In my opinion, after Federer, Murray has the most complete game to hurt Djokovic.

He has the speed, athleticism, and stamina. Most importantly he has skill and high shot variation. He can serve big, slow the tempo down, strike the ball well, defend brilliantly for long rallies and give Novak a different type of ball to mess up his rhythm.

As well all know, it's the character - or lack of it - that goes against him. The ability to maintain focus, hang tough when the run of play is against him, having the will to comeback from adversity. Whilst Rafa has these attributes in abundance - Murray hasn't and this is what causes him to fade quickly in matches, the constant foul mouthed rants etc, etc when things don't go his way.

This is why he has to win this in three sets. Claiming the 1st will give him confidence early on and he can build from there. Whereas against Rafa he needs to play more aggressively, he can afford more to keep getting the ball back to Novak - and manouver him to make more errors. I can see the 1st set going to a tie breaker and Murray must win it.

Simply put if Novak plays to the top of his ability, he cruise through in 3 sets. Many have queried - the display of physical fatigue aganst Ferrer - is it real? was he overplaying it? I feel the latter and that Novak is 100% fine, and just likes to create the dramatics as it's part of his personality.

Anyway, I fully expect Novak to win in straight sets, with the 1st set being the most contested before he runs away with it later on. I'm sure many Rafans (including myself) will hope and pray for a Murray victory but I just can't see it happening.

another outstanding post by the lobster

tho i disagree about straight sets

I believe murray has tha game to trouble and even beat djokovic . If a player has good variety along with timely aggression in his game, he can trouble novak but to beat novak you need high levels of consistency in matches. Tomic left djokovic clueless at times in 2011 wimb qtr and same was the case with dolgo in Us open 2011, djokovic was out of sorts and had no clear cut way to stave them off. He's a big champ now and can dig deep to survive such matches.

-2011 tell you that djokovic would KILL you if you give him rhythm. backhand forehand bla bla whatver, he'l hammer it hammer it and hammer it until the opponent succumbs ! nadal made the mistake of being 'predictable' and giving nole rhythm! federer has that clever varitation in his backhand (angles and slices) that off set nole'e rhythm and andy is the also a player who can distort your rhythm. Andy has the variety but he needs BIG tIMe AGGreSSION if he is to win.

-nole's biggest strenghts, the backhand, retrieving and the ROS are almost equally well matches by murray so we that goes against nole.

-for me, murray and federer believe they can beat nole regularly, rafa is the one lacking in belief lately..murray might be seeing djokovic as someone of his level who trained with him and just maximized his potential,IMO andy has the belief to overcome nole, andy fears rafa much more IMO

-with lendl, andy can really turn this around and djokovic is dealing with more pressure too. 98% people expecting nole to win so lets see...

*people often talk about andy choking , but remember this is NOT a final ! its a semi! andy can really do well in semis as shownby his two wins against rafa at Oz and US open, its the final stage that makes him hell nervous !

-expecting a really high quality match, nole IS the man because of his 2011 heroics so he is the favorite but i am going with andy !

p,s if andy comes out sluggish like last year and nole comes out playing like last year , AHEM AHEM :P that wont be pleasant, dear and,mr djokovic would steamroll you....best of luck to both players and their FANS :)

Just saw the poll and federer was the bet.. Maybe now, it will be djokovic because people think he has a chance at beating nadal and eventually avenge federer's loss.. Oh well

Murray will get a huge beatdown.
So far he had easy matches in early rounds with no big test.
Not more than 10 games to Andy.

@lebsta2 ,

Federer- with Complete game???? No mate thats not true.
If he had such a complete game, how could a Spanish muscle bull could topple him over and over again??

Fed - is not good.

Well... I can't tell you result, but I have feeling that we will see atleast three sets.
I have noticed that player who wins the last point... usualy wins the match.
So... You believe or not... I am sure that this will be the case today. If I am correct...all of you will buy me a beer...

All I want is for Andy to leave his heart on the court. If he does, win or lose, I'll be proud. Come on!
zare: "at least three sets" lol, drinking already?...that nervous....;)

zare - what are you saying? We will see atleast 3 sets, huh? isnt that the minimum required unless you predicting there will be an injury pullout.

Plarer who wins last point wins the match - What is this about too ? :-0..I think you are too nervous already :-)

@Sabs

You know as well as I do , the reasons Nadal constantly beats Federer.

In my humble opinion, a complete player can serve big, hit winners from forehand and backhand, but also mix up the shots, with slices and drop shots as well as come into the net and sevre and volley. All these things are done consistently and are used are different times during the match.

Many of Rafa's critics wrongly label him a one -dimensional player, of course he has different layers to his game. More than not he beats Federer, because he has the stronger will, has more stamina physically & mentally, and stays focused all the time.

This is what Federer sometimes lacks and what Murray lacks a lot of the time. Djokovic however post 2010 doesn;t and thsi is where Rafa needs to complete his game more by improving his serve to win free points, serve and volleying to make his service games easier and lengthening and varying his shots more to stop Novak continually dominating the rallies. Federer is able to do this more , which is why he is able to trouble Novak a lot more than Rafa does.

Well... Irony? Sarcasm? Joking? ...ring a bell?

...and the point is... who is nervous here?
AJDE NOLEEEEE!

What I mean... It's to dificult to predict... We don't know who will play today...
Nole from 2010 or 11... Andy with Lendl's service pack, or muttering, negative Muzza...
Still I,ll try to be positive... So I will say Nole in three... 7:6, 6:3, 6:2...

i am just gonna be radical and say nole in 2: 7-6, 3-0. andy retires for some peculiar reason.

if not then nole in 4 tight sets (only if positive andy arrives on RLA) : 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

I've just heard Jason Goodhall give his synopsis on the strengths of both players and concluded that Murray will prevail, but yesterday he concluded that Federer would prevail so that's not a good omen for Andy. Hope he is wrong.

Djokovic has asked for a closed practice session. For someone who loves the limelight so much, that bizarre.

I think Nole, but not 100% confident as I was 3-4 days back.

wow, just wow...this match looks promising after first two games...

It seems that fitness will decide here... no easy points...
AJDE NOLEEEEE!!!!!

Nice to see Lendl's face.... warm smile like always... :)
Have a feeling that he could easily beat half of the spectators...
...
And Nole has a first blood!!! 3:1!!!

And Andy breaks back!

They're both executing very poorly on the finishes. Nervous to the core.

And Nole breaks again!

Nole, what a pass!

Encouraging signs on the serve from Nole, and he's playing great athletic tennis at the moment. Just needs to finish better. Murray is nowhere where he needs to be.

I didn't see the first three games, but it says over 30 unforced errors combined. That's a terrible statistic.

Serving for the set, Can Andy break now?

OK... nervous... difficult... but who cares... first one in pocket...
Just continue Nole!!!!

Very good tennis at the end from Nole. He's serving better and conspicuously hitting his groundstrokes with more tennis. What's most encouraging was the serve percentage.

I'm looking for Nole to relax and increase his winner to UE differential. Although the way they're playing will probably ensure most points will end on mistakes.

^^ More topspin is what I meant, not tennis.

as most of us envisaged, Andy's mental strenght is poor...he is serving badly...and his tactics is wrong, fighting with Nole from the baseline, just putting the ball in and waiting for Nole to make UEs...but Nole in return just ends up hitting winners or capitalizing on Murray's errors...Murray is gutted...

Except for the fact that Nole is playing much worse, this match is starting to resemble last year's one. Nole will be happy to go through in straights to be fresh enough for the final.

Andy looks so nervous.

OK...break confirmed.... here we go!!!!
STREAK IS ON!!!!!

Not great quality till now..compared to yesterdays match..theres no palpable tension too in the air..way too many UEs..35 plus in first set itself..and they are both just putting ball in play..no wicked angles etc..

Cmon guys..make it more intense

Yes this match seems to go last years final way by looks of it

cant understand why Andy is so nervous..Djoko is the favourte anyway..he is expected to win..Djoko being nervous is understandable

Although AndyM features in the top 4, but somehow when he comes up against rest of the top 3 he just looks an inferior tennis player. Poor stuff from him so far.

Thank goodness for that game. I don't really want a blowout here.

HMMM... Murray playing amazing here.

The end result seems almost predictable. Andy should pretend he is playing a Masters in Canada or something.

Someone was saying that the UE's in Fed and Rafa's match were way too high, about 60 combined. Well, take a look at the stats from the first set - 35 UE's from these guys!

I think Andy doesn't look so much nervous and just without emotion. While you don't want negative emotion, that doesn't mean nothing. Positive body language, pumping your fist, this is what you have to do to keep yourself in the match.

Andy isn't playing his aggressive game. He is trying to outhit Nole from the baseline and that won't happen.

I also don't want to see a blowout, either. I hope Murray can break back to even it up.

I meant the first two points of this game. Reminiscent of how he beats Rafa, but Nole's turned on his aggressive gear.

.... :(

Andy is looking much much sharper and much stronger than djokovic right now. And he breaks.

Murray is going to win this. Nole looks winded, unusually.

Amazing how Murray has turned things around. Its almost as if he said, Im not going to take another loss, and Im beating you today.

Oh boy, wake up. Nole! Please!

YES...ANDY LOOKS MUCH BETTER NOW....
But still he will win :)

Murrays amazing right now. Djokovic doesn't look like how he did against Ferrer. Ohhhh dear.

There is more than enough time for new momentum change...
AJDE NOLE!!!!!

