RESULT: Andy Murray Vs Novak Djokovic - Semi Final - Sony Ericsson Open (Miami Masters) 2007
Djokvic cruises through 6-1 6-0 before going on to win the final against Canas.
While watching this match I found myself reaching the conclusion that this was the worst performance I had ever seen from Andy Murray. At the time, such thoughts seemed harsh, but Murray himself in his post-mtach interview said "It was the worst match that I’ve probably played since I’ve been on the tour".
The closest comparison I could make was the Baghdatis match at Wimbledon. It was such a strange performance that, at times, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was an imposter on court. Usually, even when Murray is below par, he occasionally shows the flashes of genius that remind you that there is a great player inside, struggling to get out. That Friday night, there was nothing of note.
At Indian Wells, even injured and exhausted, Murray managed a better scoreline in defeat.
I don't say any of this to criticise, but merely to try and communicate how strange this match appeared.
But the biggest shock was a Brad Gilbert reaction, picked up on camera. Usually (and bear in mind that we only get an occasional glimpse of Gilbert so I can't be certain of this observation), Gilbert sits placidly and, even when Murray vents his anger in his direction, he maintains his poise.
The worst reaction I've ever seen before this match was a slightly disgruntled shake of the head.
But, at one point during the second set, the camera picked up what appeared to be a sarcastic thumbs-up from Gilbert, followed by a muttered comment that looked suspiciously like a naughty word.
It can be frustrating at times not to get any insight into the stories behind these incidents and AndyMurray.com, as usual, was annoyingly silent. Seriously guys, I love your website, but I sometimes wonder if you're as much in the dark as the rest of us.
Later reports are suggesting that Murray had picked up a groin strain before the match and that the lure of reaching the top ten compelled him to play instead of pulling out.
Murray was keen to play this down and focus on Djokovic's performance and it really is good to see him refusing to make excuses, but once again we're left wondering what really happened and how many of these stories are going to have to wait for Murray's memoirs.
But lest you think that this is going to be an entirely negative post (I like to attempt objectivity, but I'm still a Murray fan after all), let's dwell on the positives, of which there are many.
A second semi-final in succession. Another point gained in the world rankings.
Ignore the pundits who delight in pointless comparisons between Murray and Djokovic. Just because the pair are the same age, does not put them on a similar curve. Physical maturity varies vastly in different cultures and Djokovic has been on the tour for two years longer than Murray.
To put it into perspective, try and imagine where Murray will be in 2009. Do you think he will only JUST be breaking into the top ten? Unlikely.
On a side note, Djokovic is playing exceptionally well and his tennis is as smooth as silk. He won the Miami Masters without dropping a set (including his match against Nadal). We can debate Murray's performance, but Djokovic's skill is undeniable and his current success is well deserved.
And the Top Ten will come soon. AndyMurray.com claims that Murray will enter the top ten if Haas (10) fails to get to the semi-final. Very well spotted as there are only 10 ranking points seperating Haas and Murray and Haas picked up 75 points from reaching the semi-finals in Houston last year.
If he fails to match that then Murray and Haas will swap places in the rankings. Entering the top ten without playing may seem odd, but it wouldn't have happened without Murray showing such consistent form this year.
I leave you with two stats to consider:
1) Aside from the Australian Open, in 2007 Murray has reached AT LEAST the semi-final in every tournament he has played in.
2) The last time Murray lost a competitive match to a player ranked below him was in November 2006 (against Dominik Hrbaty)
While watching this match I found myself reaching the conclusion that this was the worst performance I had ever seen from Andy Murray. At the time, such thoughts seemed harsh, but Murray himself in his post-mtach interview said "It was the worst match that I’ve probably played since I’ve been on the tour".
The closest comparison I could make was the Baghdatis match at Wimbledon. It was such a strange performance that, at times, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was an imposter on court. Usually, even when Murray is below par, he occasionally shows the flashes of genius that remind you that there is a great player inside, struggling to get out. That Friday night, there was nothing of note.
At Indian Wells, even injured and exhausted, Murray managed a better scoreline in defeat.
I don't say any of this to criticise, but merely to try and communicate how strange this match appeared.
But the biggest shock was a Brad Gilbert reaction, picked up on camera. Usually (and bear in mind that we only get an occasional glimpse of Gilbert so I can't be certain of this observation), Gilbert sits placidly and, even when Murray vents his anger in his direction, he maintains his poise.
The worst reaction I've ever seen before this match was a slightly disgruntled shake of the head.
But, at one point during the second set, the camera picked up what appeared to be a sarcastic thumbs-up from Gilbert, followed by a muttered comment that looked suspiciously like a naughty word.
It can be frustrating at times not to get any insight into the stories behind these incidents and AndyMurray.com, as usual, was annoyingly silent. Seriously guys, I love your website, but I sometimes wonder if you're as much in the dark as the rest of us.
Later reports are suggesting that Murray had picked up a groin strain before the match and that the lure of reaching the top ten compelled him to play instead of pulling out.
Murray was keen to play this down and focus on Djokovic's performance and it really is good to see him refusing to make excuses, but once again we're left wondering what really happened and how many of these stories are going to have to wait for Murray's memoirs.
But lest you think that this is going to be an entirely negative post (I like to attempt objectivity, but I'm still a Murray fan after all), let's dwell on the positives, of which there are many.
A second semi-final in succession. Another point gained in the world rankings.
Ignore the pundits who delight in pointless comparisons between Murray and Djokovic. Just because the pair are the same age, does not put them on a similar curve. Physical maturity varies vastly in different cultures and Djokovic has been on the tour for two years longer than Murray.
To put it into perspective, try and imagine where Murray will be in 2009. Do you think he will only JUST be breaking into the top ten? Unlikely.
On a side note, Djokovic is playing exceptionally well and his tennis is as smooth as silk. He won the Miami Masters without dropping a set (including his match against Nadal). We can debate Murray's performance, but Djokovic's skill is undeniable and his current success is well deserved.
And the Top Ten will come soon. AndyMurray.com claims that Murray will enter the top ten if Haas (10) fails to get to the semi-final. Very well spotted as there are only 10 ranking points seperating Haas and Murray and Haas picked up 75 points from reaching the semi-finals in Houston last year.
If he fails to match that then Murray and Haas will swap places in the rankings. Entering the top ten without playing may seem odd, but it wouldn't have happened without Murray showing such consistent form this year.
I leave you with two stats to consider:
1) Aside from the Australian Open, in 2007 Murray has reached AT LEAST the semi-final in every tournament he has played in.
2) The last time Murray lost a competitive match to a player ranked below him was in November 2006 (against Dominik Hrbaty)
2 Comments:
Mate, there is simple answer on your search for reasons in Murray debacle against Djokovic:
Djokovic is more talented and better player. He is more confident too. Murray is not aggressive as Djokovic. Djokovic has more learning abilities - he learns from each match and he was able to apply it in next match.
I can see future tennis champion in Djokovic.
By TennisMilo, at 4:15 PM
Better player? Right now, yes. More talented? No.
Djokovic has been on the tour for two more years than Murray. Give Murray two more years and if he hasn't accomplished as much as Djokovic has at the moment, then I'll concede your point.
By David Congreave, at 4:26 PM
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