We probably have the best possible final between the strongest players at the moment.
Djokovic’s Path
Nole is coming from a very smooth tournament with the (noticeable) exception of a very bumpy 4th round where Wawrinka played like a super hero (ironically that wasn’t enough to beat the world no.1!).
So Nole defeated i stright sets Mathieu, Harrison and Stepanek. The he had the epic 5 setter with Wawrinka to then have a comfortable 4 set win against a below the par Berdych. In the semifinal the Djoker trashed David Ferrer 6-2 6-2 6-1 in 89 minutes!
Murray’s Path
It couldn’t be easier for Andy (till yesterday’s match with Roger). The Scott defeated in straight (and really easy) sets Haas, Sousa, Berankis, (dead tired Simon) and Chardy. Then Andy had to endure a 5 setter with Roger where he always had the upper hand (only a bit choke would have cost the final).
From Murray
“The task isn’t any easier. I’m obviously playing Novak again on this court,” said Murray. “This has been his best court for sure. So I’m aware of how tough it will be to win the match and what have you.
“But hopefully there are moments in the US Open final where I could have closed out sets a bit quicker. I think the tie-break was a good example of how nerves can work in those sort of matches. It was not the prettiest tennis, so hopefully I’ll play a little bit better.”
Head to Head
Nole leads 10-7, 2-1 i Major and 2-0 at the Australian Open where they have already played a final in 2011 (6-4 6-2 6-3 for the Djoker).
|
2012 London |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
4-6 6-3 7-5 |
Robin |
|
2012 Shanghai |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
5-7 7-6(11) 6-3 |
Final |
|
2012 U.S. Open |
Hard |
Murray |
Djokovic |
7-6(10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 |
Final |
|
2012 London |
Grass |
Murray |
Djokovic |
7-5 7-5 |
1/2 |
|
2012 Miami |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
6-1 7-6(4) |
Final |
|
2012 Dubai |
Hard |
Murray |
Djokovic |
6-2 7-5 |
1/2 |
|
2012 Australian Open |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
6-3 3-6 6-7(4) 6-1 7-5 |
1/2 |
|
2011 Cincinnati |
Hard |
Murray |
Djokovic |
6-4 3-0 ret. |
Final |
|
2011 Rome |
Clay |
Djokovic |
Murray |
6-1 3-6 7-6(2) |
1/2 |
|
2011 Australian Open |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
6-4 6-2 6-3 |
Final |
|
2009 Miami |
Hard |
Murray |
Djokovic |
6-2 7-5 |
Final |
|
2008 Cincinnati |
Hard |
Murray |
Djokovic |
7-6(4) 7-6(5) |
Final |
|
2008 Toronto |
Hard |
Murray |
Djokovic |
6-3 7-6(3) |
1/4 |
|
2008 Monte-Carlo |
Clay |
Djokovic |
Murray |
6-0 6-4 |
Third |
|
2007 Miami |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
6-1 6-0 |
1/2 |
|
2007 Indian Wells |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
6-2 6-3 |
1/2 |
|
2006 Madrid |
Hard |
Djokovic |
Murray |
1-6 7-5 6-3 |
Third |
Our Pick
It’s definitely Djokovic in 4 or maximum 5 sets for the following reasons:
1- Nole is fresher than Murray;
2- The Serb knows exacly what to do and he still has a mental edge on Murray;
3- Nole is full of confidence on his mental, physical and “tennis” capabilities.
Andy has improved so much, but it might be not good enough to beat the world no.1 at this Autralian Open.
Last year’s US Open final
