The Australian Open final is here again and it is as you were in the previous slam final...NOVAK DJOKOVIC V old friend, ANDY MURRAY, It is the Brit's 6th Grand Slam final and his first as a major champion. It is his third on the lawns of ROD LAVER and his 2nd straight slam final. Improvements and surge are two very excellent words in Murray's Career at the moment. The 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist and US Open Champion will hope that he is third time lucky when the final is decided in the early hours of Sunday.
Serbian warrior and World Number one is no small competitor. A man who impeccably dethroned Rafael Nadal, winning 7 straight finals against the Spanish great in that span, is some Champion and he has done it again, A third consecutive Australian Open final and his 4th in 5 years is something only a few have attained and a select few have bettered. Since 2011, the Djoker has reached 7 grand slam finals out of 9 contested. The only ones that eluded him were the '11 French Open Final (lost to King Roger in the semis) and the '12 Wimbledon Final (Lost to King Roger again in the semis). Out of the previous 6, he won 4 and lost 2 ('12 French Open to Rafa Nadal who prevented him from completing the Career Grand Slam and the US Open Final of four months ago-lost to tomorrow's opponent, Andy Murray).
Novak leads Andy 10-7 H-2-H and won 4 of their 7 meetings in 2012, although the Scot won the Olympic semi-finals and the US OPEN final. In terms of Slam Finals, Djokovic has beaten Murray in one and the latter returned the favour at Flushing Meadows, New York to claim his maiden slam. Djokovic has identical records with Murray in Slam Finals. Asides beating themselves, only KING Roger and Rafa Nadal have defeated Novak in Grand Slam finals and only Federer has got the better of Murray in finals too (Murray has never played Rafa in a major final (Grand Slam that is).
Murray had a relatively easy ride en route to the title match on Sunday. It could be said that apart from the semi-final win v King Roger, his other opponents were lightweight (respect to Simon and co). Djokovic on the other hand played some scintillating tennis along the way to oust Stan Wawrinka in the 4th Round (5 sets) and blast past Spanish beast, David Ferrer in straight sets for the loss of only 5 games. A beat down of the highest quality. Djokovic is the fresher of the pair and his mental strength has gained mettle in recent years. He can go the distance now and force you to play his way.
Murray will take heart from his fire cracking display v the GOAT federer in their semi-final duel and also the final against Nole in New York. He has the talent and ability to beat Novak and hoist his first Australian Open crown and second Grand Slam Title Overall. Ivan Lendl has given the Olympic Champion a new lease of life since he became his coach and completely change his mentality and game. His fitness and playing methods have excelled in no small measure thanks to the Czech Tennis Legend.
Something of a Rivalry is brewing and whether it will be as pulsating and nerve racking as the FEDAL (Federer-Nadal) rivalry remains to be seen. We look forward to a riveting match.
are raring to go. Still reeling from the last gasp equaliser they conceded at the Lane six days ago, the team will want to put things right today v the men from West London. David De Gea was heavily criticised for being at fault for Clint Dempsey's goal on Saturday, but will be expected to keep his place this evening except Fergie wants to reshuffle the pack with one eye on Southampton on Wednesday.