What a boring match. Nole totally out of sorts, plays like my grandma would :(. Bad shot selection and bad moving around the court. Seen him much better. Andy seems likely to win this... which I kind of predicted :(. Oh well. Life must go on.

zare, did you mean murray streak? hmmmm, Nole badly needs to pick his serving up.

Andy on fire!

Why is Nole looking tired? He shouldn't be, he didn't have too much to contend with this tournament.

Murray finally got back in this match! Now he is really showing some mental toughness and has done well to go up a break.

A lot of negativity here regarding Nole. I wouldn't count him out yet. It's just that this time Murray isn't going to roll over and hand it to him. He will have to fight for it.

Break! Although, bad line call :((
AJMO Nole!

Back on serve thankfully!! Oh man, come onnnnnn Nole.

LOL, NNY - we're just that crazy about Nole ;)

Hope Nole plays properly on his serve now. If he can win this set, he might break ANdy's will. But yeah, bad, bad call, very unlucky.

See everyone! I told you! Nole is not going to roll over either. He is just not accustomed to Murray fighting back in a slam final. Now this is getting good.

I won't be able to stay up to see it. I will record the match and watch it in the morning. Rafa's match into the wee hours of the morning, just about wiped me out today.

Enjoy the match and may the best man win!

grandma would :-) ROFL

Yes but Djoko looks a bit slow..but hell still win it mostly 90% ..Andy will most likely choke if hes close to winning post

Yes, Nole too slow and passive, that's why I mentioned my grandma :).

Some amazing points in this game, and Murray about to break again...

The match is hotting up now.

Who says Rafa plays the longest rallies?

Even the lines people have drifted off into sleep :)

Yes, crazy length of rallies. Nole needs his 2011 serve back.

Guys the rallies are long..but sumhow I am not finding them entertaining..They are too long :-)

Oh crap. One set all.

Hmmm, things aren't looking promising for Nole. When was the last time he held serve easily? Rafa must be licking his chops here.

Don't want to take anything away from Andy, but something seems wrong with Nole :(. Just not himself at all :(((

At last, Muzz has settled down. He takes the 2nd set.

Very weak from nole. He doesn't look himself. Credit to Murray though, he's clearly the superior player at the moment.

Well if Andy does beat Djoko and then goes on to beat Rafa..goodness that will be awesome. With just 1 master stroke hell erase all the piles of thrash people wrote about him all these years regarding his mental fortitude and makeup

I don't think there's anything wrong with him, I think he's just having a very bad day. 5 winners in that second set compared to 14 for Murray. He's just not going for it.

danica, I think you are being disingenous to Murray. Nole was looking half dead when Ferrer was giving him grief in the 2nd set, then after Nole won it, he played great and there was no sign of injury.

Its possible, but thats no excuse. I think Andy is playing lights out here. Amazing tennis and he looks fresh.

Nole should go for it a lot more. There's a lot more loop to his strokes today, not going to get the job done. and first serves PLEASE!

Some bizarre shot selections by Murray in the first game third set, allowing Nole to hit his CC backhand and wins the point; but, well done for winning the second set, Murray! Nole is not serving well, let's see whether Murray can take advantage.

Murray is just trying to put back ball after ball and gets Nole to make errors, he's not feeding Nole with any pace, very intelligent play though not too entertaining for the viewers.

These commentators should be more consistent. It's OK for Muzz's box to tell him to challenge, but if U. Toni does that they are all over Rafa for coaching - Ref. Mats Wilander. Such bias.

I don't know why they don't just allow coaching and be done with it. It's allowed in other sports both team and individual.

14 mins and he holds after his first first serve. Oh dear.

Nadline, no, I really think Andy is way better but I also think that something's not right with NOvak. I don't mean it's necessary an injury, maybe he's just not into it today. That's what I meant. I am not trying to find any excuses. His fitness seems very limited.

something is wrong with djokovic. it's not murray that's playing consistent tennis. it's djokovic. he's so not himself.

Thank God Andy's done better than last year :)Ever so even, feel sick :(

If he doesn't wake up soon, I am going off to sleep :)

bye bye djokovic! see you... well, never.

Nole practiced behind closed doors, I wonder what he is trying to hide.

Playing long rallies and waiting for Nole to make UEs is not the right tactics...Murray needs to play longer shots to trouble Nole, not just keep the ball in...Nole will hit winners all over the place once he raises his level...Nole does look a bit slow and his body language sometimes is not promising but he somewhat was the same in the match with Ferrer...if Andy buys that he will lose...Nole's first serve is deserting him though...

Looks like Murray - RAFA now

Guys just tell me, how can having someone in your box as coach for just 3 weeks make so much difference!!

This Andy if he makes the final can win AO2012..be scared, very very scared Rafa!!! He is not the Andy you beat 3 consecutive times in 2011 in RG, Wimby, USO

Break.
Anyway guess there's nothing we can do if nole is just having a bad day. He's allowed that.
Andy is playing very well, credit to him. Sigh. I'd rather nole lost playing well.

I take back my words about Andy. He has shown resolve today. Win or lose , I am impressed regarding Andy's play today and importantly he came from a set and break down. Good stuff Andy !!

I've seen Nole play dead before when things are not going his way then as soon as they are he wakes up. He did it against Ferrer.

With nole, never count him out till the last shot is hit...Ask Fed!!!

Mats just was sour that his man Federer was hammered.

I don't know why Nole isn't making the simple shots. Can't afford to be missing those. But look at Murray's attitude, has been so impressive - I thought he'd go away just like that.

Yes Murray got tricked..Murray worships Rafa :-) The way Rafa promptly drops his serve after taking all efforts to break serve is followed by Andy to the T :-)

With Nole, his level depends on his serve. And his serve has been horrible today, or Murray just has switched another gear on his own returns.

the top 4 keep breaking each others serves like no business..yest Roger-Rafa had the same issue..today its even worse

Murray making some beautiful shots at the net, such soft and skillful hands. Very nice to see.

Nole.. Hold this time

Djokovic looks like he's again gone back to his retro mode, the way he used to play prior to 2011

Why is nole not taped if he is injured?

Vijay Amritraj made a class statement ' I dont think I would ever say this but Andy Murrays body language seems better than Nole ' ;-)

The fire still seems to be there, Nole trying to pump himself up. Finally someone has held serve.
Come onnnn Nole wake up!

Nice to see Nole in lead again, nice for a change :)

I have to agree with nadline, Nole's demeanour is all mental. Once things go his way, he will start flying. That wholly depends on if Murray will lose his grip on the match though. For this effort, Andy really deserves this win.

abhirf , 1/27/12 12:17 PM ,

But come RAFA, Nole would take his 2011 Avatar

Lol sanju I'm listening to vijay amritraj as well lol. Gotta agree with him there.

@abhirf =))) SO TRUE, I was going to say the same thing. Good old Djok is back. Welcome back oh mediocre player of the top 4 players in the world

haha... valalalalex...admit you were just waiting ti say something like this LOL

he must have run out of "gluten-free meals" to pump into his system

Murray has lost many chances to break through UEs.

Boy this match is a nerve wracker. Nole seems to be serving a tad better, but doesn't have a chance when Andy gets his first serve in.

Ajde Noleeee!!¨
break him now!!!

COME ON ANDY!!! BREAK HIM IN HALF!!!

^^^ ok... maybe not... :)

Andy serving from behind in 3rd will be a big pressure . The one who wins 3rd will win the match.

What did Djoko just have? H is suddenly serving well and is not even grunting..he was grunting like crazy 10 mns back..

What is with valalex and his Nole fetish?

I do wish he'd take a risk here, Nole.

sampra.... vavavavavlex is just terrified with Nole in finale LOL...
Pure horror :))

Nadal may be rooting for Muzz at this point

NO, at the moment it's pure comedy. nole's tennis is laughable. I hope he beats murray, because the way he's "playing" nadal is going to unload the frustration and anger from the past 6 matches in ONE. and it's going to be ugly.

LOL. Well, to be fair, Andy should be winning easily here, he's missing routine shots. Nole barely hanging on, massive advantage serving first.

If he pass Andy... it will be completely another song with Rafa... don't you worry fafavavalexlex...

sanju
, 1/27/12 12:06 PM

you have got to be kidding...

If Andy loses this set, he lost it rather than Nole winning it

It just goes to show how much serving ahead makes a difference

Murray is doing what Nole did to Fed, playing outrageous on set point down.

So Vlade Divac is in crowd... on his legs.... and when he is on his legs.... ppl behind are swearing ...

Nadline @11.55. That really annoys me too when they are so biased. I was so angry when I watched the Rafa -v- Fed match that I had to keep muting the commentary. Mats & Chris Bradnam were just the pits. I am going to watch the final on the BBC as I cannot bear to hear Mats et al waffling on all the time. They were in Fed's corner right from the off and the match was always on Roger's raquet right till the end in their opinion! What a load of B..S.. Even Greg Rusedski in the pre match chat said he wanted Federer to win - whatever happened to impartiality. Collectively they show no respect for Rafa or his achievements IMO.

natashao..this is what I meant..could you ever have imagined Murray saving 3-4 set points with gutsy play against the top 3? No I atleast havent seen it.

biggest hold of Muzz's career!

zare, if he pass... if he pass indeed

Well Mats literally lives in Fed's ass... nothing new...

MURRAY IS ON FYIAH

whoz this guy in Murrays box all time of the year? Hes there for every damn match of his.

Nole is simply powerless... :(

Come on nole it's your turn to save break points..

