Semi-Final Thread - Djokovic V Murray

[CaledonianCraig]

All set for the off. I hope it is a great match and best of luck Andy.

Discuss....

[break_in_the_fifth]

I guess I slightly want Murray to win this even though that gives Nadal the greater chance of winning the final. I don't mind too much if Novak wins. About 60:40 in favour of Murray. 3 finals in a row would be an amazing achievement and hopefully this time he'll go one further and put me in the lead on 606v2 world tour.

[socal1976]

Go Nole! This is the semi I have been waiting for. I think this matchup will define tennis over the next couple of years. It hasn't happened often enough and often one or the other has been nicked up or slumping leading to some one sided affairs. This will be a great gauge for both guys.

[break_in_the_fifth]

Agree Socal nostalgia aside and looking at this rationally, this is the better match potentially.

[HM Murdock]

With Nadal in the final, I'll be looking for a Djoko win. I think Andy needs a few more sessions with Dr Lendl to break his Nadal hoodoo! I'm expecting a good game today though.

[Simple_Analyst]

Murray can call on his brother Jamie to partner him on court but he will still lose. Harsh but true. Great player but unfortunately he is playing one of the greatest ever today. I like Murray alot and want him to do well but i think Wimbledon will be his best chance this year. He has always looked a great player on grass.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Whoever wins should be capable of slaying the illegal coaching, jinxing, nancy boy. But don't take my word for it, ATP will try everything to scupper Djokovic thus helping Andy in this match...

[socal1976]

I think this thing is a lot closer than people think. Novak is an all time great, but the margin between him and Murray is not as big as it seems when you compare their resumes. If Novak is feeling healthy and fit I see him winning in 4 or 5 tough sets. I actually have started to be bit bored over the last year or so by Fedal matches, too predictable and played out. We need some new blood in the grandslam winners circle and Murray looks to be the most likely.

Novak is usually a slow starter, which against lesser players isn't much but he really needs the first set today to keep murray from believing. If he doesn't get the first set he is in big trouble, but you can say that about any match really.

[break_in_the_fifth]

You predicted that WTF match? half the slams last year were Novak Nadal finals.

Can't say that about yesterdays match lol.

[Simple_Analyst]

See who is here, Josiah, embracing us with his indepth analysis of all things not tennis

Will be glad for someone to do a point by point commentary. Will miss at least an hour of this match., may be i should change my name to Luciusmann.

[socal1976]

Here we go boys and girls, I am giddy with anticipation lets see a classic today.

[reckoner]

wow this is tedious tennis

[break_in_the_fifth]

It is what it is.

[socal1976]

Nice routine hold Novak doesn't look like the hamstring is bothering him.

[bogbrush]

Murray has declared he will be playing "patient" (for which, read bunting the ball around).

I despair of him.

[socal1976]

Andy already in trouble on serve

[reckoner]

yaaaaaaawn 26 shots to get point on your own serve

[Josiah Maiestas]

S£xy start in this match from Sir Novak.

[socal1976]

Novak missed on opportunity to move on top there

[reckoner]

ok which is less irritating, Eurosport or BBC?

[break_in_the_fifth]

Nice to see both players fairly close to the baseline.

[bogbrush]

Tedious, but impressive.

[socal1976]

Andy seems to be completely playing passively just chasing everything down worked there for the hold but I don't think that will be an effective strategy for the whole match.

[break_in_the_fifth]

Well it's not like attacking worked for him last year.

[reckoner]

I think the "strategy" is to see who can run form side to side the longest... yawn

[socal1976]

Novak better keep his 1st percentage up or he will be in trouble

[reckoner]

Well it's not like attacking worked for him last year.

maybe he is mentally weak?

[socal1976]

Reckoner your not required to watch if you don't like the tennis. This isn't kim Jong's funeral and we aren't in north korea.

[reckoner]

Novak better keep his 1st percentage up or he will be in trouble

yes, he might fall asleep mid-set

[break_in_the_fifth]

Well if attacking didn't work for Fed then it would be difficult for Murray to pull it off, nevertheless I'm hopeful about Murray today.

[bogbrush]

Djokovic looks a mess. What's all his angry face stuff for?

[socal1976]

damn it novak get your 1st serve over

[break_in_the_fifth]

Reckoner your not required to watch if you don't like the tennis. This isn't kim Jong's funeral and we aren't in north korea.

Nice.

[reckoner]

Reckoner your not required to watch if you don't like the tennis. This isn't kim Jong's funeral and we aren't in north korea.

It does feel like it though. I live in hope that one of them will turn on the style!

[LuvSports!]

wow im excited just hope murray can keep it up

[socal1976]

This match is simple the guy who gets a higher percentage of 1st serves and maintains his aggression in the rallies will win.

[reckoner]

aaargh John Lloyd or Simon Reed, what a choice!

[socal1976]

Bit of a feeling out process like a prize fight here, nerves look high for both players.

[reckoner]

Funny, John Lloyd was JUST saying neither have come out nervous.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Murray said he was going to make it a dogfight, somehow I don't believe his border terrier will outlast a poodle.

[socal1976]

flubbed that volley

[socal1976]

Come on Novak get the break

[LuvSports!]

1st break :/

[socal1976]

Well reckoner that double fault kind of shoots LLoyd's theory of a lack of nerves

[reckoner]

jeeeeesus double fault - wake up Murray!

[socal1976]

Don't go into to moping Murray

[reckoner]

Well reckoner that double fault kind of shoots LLoyd's theory of a lack of nerves

I wouldn't dignify what Lloyd come up with by calling them "theories" - more like inane babble

[break_in_the_fifth]

Murray will break back now. No problem.

[reckoner]

sigh

[socal1976]

When they go forehand to forehand it is clear Novak has the edge

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