more aggressive than is in his nature. Also Ferrer's returns brilliantly, which causes all sorts of problems for Murray’s erratic serving.
Djokovic is coming off a superb win against Roger Federer. Since his amazing US open run in 2010, followed by an emotional David Cup victory for Serbia, Djokovic is a different player. For the first time (against an opponent other than Nadal) we saw Federer at a loss for answers. He will be back, for sure, but on the night Djokovic fully deserved to win.
The problem for Novak, is that he has the type of style Murray loves. Murray has been blown away by big hitters frequently in the past. But those guys went for every shot against and pushed him further and further back over the duration of the match. While Djokovic is a monster from the back of the court, he usually bides his time before firing big ground strokes. Lets not forget that Murray usually handles Novak's pace and power pretty well. In fact, he’s won the last three meetings with Djokovic, without dropping a set. While Djokovic is fast and athletic in his own right, he does not quite have the defensive capabilities of Federer, Nadal, or even Ferrer.
To beat Murray he would have to play a high risk all out attacking game from the back of the court, and serve well. This is always a risky strategy against any opponent. Also, counter punchers ALWAYS give Novak hell.
On the other hand, Murray will be feeling the heat. He has no grand slams to his name and knows this is his big chance to get one. Nerves will be a problem for him early on, he has to ensure he doesn’t go a set and a break down early. He needs to settle into the match quickly, because Djokovic will come out firing.
In terms of tactics, Murray has to find the right balance between defence and attack.His recent record against Novak is good and he will have no fears playing him. However if he remains passive throughout the match he will quickly find the games and sets pass him by. On previous occasions, against the likes of Federer and Nadal, Murray's only chance at victory has come by being aggressive throughout. This won’t be needed against Djokovic. But he still has to pick his spots to take over rallies and test Novak's defence.
On the mental side of things, both Murray and Novak are prone to meltdown. Although there is a renewed maturity and poise to Djokovic's game over the last 6 months. Murray on the other hand is yet to prove he has the mettle to hang in on the biggest stage and not allow his personal demons to consume his game. The first player to get a significant lead could well end up winning comfortably. But if it’s a close match, expect Djokovic's renewed approach severely tested. However I expect his new found maturity and confidence to shine through, whatever the result
If Murray begins too passively and finds himself down early, expect a 4 set Djokovic win. In his defeats he’s had trouble changing his game during a match, and I feel that could be his downfall. On the other hand, if he can stay with Djokovic during the rallies, as he has done on the previous 3 occasions, Djokovic will make enough unforced errors and give Murray enough openings to win the match. On Murray’s previous two Grand Slam finals, he was never given a chance to settle into the match. Roger blew him away. This won’t be the case on Sunday. Murray will be given plenty of openings. Does he have the heart and the belief to take them?
Murray has looked fantastic throughout the tournament. He survived a physically and mentally sapping semi-final with a game David Ferrer. Ferrer is a nightmare type of opponent for Murray.
His defensive prowess often mean Murray has to be more aggressive than is in his nature. Also Ferrer's returns brilliantly, which causes all sorts of problems for Murray’s erratic serving.
Djokovic is coming off a superb win against Roger Federer. Since his amazing US open run in 2010, followed by an emotional David Cup victory for Serbia, Djokovic is a different player. For the first time (against an opponent other than Nadal) we saw Federer at a loss for answers. He will be back, for sure, but on the night Djokovic fully deserved to win.
The problem for Novak, is that he has the type of style Murray loves. Murray has been blown away by big hitters frequently in the past. But those guys went for every shot against and pushed him further and further back over the duration of the match. While Djokovic is a monster from the back of the court, he usually bides his time before firing big ground strokes. Lets not forget that Murray usually handles Novak's pace and power pretty well. In fact, he’s won the last three meetings with Djokovic, without dropping a set. While Djokovic is fast and athletic in his own right, he does not quite have the defensive capabilities of Federer, Nadal, or even Ferrer.
To beat Murray he would have to play a high risk all out attacking game from the back of the court, and serve well. This is always a risky strategy against any opponent. Also, counter punchers ALWAYS give Novak hell.
On the other hand, Murray will be feeling the heat. He has no grand slams to his name and knows this is his big chance to get one. Nerves will be a problem for him early on, he has to ensure he doesn’t go a set and a break down early. He needs to settle into the match quickly, because Djokovic will come out firing.
In terms of tactics, Murray has to find the right balance between defence and attack.His recent record against Novak is good and he will have no fears playing him. However if he remains passive throughout the match he will quickly find the games and sets pass him by. On previous occasions, against the likes of Federer and Nadal, Murray's only chance at victory has come by being aggressive throughout. This won’t be needed against Djokovic. But he still has to pick his spots to take over rallies and test Novak's defence.
On the mental side of things, both Murray and Novak are prone to meltdown. Although there is a renewed maturity and poise to Djokovic's game over the last 6 months. Murray on the other hand is yet to prove he has the mettle to hang in on the biggest stage and not allow his personal demons to consume his game. The first player to get a significant lead could well end up winning comfortably. But if it’s a close match, expect Djokovic's renewed approach severely tested. However I expect his new found maturity and confidence to shine through, whatever the result
If Murray begins too passively and finds himself down early, expect a 4 set Djokovic win. In his defeats he’s had trouble changing his game during a match, and I feel that could be his downfall. On the other hand, if he can stay with Djokovic during the rallies, as he has done on the previous 3 occasions, Djokovic will make enough unforced errors and give Murray enough openings to win the match. On Murray’s previous two Grand Slam finals, he was never given a chance to settle into the match. Roger blew him away. This won’t be the case on Sunday. Murray will be given plenty of openings. Does he have the heart and the belief to take them?
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