I'd say Llendl has already earned his fees.

2 biggest games of Muzz's career!

Million dollar question : Will Andy serve it out? Cmon Andy your hero Rfa served out the match in 4th in a tight tight game..go for it..follow your hero ;-)

spot on, Ricky..

I have to say Murray is just a beast today. Fending off set points, and then playing a game like that. He's stronger, fitter, and just a whole notch above Nole today. The only reason Nole is still in this is because of Andy's own mistakes.

HE CHOKED

See I told you..he gifted the game back after taking all the efforts to break Nole

Hate tie breaks :(

it's so funny to hear Serbian commentator on Eurosport commenting Andy's double fault as beautiful...lol :(

Choke... hmmm, what now. Muzz has to be is favourite for the tiebreak.

Tie break. Bye bye nails.

This is too much! C'mon Andy!

@schatz , 12:45 PM

I think Rafa makes them all feel inadequate. It's just jealousy, nothing else. Yes, I heard Rusedski say that. He was all gooey over Roger before the AO 2009 final along with Stick, and that's what gives me the most pleasure when I watch the rocording, because I record the whole chat thing.

I love watching the recording when Rafa has defied them and gives it to Roger on his own racquet.

Hope that both players start playing their best tennis at the same time - that would be great. Andy should never drop his guard against Nole even if he LOOKS out of sorts because Nole is always dangerous even when he looks like he has nothing left in the tank.

May the best man win & I am happy to hear that Andy is playing great tennis today.

this set...........

Andy way too good. Probably the best I've ever seen him hit his forehand. I'm exhausted.

3 set points..God Murray dont do a Rafa who allowed Fed to comr back from 6-1 to 6-5

finally. zare, need a tissue?

murray will win his first grand slam this weekend

Lol, valalex, Im sure zare doesn't :) He's fine and dandy.

Nole has to go for it here. All the way, all or nothing. He could just lose this set easily, but it doesn't matter - I don't think he has enough left to go cat and mouse.

No, Rafa will destroy whomever he plays

Murray best > Joker best

@willmw101, and I won't be mad, even if I am a Rafa fan. If he can beat him, it means he deserves it. And he deserves it anyway overall, for the way he's played.

Is Murray doing well or not? Nole's chest beating had started when he thought he was staging a comeback. I don't believe there is anything wrong with him.

OMG blood, guts and heart on the court.
Twice as good as last year now :)

Murray saved 4 set points, Murray won a tiebreak against the top 3 in a GS match..unheard of things before..yes Lendl has won his fee indeed

Man that 3rd set lasted 90 mns..jesus..and points won is 51 Djoko to 53 Murray..that close..

It will be still a huge task though for Murray to win it with Djoko on the other side

already 2 Bps down

"It will be still a huge task though for Murray to win it with Djoko on the other side"
I don't understand. Is he playing Thor the Hammer God of Thunder?

Break. Phew. Nole seems to be listening to my advice a bit here.

Deuce, what about the forehand from Andy? Its been unbelievable. I watched a snippet of last year's final, its a gargantuan difference.

Well it aint over till the last point... ( in fifth)

Djokovic just broke and served his game out to love. Oddly reminiscent of that second set.

willmw101 - Murray won't beat Nadal

and i'm inclined to think he won't even close this match out

yeah, murray is turning to his gay tennis again. giving confidence to djokovic to win this match.

Well complete self destruct now from Murray..We are going to a 5th

Has Andy caught Roger's shanking disease?

I was about to quit but, all right, 3:0 Nole in 4th :)

Lol valalex, I like that you don't mince your words :)

Well, this match will either make or destroy Andy Murray. He's played amazing for the last two sets, it would be destructive for him if he lost.

eduard..gay tennis..ROFL..haha

5th set

this one is going to the 5th. Advantage Djoker

Yes, Nadline - it was a great feeling when Rafa won and he definitely beat Roger all by himself - Roger did not beat himself as was implied all the time by the 2 experts :) Virginia Wade made some nice comments about Rafa after the match which was nice considering she is an ardent Roger fan.

Is itoo early to say djokovic is back?! 4-0!!! I can barely type properly due to the tension

Djoko is winning this..Murray seems content to think he took this to a 5th..His level has dropped by leaps and bounds..I think he took his foot off the pedal a bit in 4th after winning 3rd and Djoko all over him..

Ricky you are right, This is Djokos now..Djoko is sudenly hitting aces, servng well and the tired grunt has disappeared too.

now can someone explain to me, how these things happen? You just win a very important, very, extremely, incredibly important, and important set, i don't know if i've mentioned it, that it was important, and tense, and very important - by a hair, and instead of returning on the court with a HUGE moral advantage you start playing like sorana cirstea? How is it possible?

Well, is a double break enough? Nole did get broken more than once in the second set.

5th will be evenly matched i guess.Djokovic just a little more experienced because of what he went through last year.

and to continue what i was stressing earlier, the player who just lost a CRUCIAL set by a hair returns on the court and starts playing as if he was Odin the Ruler of the Gods.

Big diference now is... Nole is angry!!!

Oh boy, did I just see what I saw? I'm scared all of a sudden. Why did Nole hide what he ate?

Eduard... isn't that a reason why we all love this game???

@samprallica - it's because it's methamphetamines (just joking)

this would not be as crushing as any Grand Slam final loss

Murray won't go in the tank for 3 months like he did last year if he loses

Lol, the conspiracy theorists are going to have a field day.

YUUUUUUPIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE.... HE'S BACK!!!

now, murray just wanted to throw something in the trash, and he figured: "why don't i throw this long grueling match in the trash can, since i have this unexpected urge. I should just stop playing tennis on the outside of the court lines, that would be fun!"

What a brilliant game from Nole. Now lets see how he responds to the pressure. They're both great 5th set players, but no one has been on the brink as Nole has. (USO against Federer)

Yes sampra..they showed it here too on Star Sports ..Why did he hide what he ate? That was really fishy and wont blame people to go all over it

*start

not a smart tank, Murray

Yes Nole's game is way better now!!!
AJDEEEE NOLEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Rafa is waiting!!!

LOL... You think he is moron?? ... after the match it's pee-pee time.

Just like how his body rejects gluten maybe there's something his body really takes to, and that's what he was having?! :D
Feeling a bit optimistic about this fifth set.

Hmmm, Nole is energized. Looking really good, all of a sudden.

Andy is not even moving ..I think his legs are really heavy

Its Djoko now all the way..he looks fitter

Rafa's face must have gone from happy to sad in last 30 mns

Why did Murray tank the fourth? Crazy.

he tanked the set to get ready for the 5th

but he should not have tanked the last game so that he could have started the 5th with serve

murray's back. what a moron.

C'MON.... BREAK HIM NOW!!!

murray deserves to lose this match and never win a grand slam his entire career for the lack of brains he displayed

Big hold for Murray

2:2.... here we go again :)

At least give Andy kudos for taking Novak to 5 sets!!! This is the most he has been stretched for a while. Just hang in with Andy, know its not easy but just hang in there!!

Djokovic will win this for sure

Well, I don't know if tanking to get ready for the fifth is a smart thing at all, against a guy who's been pretty big in 5 setters recently. Take the risk of being exhausted for a fifth and try to win in 4 should have been what Andy was attempting.

This match isn't over. I still think Andy is favourite because he's com e out on top in most tough moments.

Do you guys think Novak must be thinking he would have been happy having Fed in his part of the draw?

i fully agree with ricky.. and 2-3 brk pnt!!

sampra..I am sure you are kidding if you think Andy is the favourite..please!!!

Hes servng behind and Djoko is clearly looking fitter and stronger

BREEEEEAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

INCREDIBLE - FUCK THIS I'M OUT

haahahahaha. BREAAAAAAAAAK! Ricky and Cheryl, please please please leave this swear comment on. One for the archives.

^^^^yes you are...out of your mind....

Is Andy's serving THAT bad?!!!!!

sanju, little bit of gamesmanship from me... the biggest jinx act of 2012.

5--2 AJDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

5:2...... yeeeees......
eduard...stay pls... maybe you will learn what is real champion!!!

As well as Nole has played these two sets, I have to say Murray lost this match if he does. But under Lendl, he can only get better. That forehand was amazing tonight.

Rickys predictions for semis at start of championship bang on

both semis no of sets predicted correctly, final he has predicted Nole over Rafa in 4 :-)

Nole does it again, comes out of a tight spot: down 1-2. Got to hand it to him...However, I am really looking forward to the Nadal vs Djokovic match

you can call me Nostradamus if you like

Well this is Tennis.... real game, fight... not some fancy gey competition who's got more elegant backhand...LOL
AJDE NOLE!!!!

So Ricky you still stand by your prediction..Nole over Rafa in 4?

its not over yet... Nole has to summon everything he's got here.

Ricky Nostradimon...

zare..ddnt miss the dig at Fed there ;-)..you love him dont you

OFC... it's not over.... AJDE NOLEEEE!

ain't over yet

ohhhhhhhhhhh dear. dayum.

BOOM IM BACK

...@sanju....who?...me..?
...and Andy is back.....LOOOOOOL!!!

lol

Murray could have just won it right there.Oh boy, Nole sure knows how to torture his fans.

lol..lol....lol..............lol...............lol.............and VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No worries... chill eduardo... Nole was just waiting for you... he will break now :))

wow. That was unexpected.

What a match, honestly. Best match of the GS so far.

Nadal already has this GS in his bag after this.

Did Nole make errors or Andy took it to him?!!!!!

breathing is so difficult right now.
this match started at 2pm for me, and its almost 7.

nervous game from nole but andy showed heart. A punch in the face of all muzz critics, he has a big heart ! great fighting spirit

The last time I have seen Andy playing like this was Semis of the USO 2008. When he beat Nadal.

This doesn't mean he is going to win against this red hot djokovic, but wow, he is playing a HECK of a match. I LOVE when he plays like this.

@Emiliano55,

How is that?!!

2 sets apiece, 5 games apiece, could this BE more evenly matched??

I mean about "Nadal already has this GS in his bag after this".

Andy can win this if he wants it!!!!

Great match.... before end I will congratulate them both for best match on AO!!!

What a point by Muzza! This is a great set.

Djoko is gonna feel how fed felt last USO

Kinda reminds me of Rafa/Verdasco in AO2009!!!!

if andy wins this, i'll never say a bad word about him my entire life. he'll be my second favorite player of all time, replacing federer.

Two break chances for Andy,,,
AJDE NOLE!!!!!

Monalysa

This match is almost 5hs. Nadal will be rested. He has 70% of this GS under his belt already.


WOW, Djokovic just saved 2 BPs. Incredible match!!!!

I told ya, 5th set would be evenly matched!!! WHAT A RALLY ! duece OMG

DEUCE.... OK I will continue after heart attack...

Dont let Novak fool you, if he wins this he will be fit and ready for Rafa!!!

OMG Andy, you are playing incredible. Don't choke. 3 BPs wasted.

some big UE's from murray again on break point

WHAT A MATCH

another one... simply amazing

This match is Andy's to win...........why is he mucking about?!!!!

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

What a hold! Totally clutch.

Djokovic saves 3 BPs and goes ahead... serving Andy 5-6.

I feel sorry for Andy, he is playing AMAZING but he wasted the 3rd BP really bad.

forgot there isnt a tiebreaker in this final set. we might be here for a while.

The match is both's to win .. i hope whoever wins left enough in his body to put up a fight in final.

Unbelievable. Nole is proving to be one of the gutsiest players of all time. That forehand down the line at 30-40? Ridiculous. I dont care if he loses this. He's done himself proud.

what gutsy play by both of them! seriously the best match of the AO so far.

AJDEEEEE NOLEEEEEEE!!!!!
JUST ONE MOREEEEEE!!!!!

2 MPs Djokovic.

match Nole.
What a fight!

Whats even more irritating about this is that Rafa will not have this so many chances against Novak...........and for Andy to not take any of them is a shame!!!!

sport is not fair. Djokovic did not deserve to win this.

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS.....
BRAVO NOVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKK!!!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Rafa is mote unhappy than murray ;)

Both played a great match.

alright onto Rafa vs Nole...50-50

I am telling you.........Novak absolutely did not deserve this but Andy did NOT take hs chances!!!!!

Wow, what a amatch, Nole played some amazing tennis in that fifth when he back was against the wall. Huge commies to Deuce and fellow Andy fans. I still believe he deserved to win this match, and I genuinely mean that. He was the better player tonight. And he will win his first this year. Lendl will make sure of that.

Nole wins it. What a match, my god.

I feel really sad for Andy. I haven't seen him play like this since the semis at the USO 2008.

Let's see how Djokovic manages against Nadal with this almost 5hs match under his belt.

Rafa is more unhappy than murray ;)

Both played a great match.

Andy made far too many UEs.

What a match!!

My money's on Rafa..............................if Rafa cannot beat this Nole then, I give up.

Deuce, Alex, Andy has issues...............talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory!

Do not let Novak fool you....................there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with him.........he was breathing quite fine in the fifth!!!!! He will be ready for Rafa, i hope Rafa brings his A game!!!! The serves, the ROS and UFE low count!!!

VAMOS!!!!!!!!

CLASSIC.

Muzz lost the match, Nole didn't win it.

I'm with you RITB, although I think based on current form Rafa should win, but based on fate, I don't know.

epic stuff

murray shoulda broke at 5-5

This is exact repeat of Rafa Verdasco in 2009 and Rafa came back to win and defeat Roger

Novak will win AO2012 too..

Emiliano : Novak is more gutsy today than Rafa was in 2009..Novak will win this..why you saying Rafa will win? Rafa will beat him this year but not yet..still some time 4 that..

Yes, but still Rafa is looking great, isn't he? Nole will definitely be the tireder of the two. I'm amazed by how we get so many high quality matches in the mens semis of a slam nowadays. A blowout was the norm before.

Its a pity for Murray really. The only reason the third set lasted that long was because he made errors at crucial moments, and he really miscalculated with the tank. Having said that, I think Nole deserves huge credit for staying alive in the fourth and then that forehand down the line down break point after such a long rally.... another great moment.

I realy can't understand.... Nole didn't deserved it??? ... and Muzza did???
Andy played great and Nole wasn't??
LOL....
AJDE NOLE..... 3.TIME AO... 5. GS TROPHY... AND 7. WIN over Rafa in finale!!!!!

He has played 5 hrs. match and has one less day to recover ..this is facts.

Nobody id fooling anyone. Rafa has physical advantage.

Alex, Duece, I really feel your pain!!! But look ahead, Andy does not have the killer instinct like Rafa!!!

Djoker will be fine for the final. Definitely the favorite.

And he deserved this one. They both did.

I said there was nothing wrong with Nole, his body language was more to do with not losing face if he lost.

If Rafa leaves his nerves at the hotel, he should have no problems. Nole is looking less impressive than he did last year. I'm not bothered about Nole's fitness on Sunday, he'll have the normal recovery time, Rafa's just has one day more, which was designed really for Mr Federer.

Ricky you deserve a medal for coping with some rafatards.

Novak... go and rest... sauna, massage...
Can you imagine... now he will jump in ice water... really ice is floating around him...
I would instantly die :)
Deuce...Alex... what can I say... "sorry" wouldn't be honest ... but I knoe how you must be feeling now :(

If Rafa could do it to Roger in 2009.. Novak can do it to Rafa too now

Please note Novak is in Rafas head as much as Nole is in Rafas head

Rafa has physical advantage on paper..thats it..on court Novak will deliver

I hope for Rafa to win it but I think Novak will take it..Im just seeng a complete repeat of 2009 (:-

"which was designed really for Mr Federer." hehe...nadline... word of true :))

They both deserved it..its a shame one had to lose..Novak just played the crucial tght points better and Andy didnt play the big crucial points in 5th set as well..I almost thought if Andy would do to Novak what Novak did to Roger in 2011 USO semi

I thought Andy will win this, and win in straight... He had more amazing points, and haven't seen for a while Novak looking so helpless in a moments. But he couldn't keep that pressure and maintain trough the match... not trough the whole set.

Novak on another hand were more consistent, not so many flashes of brilliance but overall he managed to go trough all this... and it didn't looked like this was Novak day... such awful first serve and unconvincing play on the moments...

Congrats to Nole and his fans. He had that bit of extra steel when it mattered.
So proud of Andy though. Heart left on court. He's getting there...just a small step. Here's where Ivan comes into the picture.
Ahem....good luck on Sunday with Rafa, Nole...;)

Sorry, but I did not see anything from Nole more than what I saw last year. Having said that, based on recent history, he will go into the final a heavy favourite for the championship.

As for the semi, I feel Muzza lost it more than Nole won it...............what is wrong with Muzza? I switchded off after the first set and first break of the second set.......as the commentator said, it was as if Muzza was in a hitting session, not the semis of a GS. He looked lethargic, he looked out of sorts, and what was all that palaver at the coin toss? Deferring to Nole, wtf?

I really, really want to believe in Muzza, but he gotta believe in himself first.

In a way, I am glad it turned out the way it did. I want Rafa to get the Nole "monkey" off his back, and he can only do that by beating Nole in a GS final, no less.

Slam #11 on Sunday................Vamos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

Djoko fans are supporting Djoko..Fed fans are surely supporting Djoko as most of them hate Rafa..Rafa fans are supportng Rafa..question is who are Murray fans supporting?

sanju, you have such a low opinion of Rafa. I hope you are proved wrong.

Sanju..

Rafa fans were supporting murray today ..does this mean they hate nole??

I wish I am proved wrong and badly at that. I will smile the biggest if he wns on Sunday. You know it that I want Rafa to win, no doubt about that .

I just dont think hes ready yet to beat Nole though I am dead sure from March onwards hell be in better form and ready to strike

rafiathebest and MonaLysa, absolutely agree with you both. But so much and so little for Ivan to work on, I am actually optimistic :) And SO proud of Andy.
sabs: apology called for, r u man enough, and a couple of others too.

Rafa has physical advantage on paper..thats it..on court Novak will deliver
sanju , 1/27/12 2:53 PM


The way some people put Rafa down against Nole, anyone would think Rafa has never beaten him in his life. Rafa is still up on their h2h even after 6 losses in a row.

I said not all but many Fed fans hate Rafa..its a fact given the thrash they write online about Rafa

This site is the most civil and best , other sites are unbearable

I dont know about if Rafa fans were all supporting Murray, I was neutral and was okay with either. I infact maybe wanted Nole to come to final for Rafa to have a crack at him but on other hand seeing the fight Murray put didnt want him to lose too, hence was neutral

Commies to deuce and Alex and the Murray fans. I do agree with Ricky, that Murray shouldn't 'tank' in the fourth set. The problem with Murray is he's not as ruthless, experienced, or decisive as the top three guys. He just couldn't play the important points well enough like the other three guys do. It's not his time yet, obviously. He has so many break point opportunities and yet he squandered most of them. He really needs more time, more matches like this where he is put under constant pressure to learn how to make the right decisions and the right shots tonwinpo crucial points. Nole and Rafa have already mastered that, it's time for Murray to do so too, if not I don't think he'll win any slam, especially with Rafa, Nole and Fed around.

Concerning Sunday's final, Rafa has to remain calm and execute his whatever game plan well. Though I don't feel that Nole would be handicapped by this almost five hours match, I still feel that Nole is not playing very well this AO, especially where his serve is concerned. It's up to Rafa to capitalize on that. It's a pity that Murray comes so close yet fails to take advantage of Nole's bad serving day. I hope Rafa can take advantage of that and gets the starts of his wins over Nole. Just don't feed Nole with those cross court balls, keeps the ball in play at the mid section of the court, stop giving Nole all the angles to work with. Both Ferrer and Murray failed to do that, Rafa too in the past. I hope he learns a lesson or two from watching Nole's matches. Murray tried cutting off the angles by going DTL both at sides or at the middle section of the court with some success, but once he went to the corners, he lost the points to Nole. Nole's CC forehand was simply awesome today, as quick as 172 kph!

nadline..I am not putting him down. I just said at this moment based on recent history, Nole is the favourite.

I do hope Rafa wins it but if ones practical, maybe Nole has better chances..thats about it. Look at what nerves of steel and guts and instinct he displayed today, you think hell not get it on Sunday? He is mentally simply tougher than Rafa now, Rafa knows that too. Fed was physically at an advantage in 2009 but Rafa had the mental advantage and he won it.

Lets not be very emotional about it please, as I said I hope I am really proved wrong. Fingers crossed :-)

I think djokovic has to be the favorite because of what happened last year AND because he prefers this surface the most. Rafa IS playing better than 2011 but whether he'l have enough to overcome djokovic on sunday is questionable. Will talk more about it in the match preview... GREAT GREAT EFFORT FROM BOTH MEN TODAY, salute to andy and he has shown he is a big fighter ! Novak now has those great champion like qualities to fend off so many big threats.

by the way, just wanted to discuss something. What is it about novak being looking tired in the initial sets and then finally revived when it matters most :S , same happened against ferrer, stretching his body , panting for breath, tired faces and then suddenly so fresh in the final stages :S does he try to deceive his opponents so they drop their intensity? does he have enough reserves to raise his energy when most needed?

*NO COMMENTS REGARDING DRUGS ETC ETC, PLEASE !!!!

Rafa just has to be calm. If he wins the first set, the shackles will be off. His nerves are his only handicap. He is serving and playing better than he was throughout last year. Based on Nole's performance today, he is not so much a dead cert against Rafa, on the other hand adrenalin may take over tomorrow.

I hope that Rafa is not taken in by any injury feigning by Nole.

I read that Rafa's parents have got back together.

nadline..I saw them seated together I think at Davis cup..I was surprised too

If that is true, maybe it will all start clicking back

Yes Rafa dont let your foot off the pedal and please stay close to baseline

vamosrafa, how are we to know? We can discuss till death here but no one except Nole and maybe his team knows the answer. Nole did take something during the break time, it's strange that he uses his towel to try to cover up, when he obviously did swallow something small and brownish in color. Maybe that's something to energize him and it's obviously allowed under the rules, though I'm puzzled why must he try to cover up.

I'm suspecting that Nole may still have some back issue, as his serve is obviously below par, this match and the QF match. If not I really don't understand why his serve can go from good in the past to below par this tournament. Notice he's more selective in serving big this match, only at crucial moments, not so much in earning cheap points. For both Rafa and Nole's sake, I hope the Sunday final match will not be another too physical match that may destroy both players, whether physically or mentally.

lucky..even if its physical Rafas not playing till IW right/ he has enough time to rest and recuperate

It is really tough to predict the final.

If it weren't for this 5 hour match i would put my money over Djokovic, that's for sure. But considering this fact, if the match extends too much then Nadal has a huge advantage.

No sanju, remember his foot injury during Wimbledon last year that took him longer than expected to heal? I don't want to see anymore injury for Rafa.

Both Rafa and Nole are fighters, I'm eager to see which Rafa and which Nole turn up to play on Sunday. I like Rafa's chances this Sunday, not so much because of fitness issue for Nole, for I really don't see him having any physical fitness issue, not when he can come back in the fourth and fifth sets today to win. It's more about Nole not playing well this AO, he can fight his way through matches no doubt, but if it's the confident Rafa that turns up to play, then I like Rafa's chances. It's time that Rafa starts to have his win(s) over Nole.

Nole may have his serve problem now, just like Rafa having his backhand and serve problems last year, where their opponents could capitalize on. Ferrer and Murray are not good enough to capitalize on that against Nole, I hope Rafa is different and is mentally well prepared for the match.

What is the brown thing that Nole ate during the changeover that energised him totally? We all want to know, when we feel lack of energy we can have it too..Im sure it musnt be too expensive.

Could have been simply a piece of chocolate cake!!!!......hehehe!!

@sanju and lucky, lol ,...yea i would love to have that brown thing lol....some sort of energy stimulant probably..

and yes, we cant say much about it ,only nole knows how he recuperates.And i agree with luckystar, nadal has good chances to win on sunday. Nole will recover i think and it will be one heck of a match and 100% agreed that djokovic's serve has not been good ! His serve had been vulnerable the entire championships, even lorenzi broke his serve despite being bagelled twice..If nole is unable to serve like 2011, it would be a huge adv for rafa and we know rafa is returning good .I am sure rafa would try changing the pattern of rallies this time, he was so predictable last year going cross court court and court court to nole's world class backhand..rafa DID play down the line forehands but for my liking he did not attack nole's forehand enough(did that well at Us open 2010).. his new weapon for this tournament is that flat inside out forehand that troubled roger big time yesterday..i hope he uses that shot earlier in the rallies tomorrow and I am sure he'd be willing to do it because he was committed to doing it against federer , some one against whom he had so much success by going cross court so we can assume rafa would be determined to use this tactic against novak.

whatever it was it must be allowed under the rules bcoz he is not fool that he will take something suspicious in front if millions of people.

Sole maker..brown things ..blah blah blah ..lol!!

Major congratulations to Novak AND Andy and their fans!

I consider myself a fan of Andy as well as Rafa, have been for a long time. I so much want Andy to get mentally tough and consistent. I missed the last set as I had to go commute to work.

Today?s match was another example of just how mental pro level tennis is. Other than the mental component both Novak and Andy can trouble each other plenty any day, especially on hard courts.

Andy is improving on the mental side of things. Hiring Lendl seems to be a wise decision. Time will tell whether Andy can become very consistent and enough of a fighter? it is a potential and such potentials are very hard but not impossible to get close to. It?s a broken record but true: Andy needs to win his first GS.

Yes, lol, he does know that the cameras are on him.

Nole deserved the win for hanging in there, and then putting on another display of sheer heart and guts when the match almost slipped away from him in the fifth. Not many people would have made that FH down the line after such a rally.

Murray I feel deserved it equally because he didn't really give it away and played some mind blowing tennis. Never seen him hit his forehand as well as he did in the second and third sets. I think Murray was definitely the better player overall, but Nole played better when it mattered - the tennis from him in the last two games was at a different level, given the circumstances.

Tennis is lucky to have this match for the archives.

If Nadal wins, he will probably surpass Roger's GS record.

I think Rafa will win the AO2012 final..........he seems to do well in the even years!!! Here's me hoping the trend will continue!!

VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry to say, I think Nadal will lose in 3 sets. Novak have so many weapons to beat Nadal including how to make the opponent cheated. Novak has many "smart" tricks with malingering or pretending to be tired. Nadal is too honest to know about cheating and pretending.

I am sure Rafa saw Ferrer and Murray matches to know by now not to look at Noles body language. He already got fooled once in USO 2011 final when Nole took the break to get his back massaged and then came and whacked Rafa, Im sure he will learn from that :-)

Congrats to the Nole fans and sorry for the Andy fans, deuce, alex etc. It is very hard when your favourite loses in such a close match. Andy can only get better with Lendl in his corner.

Andy is a perennial chokemaster! too much pressure from the british fans and media make him falter on big stages and i feel for this guy. dont think lendl can change anything, he is playing in a tough era....

Murray has to learn to use his challenges properly, it's not the first time he ran out at the beginning of the set. I think they shouldn't be restricted to just three correct ones.

Novak heaping praise on Rafa

What do you think of his play?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, the last one I've seen is obviously against Roger. It was a fantastic match I think from both of them. Roger started off really well. It was an incredible effort from Rafa to come back and some incredible passing shots. That's why he's a champion. That's why he's one of the best players to ever play this game. He's never giving up. He has a fighting spirit. He has very few weaknesses.

Yeah, I mean, he's very much eager and motivated to win the title ? as much as I am. It's the final. It's unpredictable what's going to happen.

Novak reiterated it twice in his presser that he thinks Rafa wants this title real bad

Nole is not serving well at the moment, but his retrieving skills are superb. he is like a brick wall at the back of the court. If Rafa serves well as he has been doing in the last two weeks, and is able to take control of the points, I'm optimistic.

Rafa would have learned not to but into Nole on his last legs syndrome.

Commies to Duece and other Andy fans...
Hope Andy will deliver next time.

