2015 French Open Semifinal: Djokovic v. Murray

[ftan]

too bad I was really enjoying the match.. its easier to relax with Fed not playing

 

[Fiero425]

I would have serve and made Andy come back to save rthe sert!

 

[brokenshoelace]

I think Novak was worried about being broken Fiero

 

[kskate2]

Alright gang. Thanks for participating in the live chat. Im going to close it. Take any additional posts to the match thread

 

[brokenshoelace]

He wasnt playing well and momentum was with Andy

 

[brokenshoelace]

Fed playing is so relaxing. You know the outcome ahead of time. No need to worry

 

[ftan]

Good last set and a half.. tomorrow is a different day

 

[brokenshoelace]

Pre 2008 he wins. Post 2010 he loses. Everything in between was dramatic

 

[19USC66]

Roland Garros again displays it's propensity for being a minor league event. No Hawkeye, no lights, and no roof. Equals Murray gets shafted. It's about time the ITF, ATP, and WTA insist the French move into the 21st century or they become a 1000 point event. Their stubborn attitude of nonsensical behavior must stop.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

Rain is now coming down heavily.

I said in the live chat that the break favours Djokovic, I feel he's in a better position to win a half-set shoot out tomorrow. I hope I'm wrong though.

The British commentators took a different view, with the break helping out Andy after the amount of physical and emotional energy spent staying in that match, holding from 0-40 and 15-40 to get to 3-3. They may have a point on the emotional side but I feel like momentum rules all and Djokovic was getting frustrated, the next game was a great chance for Andy to put pressure on the return. As to the physical aspect, these two guys are ridiculous, they could keep going for hours.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Murray has this problem where he doesn't feel comfortable being aggressive against Novak until he has his back against the wall and nothing to lose.

He's not naturally aggressive so it doesn't come as easy, and what normally happens is when he steps up the aggression his opponent is taken aback. But once Djokovic actually adjusts and starts matching his aggression, he'll come out on top as he's a better offensive baseliner (well, better baseliner period) and he will generally win the toe-to-toe battles. Murray's shots aren't quite as penetrating and Novak tracks down balls like nobody's business so he'll force Murray to over commit and make errors, whereas Novak can take the ball earlier while having greater margins.

I feel he'll come out more aggressive tomorrow and get it done.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I think the break favors Djokovic. It gives him and his team time to recalibrate his head.

 

[nehmeth]

Roland Garros again displays it's propensity for being a minor league event. No Hawkeye, no lights, and no roof. Equals Murray gets shafted. It's about time the ITF, ATP, and WTA insist the French move into the 21st century or they become a 1000 point event. Their stubborn attitude of nonsensical behavior must stop.

How about the 1PM start time for two men's semifinals... :nono

 

[GameSetAndMath]

So, Advantage Stan

 

[kskate2]

How about this break doesn't favor anyone but Stan. If this thing gets pushed to 5 sets tomorrow, they have to come back and play the final on Sun afternoon while Stanimal is sitting on his sofa.

 

[brokenshoelace]

One major missing aspect from Murray's game is the down the line backhand. I've no idea what happened to it but there was a time where he had a case for it being the best on tour (circa late 2008/early 2009). It's completely gone now other than using it as a rally shot to break patterns.

His forehand DTL always comes and goes so that's no big deal (although it is what separates the other 3 from him) but his backhand DTL can be a deal breaker if it's on.

In this particular match-up, the other thing that hurts him is he doesn't read Novak's first serve well and isn't comfortable attacking his (very solid) second serve.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I feel the break favors Stan.

Stan had already was the beneficiary of the break in the match between Fed and Monfils. Now, he benefits again.

 

[Mile]

they could put Finals on monday as US did.

 

[kskate2]

they could put Finals on monday as US did.

They'll only do that if today was a total washout and the whole match got moved to Sat. W/ them in the 4th set, the match is closer to being done than starting.

 

[Carol]

What? Now that Muzz was playing better the match is cancelled because the rain? hmmm hope he comes back so inspired like he was in the third set, he has the game and the shots but I will see how his head/ emotions will respond :huh: