2014 Miami Quarterfinal: Murray vs. Djokovic

[Murat Baslamisli]

I think Andy has a chance but couple of things have to click, like his first serve and good use of the backhand slice to Nole's forehand. Also, he has to be prepared to finish points at the net since it will be awfully hard to hit through a great defender like Nole here. It might be a lot to ask from Andy when he is still trying to find his game after his surgery.

I think Nole wins this one and this still is my least favorite match up among the big 4.

 

[Front242]

^ Likewise very much my least preferred match up among the one time big 4 also. Andy brings out the worst in Novak's play of late. Hope it's not a slop fest.

 

[DarthFed]

I can think of one top 4 matchup that's a whole lot less competitive and interesting than this one. Murray by default gives Nole a lot of trouble but on a slower court like this Nole has a small but clear edge. Unless Murray serves extremely well Djokovic should win, probably in 3.

 

[isabelle]

Nole in 3 but if Murray surprised us I 'ld be more than happy

 

[tented]

Nole in 3 but if Murray surprised us I 'ld be more than happy

Ditto. I'd love to see Andy win this, but I don't think he has a chance at this stage, and on this surface.

Final score: 7-5, 3-6, 6-3

 

[Denis]

btw, if Novak does not win this we can probably hand out the trophy to Nadal. Higly likely IMO that the Fedster will take care of Murray at this stage. And we all know what happens after that.

 

[Federberg]

^Agreed. I'm not sure Andy is ready for the level of tennis Novak will bring to the table, but even if he surprises and wins, that sort of match isn't going to be optimal preparation to face Roger. It's tempting to take a punt on Rafa winning the whole thing. Might as well make some money even if I won't be delighted about it!

 

[Mile]

I am still wondering how was he able to take Wimbledon last year, and Andy is still nowhere around.

Suppose "Big four" is just a myth.

 

[brokenshoelace]

btw, if Novak does not win this we can probably hand out the trophy to Nadal. Higly likely IMO that the Fedster will take care of Murray at this stage. And we all know what happens after that.

Remember when the AO trophy was handed to Nadal after Novak lost in the QF?

 

[rafanoy1992]

By the way, it is windy in Miami right now. We all know how Djokovic feels about the wind.

 

[Denis]

^^ Stan has been eliminated, so no worries there for you guys

Just saying, the draw may play out nicely for Rafa. I think the Fedster might turn into his wingman again, and help him achieve GOAT status the coming years.

 

[Kieran]

Where, oh where, was the wingman at the last US Open, when Rafa so badly needed him?

Oh wait! He didn't need him at all...

 

[Denis]

Where, oh where, was the wingman at the last US Open, when Rafa so badly needed him?

Oh wait! He didn't need him at all...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawman

 

[Kieran]

Where, oh where, was the wingman at the last US Open, when Rafa so badly needed him?

Oh wait! He didn't need him at all...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawman

No, I think you were more mistaken, than making a straw man...

 

[nehmeth]

I don't see Murray hitting through Novak on this surface. He needs to have a great serving day. It will be close, but I think Novak will prevail.

To beat Nole you don't have to hit through Nole,you do need to keep the ball deep.V Tsonga that's what Andy did in 3rd set,no-one likes playing Andy when he hits deep.

I respectfully disagree. Part of the problem for Murray against Novak on this sort of surface in the past (medium and slower paced hard courts) is that Novak, when playing well, will not beat himself, so Murray can't just rely on that. On this type of surface, Murray's counter-punching doesn't really trouble Novak, and Andy will be forced to play a touch outside of his comfort zone. If he does, and executes well, he most certainly can win. But that's a game Andy isn't always comfortable playing, especially against Djokovic.

Good insight. Andy won't be able to count on free points from his opponent today. Novak, if he can stay relaxed and play focused, should prevail. Thankfully my schedule won't allow me to watch another live version of Pong.

 

[Denis]

Where, oh where, was the wingman at the last US Open, when Rafa so badly needed him?

Oh wait! He didn't need him at all...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawman

No, I think you were more mistaken, than making a straw man...

Nope. You're misrepresenting my argument. But I know where this is going, you stubborn mule.

Federer poses a great threat (once again) to everyone but Rafa. If he beats potential threats to Rafa, he is 'aiding' his cause. Where am I mistaken?

 

[Kieran]

I know where you're going alright, and I agree, Nole is a much bigger thorn to Rafa than Roger ever was, but give Rafa some credit: he goes through everybody to get his majors: Nole on hards, Roger on hards and grass. It's not like he's Federer waiting for Rafa to lose or get injured. He more than holds his own on surfaces people once thought were beyond him.

But I agree with you too, if Roger can knock Nole off a few times along the way, it's better for my nerves!

 

[Front242]

I know where you're going alright, and I agree, Nole is a much bigger thorn to Rafa than Roger ever was, but give Rafa some credit: he goes through everybody to get his majors: Nole on hards, Roger on hards and grass. It's not like he's Federer waiting for Rafa to lose or get injured. He more than holds his own on surfaces people once thought were beyond him.

But I agree with you too, if Roger can knock Nole off a few times along the way, it's better for my nerves!

Roger's not waiting for Rafa to lose or get injured either. He just does.

 

[Denis]

I know where you're going alright, and I agree, Nole is a much bigger thorn to Rafa than Roger ever was, but give Rafa some credit: he goes through everybody to get his majors: Nole on hards, Roger on hards and grass. It's not like he's Federer waiting for Rafa to lose or get injured. He more than holds his own on surfaces people once thought were beyond him.

But I agree with you too, if Roger can knock Nole off a few times along the way, it's better for my nerves!

Heck Rafa deserves a ton of credit, the guy is almost impossible to beat. Just saying that the particular match-up issue works well for him. And better for him than for others. Also, I still find it ironic that every win Federer has over players like Novak works in his disadvantage in the end (it hasn't happened all that much, but still)....

 

[Denis]

What is taking these ladies so long?