@Deuce, I noticed a strong personal comment from you against me, what was that for?
I don't rememebr any, Is this bcoz I predicted Andy to loose in 3 and as always he will not win more than few games???

Please clarify this.
Your remark is bit harsh and it is personal too...

congrats to chrolostoma, NNY, natashao, and atul1985 again for winning the SF expert picks. Cheryl also tied with them. They were all a combined one set off between the two matches while correctly predicting both winners.

whoever of that group wants to do the final, email me one paragraph of analysis and exact score. ricky.dimon@tennistalk.com

OK...let me be short... my modest thoughts are:
Novak deserved to win... he had showed some guts whenever it was important...
About Nole "faking" tiredness: Nole is far above that. It is completely normal to have crises during the match... and to get over it.
I was running marathon (...long time ago... and never reached finish) but I know from my experience, that I always had a crises at 8,9 km... and if I make it to 15... it was over. So I think that story about acting should stay where it belongs ( with Tomic and his BMW).
One day more for Rafa (Fed)...of rest... well I believe that Nole will be ready for Sunday.
Rafa simply HAS to win over Nole sometimes... Nobody normal believe that Novak will take EVERY MATCH with Nadal. That's ridiculous :) Will it be in two days, we will see...
Ofc. I would like Nole to win... but I am completely happy and proud of Novak. This was epic SF, not so much with quality but with drama.
Novak simply can't win all... and if Rafa wins on Sunday... I am calm...
So let the better man win... and I hope they will come and leave court as friends.

zare, I would be happy to give Nole the benefit of the doubt if he didn't have form in faking injury. He did it in Rome against Murray, at the USO against Nadal, against Ferrer in the Qtr final and today against Murray. I'm no not even going to mention the DC against Delpo.

Nadline, how did Djokovic fake his injury? Against Ferrer, you could see on the replay the moment he got hurt, when he pulled the hamstring. Maybe you've missed it, I don't know. I don't remember him faking any injuries at Rome, perhaps you can remind me? As for DC, Djokovic loves to play for Serbia, and I don't doubt for a second he was injured. It's normal for for any player in a match this long to have ups/downs.

I don't doubt Djokovic's fitness level. You know, this reminds me a lot of the situation in Rome. You know when he had that tough semi against Andy. Nobody thought he had energy against Rafa in the finals, yet he proved everybody wrong and dismissed him in straights. Hoping to see the same situation here. :)

whoever thinks Nole will be tired on Sunday is delusional...it is enough to remember Rome 2011 and Murray vs Nole semis lasting for three hours where everyone thought Nole would be exhausted the very next day to play finals with Rafa and we all know how fit and fast Nole turned up to be...here he has one day rest and he did not even look tired in those last two sets with Murray...I must admit, after I saw his body language in the second and third set, I really thought Nole was not feeling well...and all of the sudden he played two last sets without even sweating as much as before and was hitting the ball harder than in the first two sets...so, believe me, Nole will be more than ready for the finals on Sunday...

sabs: u said "Murray will get a huge beat down." That merits an apology IMHO

Nadline... now I should make a list of Nadal's "fake" MTOs... isn't it?? Every sword has two edges... think about it.
I could do that using the same logic as you do...
No...I won't. That is difference between us.

pretending to be tired during the match is against ATP rules and should be sanctioned :haha:

and nadal fan talking about faking injuries :rolleyes:

You know for sure that he injured his hamstring? In the DC he knew he was losing so he faked an injury. He faked fatigue against Ferrer in the Qtr and against Murray, also against Murray in Rome.

He won't get away with again, everyone is now wise to his tricks. I said all along during the match today that there was nothing wrong with him that as soon as things started going his way , he would be energised and would start beating his chest and that's exactly what happened.

^^^^ pathetic.

zare, go ahead.

zare ignore nadaltard please.

You know for sure he DIDN"T? Djokovic has always been a class act, in victory and in defeat, so yeah I believe him. But if you want to play by your logic, how many times did Rafa "fake" his injury?

When you play well, of course you'll be energised. What a stupid thing to say.

Nice try to prepare excuses... Nadal HAS one day more...FACT!
Nole HAD longer match in SF...
So if Novak show some signs of tiredness... he will fake it! And that is fact coz our ..Majesty Nadline says so!
You have really surprised me Nad. That is so pathetic :)
It seems that you are really terrified with oncoming match LOL...
Pls... continue about your theories... I wont answer anymore.

Nadline, you're really being pathetic. What proof do you have for any of your blabbers? Nole was obviously hurt at the USO otherwise he's serves during the 4th set wouldn't travel at 80mpr. In DC, he just aggravated that further. That's why he pretty much missed the whole of the fall swing. Please, what happened to Roger's back and Rafa's knee? If you want to go that path, one can find a plethora of examples regarding Rafa and others.

Aghhh, when people hate, they find the most bizarre excuses and imagine things that everyone else that thinks rationally, sees differently.

We will re-visit this subject as time goes on.

I wonder... if Andy had won... would this be a theme on TT?
OK ... nothing can ruin this day...
Started with Nole...SF
Waterpolo victory over Italy...SF
Handball... win over Croatia...SF of european Championship...
... and all started with Novak:)

I hope nole wins bcoz this time nadal fans has not a single excuse !!

Thank you Mani... your comment is 351... so judging by number of comments... this was better SF!!! (Rafa Fed...350)...

I'm disappointed with nadline, gotta say. Zare, did you watch the handball game? Or the waterpolo? Great day for the Serbian sports. :)

nadline aka carrie is a long time hardcore, blind nadaltard and any discussion engagement with her is completely futile. she is designed to hate everything not named nadal.

Commiserations to Murray's fans, however this time he did not go down without a real fight! I don't know which losses are harder, the one last year in which he was just rolled over by Nole or this one in which he played brilliant tennis and pushed Nole to the brink and had a real chance to win this match.

If it helps, I think Murray overcame a huge hurdle in this match. Remember that Rafa went through the same thing in trying to beat Fed anywhere but at RG. It took three times for him to beat Fed at Wimbledon and look at what he had to do to get it! So Murray will take the good from this match. No need to hang his head. This was an amazing match.

He will not go into a funk, because all you can ask of your player is that he lay it all out on the court and if he loses then so be it. Lendl will help him to remember the good thing and that he stayed strong throughout the match.

Congratulations to Nole fans on this incredible win. It could have gone either way, but he managed to do it. I have some thoughts on some of what went on in that match, but don't want to get into it now. I don't want to start a war with anyone.

Rafa fans have read enough cheap shots at him to last a lifetime. I don't know what was going on with Nole earlier in the match when he seemed to have some problem. He kept squatting and seemed to be hurting. I always try to give all players the benefit of the doubt.

Oh and yes, now Nole will know how Rafa felt three years ago when he had to play Fed after that marathon slugfest with Verdasco, on only one day's rest. He came out and found a way to win. That will be the challenge for Nole.

I am looking forward to a great final.

Wow!! I find the comment about Nole faking injuries quite surprising. He really looked to me like he was in pain, and he had breatihng problems in the past, what's different now? Unless you know what goes on in his head, you could say the same about Rafa which you don't. At AO SF 2010, Verdasco was cramping during his match with Rafa and then out of nowhere he had a second wind and played lights out - it can happen! Rafa said once that when you're winning, you don't feel the pain. Champions can learn to ignore it. Tsk, tsk...

Cheers NNY... great finale... and let the better man wins on Sunday!

jean: i thought i would never say this, but great post.

i wish rafa best luck in the finals and let the better man win.

I think jean managed to say what I was trying to say in less words and better!

It also reminded me of something that Murray said in his post-match interview. Someone asked him what Lendl told him or what advice he gave him before the match. Murray said that Lendl told him to get ready for a lot of pain! He said that there would be times in the match when his legs would hurt or burn but that he would have to play through it. Smart man! It can be done.

zare,

Will this be hard for you because you love Nole but also like Rafa? Or is it only Nole when he is playing?

We all know what this is about. Nole has beaten Rafa six times on all surfaces last year. It's up to Rafa to come out and somehow put all that behind him and make new history. He has to believe that he can win. He has to get past any mental blocks and try to think about the present and not the past.

Rafa has produced the kind of tennis we have not seen from him in a long time. The question is, can he do it against Nole? Will he be able to hang tough and show that fierce competitive spirit that we saw against Berdy and Fed?

He will have to get a lot of first serves in and try to hold his serve against one of the best returners in the game. If he gets a break chance, he must capitalize on it. No giving it away. He will have to be aggressive, try to disrupt Nole's rhythm, be les predictable.

I just want to see a real match. I want Rafa to go out there and not hold back and give it everything. Then let the chips fall where they may.

@ Deuce,

No Apologies for that, I really thought Nole would deliver that.
But Nole proved me wrong ystrd not Andy, I don't have to apologise for my bad prediction.

And that won't qualify you to use any words against me, dare not do that again.
You will learn then, Deuce...............................

Better keep your words within your permitted limits, you can talk tennis but not personal insulting words.

I warn you..... don't repeat this with anyone.

Really sabs, deuce using insulting words? I must say that would be quite a surprise for me because I have never, ever seen a single rude word from deuce for all the time I have been posting on TT...................

