Murray vs Djokovic – by E.Billett

Written by: Staff on 26th September 2012

Murray vs Djokovic - by E.Billett

epa03393169 Andy Murray of Great Britain holds the championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in five sets to win his first grand slam during the men's final match on the fifteenth day of the 2012 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 10 September 2012. The US Open has been extended a day for the fifth straight year due to weather. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

by: E.Billett

Comparisons between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are not hard to make. Separated by just a week in age, they posses strikingly similar styles; both men are gifted with sublime two handed backhands, near unparalleled defensive capabilities, and are repeatedly touted as the two best returners of serve in the game, (Murray is in fact the best hard court returner since records began, according to the RICOH ATP MatchFacts, with Djokovic coming in 5th place.) As if to increase their affinity by way of conscious effort, it was reported that Murray last year even imitated the gluten-free diet which helped to propel Djokovic to the heights of his remarkable 2011 season.

Yet for all of their similarities, it was only Djokovic who had been able to really emerge from the shadow of the Roger-Rafa rivalry which had dominated the sport from 2004 – save for Del Potro’s 2009 US Open victory and Djokovic’s 2008 Australian Open title, no other player had won a Grand Slam since Gastón Gaudio’s 2004 French Open victory. That is, of course, until the summer of 2012, when Andy Murray won his maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.

An often misunderstood character, with a subtle sense of humour and a thoughtful intelligence to match his style of play, Andy Murray’s victory at the US Open this year is not only a milestone in British tennis, but is perhaps a sign of even greater things to come from the 25 year old Scot. Not only was Murray’s victory a remarkable feat of physical and mental strength, outlasting Djokovic for 4 and a half hours, and returning at the end of the match to win the fifth set after surrendering at two sets to love lead, but when compared to the maiden Grand Slam victories of the other three members of the ‘big four’, it can be seen as even more impressive. Neither Federer, Djokovic nor Nadal won their first Major title against another Grand Slam Champion, let alone a five-time Grand Slam winner who had not lost at a hard court major since 2010.

So how does Murray’s first Major success compare to that of his Serbian rival? Djokovic’s five set semi-final victory over Federer at the 2010 US Open, despite losing the final to Nadal, was the victory which marked the point at which he started upon his phenomenal run of form, remaining unbeaten until the French Open, harnessing the belief that he could not only consistently challenge the old guard of Federer and Nadal, but beat them consistently. It was also of course also Djokovic’s victory with the Serbian Davis Cup team late in 2010 which provided the platform for his success in 2011. Could parallels now be drawn with Murray a year on? Could Murray’s gold medal at the Olympic games and victory over Djokovic at this year’s US hold the same significance of Djokovic’s success in late 2010?

It would be unreasonable to expect anyone to repeat Djokovic’s stellar season last year, but the signs are good for Murray. As well as Murray’s victories this summer, the other indication of future success is the appointment of Lendl. Lendl’s influence certainly seems to have had a positive impact on his game, as well as adding a reassuring presence to the Murray camp. Whilst not radically changing Murray’s game style, there are marked improvements, most notably Murray’s willingness to dictate with his forehand and direct the shot down the line, as well as an effort to improve his second serve – coincidentally both areas Djokovic improved prior to his 2011 season.

Whether Murray’s 2012 triumphs will translate into Major success in the near future (as with Djokovic in 2010) remains to be seen. It would certainly be unwise to discount the roles of the other three ‘big four’ (not to mention numerous other contenders in the current top ten), but with his recent victories and positive influences from Lendl, the future is bright for Andy Murray.

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