Tennis

[leicsmac]

A year ago I said in this same thread test the gap between Murray and the players above him was closing. Today and the events of the last 12 months have proven that the gap had closed completely. He is amongst the truly elite. Great to see.

Now to make some more history by beating Djokovic on Sunday!

[Guest MattP]

Wanted Federer to win as I always do but well done Murray.

Should make for great viewing on Sunday morning.

[kingfox]

Murray's wins at Olympics and US Open has really changed his mindset, he is more confident and his capability to see out final sets is much better now.

Djokovic has seriously picked up his level, after that epic against Wawrinka.

So I am going for a Djokovic win in four.

[SOCCERROO FOX]

Really wanted to punch the Scottish murray supporters chanting thru Melbourne after the match

[Father Ted]

I think Djokovic-Murray rivalry has the potential to be the best ever.

[Captain...]

He probably would have lost in four sets two years ago, over the past year he has gone from an almost man to a champion. His playing style is more aggressive and today he actually hit more winners than Federer.

That has the been the main difference for me, he doesn't just stick in rallies with his sliced backhand hoping for his opponent to make a mistake, he goes out and attacks them, he made a lot of unforced errors today, but because he was going for winners.

His previous tactic was fine against lesser opponents but wouldn't work over 5 sets against the big boys and he would come unstuck against one of the minnows when they come out and attack.

I can't wait for rafa to return and get back to his best then there will be some real classic games especially as he will have no ranking points and could really have some big confrontations in the early stages.

First thing's first Murray in the final, would be cracking for him to win it.

Edited 25 January 2013 by Captain Shrapnel

[leicsmac]

All pretty cagey early doors here - Murray has had to save a few break points but right now it's pretty even.

[Jimothy]

Murray takes the 1st set on tie break.

[Guest shearfox]

First set Murray, fantastic tie-break from Murray. I think we are in for another long one between these two

Edited 27 January 2013 by shearfox

[leicsmac]

Cracking TB from Murray there. Now to press home the advantage!

[Jimothy]

Another tie break! Fingers crossed Murray produces one similar to the last.

[leicsmac]

Tense TB here.

[leicsmac]

Good TB from Djokovic there. Well, we always knew this was going to be a long one.

[Guest shearfox]

No breaks of serve yet, unbelievable considering these two are the best returners in the game.

[Manwell Pablo]

No breaks of serve yet, unbelievable considering these two are the best returners in the game.

Going to take awhile this game I think.

[Jimothy]

Djokovic really starting to hit some form now. Just turned it up a gear to take that last set.

Edited 27 January 2013 by Facecloth

[leicsmac]

Djokovic upped his level at just the right time there. Murray too passive - still some work to do on that score I think.

[AoWW]

I'm using this match as the perfect work-avoidance excuse.

[leicsmac]

Looks like this one is done. Credit to Nole, better player on the day. Murray will have many more chances, expect many Slam finals to feature these two henceforth.

[Jimothy]

I'm using this match as the perfect work-avoidance excuse.

Looks like you might have to start doing some work soon.

[AoWW]

Looks like you might have to start doing some work soon.

I know.

[leicsmac]

Well done Djoko. He doesn't lose in Australia, does he?

Murray too passive today, but there will be other Slam finals.

[Guest shearfox]

Murray just didn't seem to be at his best, once Djokovic raised his level after winning the second set it was always going to just go one way.

[Captain...]

Murray just didn't seem to be at his best, once Djokovic raised his level after winning the second set it was always going to just go one way.

Losing the second set tie break took it out of Murray mentally and physically, a shame as up until then he was matching Novak and arguably had the better of him in those first 2 sets.

[kingfox]

I said Djokovic will win in four.