Rafans and Nole fans : Can we please not argue and fight? Let them both play on Sunday their hearts out and the better man will win. Rafans can hope it to be Rafa, Djoko fans will hope its Novak

On paper Djoko is the favourite because of the huge mental edge and mental edge overpowers any physical handicap..Rafa proved it in 2009.And Nole is as gutsy as Rafa is if not more.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9045692/Austral ian-Open-2012-Rafael-Nadal-buoyant-ahead-of-Novak-Djokovic-clash.html


Muzza's take on Nole's on-court physical difficulties:

"When asked if he found Djokovic?s theatrical displays of exhaustion annoying, Murray was diplomatic, saying: ?I?m sure he is struggling. I don?t look at him and think, ?he?s being an idiot?, I just know he?s going to be fine in a few minutes. So you don?t lose concentration over it.?

But he did admit that ?I feel like if it was me I would be getting criticised a lot for doing what he does. People would say ?Andy?s play-acting?.?

The palyers are more aware of each other's "difficulties" than we fans are..........

Well I did point out that to me it looks like Nole feigns his difficulties during a match and I was called pathetic by his fans. It's so obvious, because it only happens in the bits of the match where he is trailing.

I say it as I see it, and it looks like I'm not the only one who thinks Nole's physical problems during a match is not genuine. Even the press thinks they are just theatrical displays.

sabs,

You need to get over yourself. Nobody called you any bad names and there was nothing wrong with what deuce said. She gave her opinion and that's it. I have never known her to be rude or insulting to anyone on this site. She is one of the most pleasant and gracious posters here.

Let's not make a big deal about this.

Both Nadal and Murray agree with me, at least.

All right nadline. Then nadal is also a faker. That "injury" in the hotel before the 1st round is bogus, there was no injury. It was made up so hb has an excuse if he crashed out early. Or if he went far, to look like a hero with a giant heart.
You really are scared of facing Nole. Rafa that is.

Rafaisthebest... From the same article...
"Nadal will have an extra day?s rest than Djokovic, whose body will no doubt feel the strain of spending almost five hours on the court against Murray on Friday. Djokovic has also had hay fever in Melbourne this year so his breathing has been laboured over the last couple of rounds."
...
So... Telegraph.co.uk telling us that Nole WAS strugling, that he even had a fever... But you choose not to copy/paste THAT part of article...
Nadline...
That same press... Admited that he was even ill in AO...
THAT SAME PRESS...can very much piss you of when they are talking about Rafa's injuries...
Did it ever occured to you...something completely logical? ...that he is trailing because he is strugling? No?
...and then you surprissed coz someone called you pathetic... And not only Nole fans...
NNY... Yes, it is hard... but Novak is Novak. It is even harder when some Rafans start to talk trash about Nole.
In few years...that I am on TT, find me one, JUST ONE post where I was disrespetfull to Rafa!
But...allas... if some player is nice person, that does not mean that ALL his fans are same.

I'm not being disrespectful, I'm just saying what I think. Everyone is free to say Rafa is faking injuries if that's what they believe.

So NNY doesn't agree with me, so what?

OK, nadline... simply, you are sinking deeper and deeper...
I don' t have time for this anymore...
Just continue...

zare , 1/28/12 9:39 AM

zare, calm down, you are gabbling your message and making yourself look foolish. Sounds to me like you are upset at me for posting the Telegraph link, talk baout shooting the messenger. If it makes you happier, I can copy paste the WHOLE article, but please!

Please take a look at the following exchange btween YOU and NADLINE:

1. ".Majesty Nadline says so!
You have really surprised me Nad. That is so pathetic :)
It seems that you are really terrified with oncoming match LOL...
Pls... continue about your theories... I wont answer anymore.

zare , 1/27/12 9:35 PM

"

I say it as I see it, and it looks like I'm not the only one who thinks Nole's physical problems during a match is not genuine. Even the press thinks they are just theatrical displays.

nadline , 1/28/12 9:03 AM

It is YOU who called NADLINE pathetic on this issue. So show me where someone else called ME pathetic on this issue, please?

Your pathetic attempt at bullying me into silence do not and will not work, buddy. CHILL.

Why are you getting so defensive anyway, because other players, such as Rafa and Nuzza say they do not believe Nole's "breathing" difficulties will affect his performance in the Final? In any case, this sounds more like a compliment to Nole than anything else: it says he has amazing recovery powers during a match! So, what's your problem?

Judging by your thin skin, there has to be more to this than we can see............

For what it is worth, I will repeat what I have said before: Novak goes into the Final as the overwhelming favourite, I do not for one minute believe he has serious physical issues that will inhibit his performance come Sunday. Both Rafa and Nole will bring the heat Finals day.

Vamos,may the best man win!!!!!!!!

If it makes you happier zare, I will go along with the party line as articulated by you in your post of 1/28/12 9:39 AM:

1.Nole WAS strugling,
2. that he even had a fever...
3. that he was even ill in AO...

So, with all the above ailments and calamities befalling Nole before and during his match with Muzza, he ended the match running faster than before, playing, as Nole himself said, "the best match of his life" and wait for it....................winning!

Script for an upcoming movie, maybe?

Please, let Nole be Nole, i.e. play his fantastic tennis on court. Spare us the "Chariots of Fire" montages until after his tennis career, will ya?

OK, nadline... simply, you are sinking deeper and deeper...
I don' t have time for this anymore...
Just continue...

zare , 1/28/12 9:53 AM



Deeper and deeper into what?

LOOOL...
RITB.... what is wrong with you???
"zare, calm down, you are gabbling your message and making yourself look foolish. "
It seems that you are the one who needs to calm!
..........

..."I can copy paste the WHOLE article, "
Now it's to late.... you have choose just one part... one that you think will proof theory of Nole's acting... and completely ignored part when telegraph says he was ill.
So your copy-pasting was with bad intention and disrespectful...
Yes.... among others I called Nad pathetic... like I am calling you ridiculous and pathetic.
...and double-faced. You brought something here to support Nad... and now you are trying to sell me that same thing as compliment for Novak:))
Don't insult my intelligence ..
............

"bullying me into silence".... WTF? where? Are you completely lost your mind??
...and don't you BUDDY me... I am choosing my company...
Bullying you... LOL... now who has the thin skin? You don't have idea what bullying is.
..................................
"Please take a look at the following exchange btween YOU and NADLINE"

Once again you are carefully choosing what will you post... go above and see who started all this???
PATHETIC!!!

^^^^^talk about being on edge, enough said.

Nole better win tomorrow or else the guys in the white coats will really be busy......

NAD... you are enjoying this?

Hey, don't drag me into this argument! I said that I didn't want to go there. From what I read in that article, I believe it said that Nole was suffering from hay fever. That is allergies, not a fever. I know because I have it myself. Nole talked about the pollen an bad allergies he has been having at the AO, how his nose is all clogged up and he can't breathe. They have great medications for it, but I don't know if it is allowed in competition. I don't know the rules. There are all kinds of antihistamines, sprays, everything. I will say that bad allergies can make you feel sick.

All this does is encourage others to start trashing Rafa again. Did you read how someone already jumped on and said that Rafa faked his knee injury so that he would have an excuse if he lost? Please! Yes, that's why he has been wearing that tape all over his knee. It's just for show!

Some people don't need any encouragement to go after Rafa.

Also, don't try to start something between nadline and myself. We don't always agree and it's totally fine. I haven't said anything about what she said or criticized her. All I can do is give my opinion. I do have some questions as to why Nole would want to even show his opponent that he is having problems. Rafa tries to hide it when he has an injury or is in pain until it is too much. I don't know why he was squatting like that repeatedly or walking awkwardly.

Nobody knows what was really going on except Nole. I can't see why he would play games, because Murray said in his post-match interview that he just ignores it and goes about playing his game. In fact, if you think your opponent is hurt then you can try to run him around more to test it.

It's not like it hurt Murray or anything. That is not why he lost the match.

To paraphrase one poster on another site: Hard to stay rationale when the smoking nostrils of the Humble Bull are gaining in on your fav's rear view mirror!

Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROFL...

^^^^^now, that's better.........enjoy the match tomorrow!

I will die saying what I think and not what I think people want to hear.

Can we please discuss the matchup and tennis and stop everything else please? Thread is on the verge of getting ugly otherwise

Nole will be fit for the final, no doubt. His coach, fitness trainer will ensure that.

It will all boil down to who has greater guts , better mental strength and wants it more.The better man on that day will win.

No cherry-picking from me, no comment, just a copy and pase of another article on the matter, as zare likes it:

Nadal won't be swayed by Djokovic breathing issues
Updated 1h 20m ago

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Comments
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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) ? Like Andy Murray before him, Rafael Nadal isn't convinced Novak Djokovic has any breathing problems going into their Australian Open final on Sunday night.

* Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to the media about the upcoming men's final.

By Clive Brunskill, Getty Images

Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to the media about the upcoming men's final.

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By Clive Brunskill, Getty Images

Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to the media about the upcoming men's final.
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During Djokovic's five-set semifinal win over Murray on Friday night, and to a lesser extent during his quarterfinal victory over David Ferrer, the Serbian player showed signs of breathing difficulties, something he's put down to allergies.

On Saturday, Nadal told a pre-final news conference that he, like Murray, had seen it all before. Nadal suggested that Djokovic tends to make incredible physical recoveries, even in the latter stages of big matches.

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STORY: Djokovic hangs on to beat Murray
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PHOTOS: Top shots from Melbourne

"It's funny, no?," Nadal said after a two-hour workout Saturday. "I saw the match (Friday) on the TV ? when he was in the fifth set moving fantastically well, and they show images from 2 hours, 50 (minutes) before and seems like he was destroyed. Two hours 50 later he was in perfect condition.

