Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic: Final Preview – US Open 2012
Third seed Andy Murray will encounter the second seed, Novak Djokovic, in the final showdown at the Flushing Meadows, last of the four Grand Slam events held in Queens in New York City, United States.
This is the first major final where second seed will square off against the third seed since Wimbledon 1995 when Pete Sampras encountered Boris Becker. The Defending champion, Djokovic is bidding to become the first person to retain his title since 2008 when the Swiss Maestro Roger Federer conquered US Open for five straight times.
Ranked second in the South African Airways ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Rankings, Djokovic will face off the British number one for the 15th time. He currently leads the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head Series by 8-6. The stars have battled each other four times this year but Murray triumphed over the Serb in their recent meeting at the London Olympics in All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
The Serbian ace commented about his next match-up against Murray:
"Most of our matches that we played against each other were very close, and only small margins decide the winner. That's something that is expected in a way, because we have similar games. We are big rivals and we have been in top of the men's game for a long time, so we know each other really well. The last match he has won in Olympic Games - also close one - but it's a different surface, obviously. With the different surface different tactics apply, so we'll see. Tomorrow I guess there is no clear favourite."
Both tennis stars secured this final spot after overpowering their respective opponents in a four-set thriller. The Serbian number one was trailing 2-5 against fourth seeded David Ferrer when the match was called off due to bad weather conditions. However, the following day when the match resumed, Djokovic found his rhythm and ultimately carved out the victory in two hours and 32 minutes. He lost his serve three times but cashed six out of nine break chances to formulate a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 score line.
The Olympic gold medallist on the other hand toppled the sixth seed, Tomas Berdych, in a similar way. He lost the opening set but quickly found the right path after that. Murray sealed the deal with a breadstick in just under four hours and booked a place in the final round. The Scot lost his serve three times but capitalised on seven out of 22 break opportunities, ultimately jolting down a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, 7-6(7) success.
Just seven days older than his opponent, Murray is bidding to become the first British contestant to lift a major trophy since Fred Perry in 1936. He is also looking to grab first major title in his fifth attempt.
Fans can expect a four-set thriller with Murray stomping over the defending champion. He is most likely to clobber a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) score line against the Serb.
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