Oz Open ends....Federer wins....
And he cried after valiantly trying to brush back those tears. Just the same way champion Federer had broken down last year, at the 2009 Australian Open, after losing an epic five-setter to that nemesis, Rafael Nadal. And so was it for Andy Murray, the 22-year-old Scot. He gave it everything, he gave the Championship his best shot. He ran, he outraced Federer, he pummelled. He bellowed at a break point won, he groaned silently at an unforced error, an opportunity wasted. He played his best game ever, dictating play from the baseline, drawing Federer in toward the net and forcing many unusual errors from the top seed. Evidently, that was not to be Murray’s victory.
The first set was a bit of a straight sweep for Federer. Murray had an onslaught of early nerves. He was broken early on – and the Maestro played him at his own game. Those deadly forehands, the exquisite slices, Murray looked harried by all of them. It took me back to the 2008 US Open final – a match Murray had lost in straight sets. It was déjà vu.
But the Scot picked up the strands then, mentally and physically. He made Federer work extremely hard for every point. He broke back immediately and showed signs of things to come in the next sets. He showed everyone why he wouldn’t be bullied by the top seed easily, why he would hang on until he finally crumbled, until exorcising the ghosts of Britain’s hunt for a Grand Slam champion would finally become a burden too heavy to shoulder. Egged on by Judy and Jamie, spectators at the Rod Laver Arena were on their feet, giving the Scot a much-needed boost that channelled his flagging spirits in the right direction.
The match had it all. Murray who had romped to the final, having dropped a single set throughout the tournament, having beaten players like Nadal and Cilic. Federer had been made to work hard right from his opening match, beating formidable opponents like Nikolay Davydenko (the much-talked about semifinal with Tsonga proved to be an annihilation!). The tiebreak in the third set proved to be a nail-biter, with Federer failing to close out the match before his fourth championship point. Murray clung on tenaciously, such a show of defiance from someone so young causing people to cheer him on wildly. Murray looked Federer right in the eye and returned everything Federer threw his way. Every serve was returned, each lob was smashed, each drop was chased ruthlessly, Federer’s every backhand chased down the line. And finally Federer’s experience of playing at the highest level consistently over so many years proved the defining factor. He closed out the tiebreak 13-11 and emitted a whoop of joy.
Murray couldn’t elaborate during the presentation ceremony. He simply gave up, just like his weary legs gave away under him, having chased the ball throughout the court. He choked, but not during the match. The match indicated how he has become one of the most consistent players in the world today, the fittest and the strongest, holding a 6-4 record over Federer (6-5 now). Britain will have to wait for another Grand Slam to put an end to Fred Perry’s name being bandied around. And like always, Murray will be the man under the spotlight. This time, though, the shining lights were tinged with sadness at the end. Federer cried last year, but came back to win the tournament. So be it with Murray. Chin up!
The first set was a bit of a straight sweep for Federer. Murray had an onslaught of early nerves. He was broken early on – and the Maestro played him at his own game. Those deadly forehands, the exquisite slices, Murray looked harried by all of them. It took me back to the 2008 US Open final – a match Murray had lost in straight sets. It was déjà vu.
But the Scot picked up the strands then, mentally and physically. He made Federer work extremely hard for every point. He broke back immediately and showed signs of things to come in the next sets. He showed everyone why he wouldn’t be bullied by the top seed easily, why he would hang on until he finally crumbled, until exorcising the ghosts of Britain’s hunt for a Grand Slam champion would finally become a burden too heavy to shoulder. Egged on by Judy and Jamie, spectators at the Rod Laver Arena were on their feet, giving the Scot a much-needed boost that channelled his flagging spirits in the right direction.
The match had it all. Murray who had romped to the final, having dropped a single set throughout the tournament, having beaten players like Nadal and Cilic. Federer had been made to work hard right from his opening match, beating formidable opponents like Nikolay Davydenko (the much-talked about semifinal with Tsonga proved to be an annihilation!). The tiebreak in the third set proved to be a nail-biter, with Federer failing to close out the match before his fourth championship point. Murray clung on tenaciously, such a show of defiance from someone so young causing people to cheer him on wildly. Murray looked Federer right in the eye and returned everything Federer threw his way. Every serve was returned, each lob was smashed, each drop was chased ruthlessly, Federer’s every backhand chased down the line. And finally Federer’s experience of playing at the highest level consistently over so many years proved the defining factor. He closed out the tiebreak 13-11 and emitted a whoop of joy.
Murray couldn’t elaborate during the presentation ceremony. He simply gave up, just like his weary legs gave away under him, having chased the ball throughout the court. He choked, but not during the match. The match indicated how he has become one of the most consistent players in the world today, the fittest and the strongest, holding a 6-4 record over Federer (6-5 now). Britain will have to wait for another Grand Slam to put an end to Fred Perry’s name being bandied around. And like always, Murray will be the man under the spotlight. This time, though, the shining lights were tinged with sadness at the end. Federer cried last year, but came back to win the tournament. So be it with Murray. Chin up!
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