"So is difficult to imagine that he has these problems. I don't know."

Against Murray on Friday, top-ranked Djokovic looked out of breath during the second set and again when he moved forlornly back to his chair after dropping serve to go down 2-1 in the third set.

"He's done it many times before," Murray said. "He runs very well even when he's breathing heavy. I was ready for that. He was similar in the last match. But he moved fine."

For his part, Djokovic, who won three of the four majors last year, says the breathing issues are genuine in the southern summer conditions.

"I've seen doctor and I've talked with some people," Djokovic said. "I've talked with couple of players that have a little allergy problems this year in Australia for no reason, ones they didn't have in last couple years but they had reactions this year.

"I suppose that's my problem, as well. I've been trying to do everything possible to clear that out. But, you know, we are all surrounded with the flowers."

Djokovic will have to back up for the final with just a day's rest, while Nadal has had two. Nadal enters the match with a 16-13 edge in career meetings, but Djokovic has won the last six matches between them, all in 2011, including the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals.

Nadal played down the extra rest, reminding everyone he played in the Australian Open's longest men's singles match ? a 5-hour, 14-minute semifinal win over Fernando Verdasco in 2009, then didn't practice the following day before beating Roger Federer, who had had two days of rest, in the final.

"Well, that's what it is," Nadal said. In "2009 I played longer than him (Federer) in the semifinals. I was recovered for the final, so I think you can say it's unfair, yes, but not crazy unfair.

"Really unfair is the U.S. Open when you don't have day off between semifinals and final. Having one day off, I believe you are not in big trouble."

Statistics back up Nadal's assertions ? for three of the last four years at the Australian Open, the man who has played the second semifinal has won the final. Advantage, then, to the guy with just one day off, Djokovic.

No. 2 Nadal and No. 1 Djokovic are becoming inseparable in Grand Slam finals. This is their third in a row, an Open Era record, and Nadal is playing in his fourth in a row, having beaten Federer in the French Open final last year.

Djokovic's third Grand Slam win in a row would put him in some esteemed company ?Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Federer and Nadal have achieved the feat ahead of him.

Nadal, who has 10 major titles, remembers when he won his third in a row ? the U.S. Open in 2010. Now, about 18 months later, he's hoping to avoid becoming the first player to lose three Grand Slam finals in a row in the Open Era.

He reckons Djokovic has the advantage going into Sunday's match. Djokovic's only loss in a major in 2011 was to Federer in the French Open semifinals. He is on a 20-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments.

"When you are coming with that confidence, everything is a little bit easier," Nadal said. "I think for him is an advantage, not a pressure, to be in that situation."

I am a cronic hayfeve sufferer myself and have always sympathised with Nole for that. I know how the symptoms can irritate you to the point of being unable to concentrate and I also know that you don't get over those symptoms in a flash especially if the conditions don't change.

Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice to see Rafans so calm and "in the moment"........................before the big day. When you are "colm", as Rafa says, even insults don't faze you...............

So looking forward to tomorrow...................

RITB, good for you for taking the missiles in your stride.

Coming back to the match , few matchups that we are going to see

- Djoker's FH CC and Nadal's CC BH . I dont like this match up for Nadal if he is going to continously loop his CC BH over the net and Nole is going to continuously go over that side and suddenly come up with the down the line forehand and open up court on Nadal's FH side . Nadal has mentioned that Nole is able to change directions without any errors . Moreover, there is a difference in the way Fed's CC FH matches up with Rafa's BH. Fed comes up inside the court more while striking his FH CC and gives Nadal a look for flat CC BH which opens up the court on Fed's FH side and after that Nadal takes it on his FH. Unfortunately, this does not happen with Djoker's FH CC as he does not leave so much space on that side for Nadal to go flat.

-Djoker's CC BH and Nadal's loop CC FH . Nole does not mind this matchup as well because Nadal's CC FH is short and loopy. Nole does not mind this as he is able to generate plenty of depth which sometimes result in Nadal dropping his forehand short and Nole can come in and go for BH down the line .

One match up that Nadal would like more off is his FH down the line and playing with Nole's FH but unfortunately this match up does not happen enough as it leads up to the matchup of Djoker's FH CC and Nadal's CC BH which is the worse matchup for Nadal as his BH is not consistent as his FH .

I dont know how Rafa is going to win long rallies as I dont think these problems can be sorted out in such a short time. Nadal will his serve to work out well and hope Nole is little off with his serve . But after first set which probably would be a 1 hour slugfest, I don't think either of them is going to get a lot of free points on their serve.

Nadal will have to come up with something special tomorrow as its going to take a super human effort to break Nole from the back of the court.

I hope he is aggresive with his BH CC as ultimately this shot may well decide the fate of the match and hope he servs well on key points.

I can write a thesis on hayfever and breathing problems, it's the bane of my life from the spring through to summer as I am allergic to tree and grass pollen and dust in between, so I'm talking from experience.

I thought the gluten free diet was the answer. There was me thinking I should try it.

^^^^^^^^ah, we have been favourites before, nad, haven't we? It is difficult being "the marked" one, even more stressful for the fans. So, I fully understand zare's frustrations. I have seen enough of his/her posts to know that he/she is one of the good ones on TT. So, it's all good..................

Rafa will do us proud tomorrow..................

Vamos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One more thing about Nole - I think he is perfectly fine . I can't comment whether he fakes his injuries but can certainly comment on his last night speech which was just awesome and he was really gracious . We should be proud that we are witnessing Nole, Fed and Nadal who all might turn out to be the greatest in history and I believe Nole will definitely achieve the career GS by winning FO very soon.


But I hope Nadal wins tomorrow . Vamos !!!

Rafa has already done us and himself proud by reaching the final. I dont think either we nor he himself expected it after his issues towards end of last year, the shoulder issues etc.

He came from behind to win 2 very tough matches against Fed and Berdy which I think should give him enough confidence for the year ahead irrespective of what happens tomorrow..And yes he has gained 840 points too

zare, I have to admit that most of Nole's fans, on this site anyway, you included are the most cordial and it was not an attempt to diss Nole for the sake of it.

I'm avoiding a lot of the posts relating to the duel tomorrow because some of them depress me.

Rafa fans are blaming some other player for faking the injuries... Rofl!!

Nadline, everything is OK ;-)
We can argue as we want... but we have to wait till Sunday...
I will just copy paste my post be4 this misfortunate debate:
.........

"Rafa simply HAS to win over Nole sometimes... Nobody normal believe that Novak will take EVERY MATCH with Nadal. That's ridiculous :) Will it be in two days, we will see...
Ofc. I would like Nole to win... but I am completely happy and proud of Novak. This was epic SF, not so much with quality but with drama.
Novak simply can't win all... and if Rafa wins on Sunday... I am calm...
So let the better man win... and I hope they will come and leave court as friends.
zare, 1/27/12 7:16 PM
.......
Last sentence is most important for me.
So good luck Rafa and AJDE NOLE!!!!

whoaa..Im sure sum Fed fans will have good fun tomm taking cheap potshots at others ;-)

Fed fans: Very soon Fed may go to #4 watching Murray yesterday , his intent is clear

BTW... FEDEXAL... nice analyze .."fedexal, 1/28/12 11:14 AM"

I read in Rafa's book how when he won his fairst French Slam, he got back to the locker room to find Uncle T waiting for him with a list of the things he did WRONG in the final!

I couldn't help but think, after Muzza's match with Nole, that that's what Muzza needed, tough love. None of this, oh you did so well you got 2 sets off Nole (he did, still lost), you fought hard (he did, Nole fought harder), you are closing the gap (so what, still lost).

I have a feeling Lendl is in the Uncle T mould and will not be in a hurry to massage Muzza's ego. If he is good enough to win a Slam he is strong enough to take the hits thrown at him, none of this namby pamby stuff. He certainly won't be getting it from me.

C'mon Muzza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rafaisthebest, exactly my thoughts, although I may put it in a different way: I was just discussing Murray's match with some friends and I said how I completely disapprove Andy's attitude after the match...instead of saying: Gosh, I had the match in my hands and I lost it rather than Nole won it, he was playing the card of satisfaction, being pleased that he took Nole to a five setter and bla, bla... unless Murray changes his attitude and learns to meet the expectations in terms of winning BIG matches he will never win a Slam...I personally thought that this match was a huge defeat for Murray because he was not able to capitalize on the numerous advantages he had...he fought hard but at the end he proved that he never expected he would win this one and that he never really believed in his own game...he was just not thinking like a champion...and that is what he needs to work on...

natashao , 1/28/12 1:51 PM

Thanks natashao, you captured my sentiments much better than i did! It's not important what other people think of your performance, it's what you think of your performance that will change your approach. I agree, Muzza needs to start being critical of himself in a positive way (if that makes sense). You could sense Rafa's frustration at Muzza for the way he played the 4th set in his presser (although this may of course have been a little self-serving since I am sure Rafa would rather have been meeting Muzza in the final than Nole). What Rafa said is, after being 2 sets up on Nole, the 4th set was exactly the time when Muzza should have floored the accelerator.

2 things I feel Muzza needs to work on to progress:

1. His mental attitude, he needs to be looking at his glass as half-empty rather than half-full at this point in his career;
2. He needs to find the aggressor in him. Going toe-to toe in long rallies with the Nole's and Rafa's of this world will not do it. Slices, drop shots et cetera, et cetera look lovely in montage but they are not killer shots. There is a reason Nole and Rafa are at the top of the pile right now.