Preview: Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray

Up against it, big time

Among the lesser followed rivalries on tour, the one between Djokovic and Murray is going to be played out again tomorrow as these two 24 yr olds will clash in the 2nd semifinal. Rafa is already waiting for one of these guys after a terrific performance today against his familiar foe Roger Federer.

Djokovic leads the career head to head 6-4, with Murray winning the most recent meeting in the finals of the Cincinnati Masters 6-4, 3-0. These 2 played last year’s finals at the Open and Nole started his season dominance there with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 routing of the Scot. On hard courts, the two are tied at 4 apiece. Fascinating stats indeed.

The Scot has a big mental block in the business end of Slams and his problems have been well documented in the press. The British media doesn’t make matters any easy for him, with their constant hype and hoopla over the Scot’s chances at any Grand Slam. This time, the presence of Ivan Lendl is expected to make a big difference to his prospects. The Lendl effect has also been pretty well covered in the media.

Player Quotes

‘Luckily for me it wasn’t something that stayed there for a long time. It was just a sudden pain, I don’t have any physical issues. I feel very fit and I feel mentally, as well, very fresh. I just found it very difficult after a long time to breathe because I felt the whole day my nose was closed a little bit.I just wasn’t able to get enough oxygen.’ … Djokovic on his fitness troubles in his win against Ferrer

‘He’s got (new coach) Ivan Lendl now on his side. He looks fit and has been playing well. He’s definitely very motivated to win his first Grand Slam. By playing the last two finals here, he’s s been proving to himself and to the rest of the people that the Australian Open is probably his best Grand Slam. ‘I’ve been playing quite well here in the last couple years. We have to expect a great match. A tournament cannot ask for better match-ups in semi-finals. I hope that I can step out on the court trying to repeat the same thing I did last year.’ … Djokovic on his semifinal against Murray

‘I haven’t played over two hours really for the last few matches. I feel fresh. Hopefully that will be to my advantage going into the weekend. I have to play a lot of long rallies, for sure, against the guys that are still left in the tournament. So I’ll need my legs to be fresh for the next few matches.From what I saw of Novak, he’s hitting the ball very well. He’s always very good; he never plays poor matches. Obviously had the long one with him last year. He’s a tough guy to play.’ … Andy Murray

Predictions for the match

Nole is in his prime and even a rampaging Rafa will find it tough against him in the finals, if they meet. Murray, for all his new found coach and easier previous rounds hasn’t done much to suggest a reversal in his fortunes at the business end of Grand Slams. Against Djokovic, he would do well to get a set or two. As always, the man to smile and wave to the fans at the end of the match, would be NOVAK DJOKOVIC, the all conquering Serbian. The Lendl effect on Murray in crucial matches, would be noted with much interest, though.