Andy Murray had an answer for every question Novak Djokovic asked today in the ATP World Tour Finals. Murray showed no hint of fatigue despite the long three hour plus battle yesterday with Raonic and thoroughly dominated Djokovic 63 64.
Murray seemed to know what was coming from across the net and was always ready for the correct counter. Djokovic was the one making the costly and surprisingly unnecessary mistakes undoubtedly provoked by Andy’s unwavering confidence and consistency and I would say slight physical strength advantage. The duel looked like a heavyweight against a light heavyweight.
A frustrated Djokovic – unable to change tactics or change the rhythm of the match – went down the early break in the second but refused to quit. Andy continued the pattern of baseline superiority and getting free points off errors and good serving. And when Djokovic rallied at the end saving two match points in the final game Andy dug down and finished in on the third. Djokovic’s final error was another uncharacteristic miss from the back court.
The early season losses to Querrey and Del Potro and to Wawrinka at US Open showed us that Djokovic is no longer impregnable as he appeared last year and the first part of 2016. It is Andy Murray now who actually appears to be a bigger stronger and heavier version of what Djokovic used to be.
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« Previous 1 2 3catherine bell · November 24, 2016 at 3:46 pm
Andrew –
Yes I think Kerber would be my player of 2016 – for reasons I’ve mentioned. 2017 might be a bit tougher for her.
Murray for the men – and good for 2017 I predict.
catherine bell · November 24, 2016 at 3:50 pm
Hartt –
Do you really see Serena playing in IPTL ?
Strange decision if so.
Hartt · November 24, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Yes, a strange decision (which is why I had “!”). We will see if she does play.
Scoop Malinowski · November 24, 2016 at 5:38 pm
I don’t think Nostradannus would dare to predict the WTA in 2017 🙂
catherine bell · November 25, 2016 at 3:49 am
I will !
Female tennis players will win Grand Slam tournaments in 2017:)
Scoop Malinowski · November 25, 2016 at 7:57 am
Catherine your deep understanding of the technical and mental aspects of pro tennis never cease to a amaze 🙂
Andrew Miller · November 25, 2016 at 5:44 pm
I think Kerber will win another slam in 2017 and get herself in Clijsters territory for the Hall of Fame.
I think a non Isner player will be the top US player, and likely that is Sock. I’ll go on to say the younger players put themselves into Davis Cup contention , and that for Davis Cup the Bryan brothers lose their spots. It is an awful thing to contemplate but they aren’t playing well and with Sock and Johnson capable in dubs the Bryans are becoming yesterday fast.
Scoop Malinowski · November 26, 2016 at 8:48 am
Kerber can win two or three or zero -I think we will see several maiden champions next year – Puig opened that door up –
Andrew Miller · November 26, 2016 at 9:21 pm
Pennetta didn’t open the door, Scoop?
catherine bell · November 27, 2016 at 3:40 am
Didn’t see Puig going through that door though 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · November 27, 2016 at 8:46 am
Andrew: Pennetta Puig — perhaps Peng Shuai is next to go through the door –