US Open 2011: Andy Murray’s best bet at a Grand Slam – Tennis Special
Often singled out amongst the top four tennis greats – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – Andy Murray is indeed an oddity. At a nimble 24 years, Britain’s top player Murray has yet to win a major Grand Slam title in stark contrast to fellow players Djokovic’s three, Federer’s sixteen and Nadal’s ten titles. Therefore Murray’s detractors often subscribe to adjectives such as lacking mental vigilance, immature and nonperformer to describe him, despite his talent and skill set that many envy.
Pulling off a stunner at 2008’s US Open, Murray had effectively doused Spanish giant Nadal in a four set semi final but couldn’t manage to prevail over Swiss star Roger Federer in the 3 three set final. Clocking in a quarterfinals performance at Wimbledon 2008, Murray upped his game in next year’s edition of the tournament to reach the semi finals against Andy Roddick.
Opening the season with bravado, the Brit came close to winning a Grand Slam at 2010’s Australian Open. Federer again overpowered in a spellbinding final, ruining Britain’s hopes at ending a dry spell of Grand Slams since 1936. Murray’s spell in Australia involved magnificent performances; he cleverly defeated Nadal in the quarter finals and steered clear of Marin Cilic in the semis. The rest of 2010 proved to be uneventful for Murray except a semi final loss to Nadal at Wimbledon, he failed to perform at the US and French Opens.
2011 however might prove to be the elixir essential to rejuvenate Murray’s career. Murray performed indelibly at the Australian Open as he powered through six rounds without conceding a single set. He faced the eventual World No. 1 Djokovic, instead of his usual competitor Federer. Djokovic propelled through in three sets to win the title, destroying Murray’s finest shot at a Grand Slam.
Murray has hence been a regular at all the major events, registering 6 semi final outings and 3 finals at the prestigious Grand Slams’ circuit to date. After the Australian debacle, Murray has reneged on his past performances and has been playing inspired tennis. Gaining momentum at clay tournaments, he won his season’s first ATP title at the London/Queen’s Club in June. Murray again came close to defeating Djokovic at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Rome but the Serb prevailed in the three set semi final.
The British star registered his career best Rolland Garros performance this year, when he made headway to the semi finals and also booked a berth in the semi-finals of the Wimbledon for a consecutive third time. He maintains a healthy 29-9 win loss mark and is currently playing in Montreal to defend his Rogers Cup titles. 8 of the top 10, including the top 3 are in the draws of tournament this year.
Murray who calls to his name, an impressive collection of 17 career titles has won 14 of them on hard courts. Of the 263 matches that he has played on hard courts, Murray has lost on in 62. If Murray continues to remain resolute and builds up on resilience, the Brit has a sure-fire chance at having the best hard court season of his career.
Federer’s career is currently at its lowest ebb. He has only won one title this year, a marked departure from what is the norm for the Swiss Star. Federer had suffered a humiliating defeat in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon 2011 to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Although the US Open might truly be Federer’s last chance at another Grand Slam, the ageing player is unlikely to perform against the younger and more eager lot. Likewise Nadal too hasn’t been at his 100% all season. His fall from the No. 1 spot and Djokovic’s subsequent rise has befuddled the Spaniard to say the least. Having been defeated by Djokovic five consecutive times, it looks as if the Spanish maestro is at a loss of a technique to topple the current No.1. However, Nadal is a hungry lion rearing to reclaim his throne and can never be dispelled as a strong contender for the US Open title.
With an astounding 48-1 win loss standing, Djokovic is indeed the one to watch out for. But it is without doubt that Murray and the Swede are evenly matched, young players who can easily overpower one another. At the end of the day, the winner in a match between the two will always be the one who manages to contend with nerves.
Murray recently said, "Nadal was chasing Federer for three or four years and it took Djokovic a four or five years." At 24 years old, Murray does indeed have the time and skill to overcome the best of his opponents. With all things going for him, Britain’s hope Andy Murray has a definite probability of making the best of the American summer this year especially since he finally clinched a title at the Cincinnati Masters after Djokovic retired with a shoulder injury.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in the article are the writer’s own personal views and have nothing to do with bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: