Top three Matches of 2011—Nathan’s Blog

Written by: Staff on 21st December 2011

Top three Matches of 2011—Nathan’s Blog |

By: Nathan M. Cuny

A lot of good matches were played during the 2011 season, but three matches shone brightest. The top three matches of the year included the likes of, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych, Janko Tipsarevic, and Rafael Nadal. Without surprise the current No.1, Novak Djokovic, was part of the top two matches.

The No.1 match of 2011 took place in Rome at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia Masters 1000 tournament. It wasn’t a finals match but a semifinals match that awed the crowd and overcame all other matches as No.1. The match was lengthy and exhausting as both players fought for points. Andy Murray came close to breaking Djokivic’s 37-match winning streak but failed to do so after Djokovic defeated Murray 6-1, 3-6, 7-6².

Murray took many points with his drop shots and precise ball striking behind the baseline in the second set, after failing to defend himself against Djokovic in the first. It wasn’t until the third set when the match heated up to the point of explosion. Murray served the final set, coming within two points of victory four times. Each time Djokovic prevented Murray from coming through with a match point, gaining the upper hand by converting his third match point after Murray double faulted.

The No.2 match of the year includes Novak Djokovic as well. The match took place at final of the Sony Ericsson Open, in Miami. Djokovic defeated Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 7-6⁴. Nadal lost to Djokovic two weeks prior at the BNP Paribas Open.

Nadal took the first set in a quick 57 minutes after racing to a 5-1 lead, breaking Djokovic’s streak of 41 consecutive service holds at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments. Djokovic upped the already intense level of play in the second set with his groundstrokes giving him a swift 3-0 advantage. The final set of the match set the crowd’s and players’ blood on fire as the third set went on to a tie-break—neither player able to create a chance for a break point. Following five small back-to-back breaks, Djokovic gained a 6-2 lead and converted his third match point to win the tournament.

The No.3 match of the year consisted of Tomas Berdych and Janko Tipsarevic at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Berdych defeated Tipsarevic 2-6, 6-3, 7-6⁶. Berdych lost two days earlier against Djokovic after committing many unforced errors that lost him the tie-break and the match. Tipsarevic replaced Murray after Murray pulled out of the tournament.

In the first set Berdych committed 11 unforced errors and dropped two of his first three service games. From there on Berdych’s game became aggressive. In the final match Berdych held to love sending the match to a tie-break. Berdych gained the first break at 5-3 and sealed his victory with a forehand after Tipsarevic slipped and fell as he attempted to reach the ball, and again as he lifted himself from the court.

Well, there you have it folks, the matches considered the top three of the 2011. If any readers think otherwise feel free to comment.

Topics: Top Matches