Fedex succumbs to Andy Murray

Under Ivan Lendl’s tutelage, this new Andy Murray is not an easy opponent, not even for Roger Federer, who had a never lost a grand slam match against the Briton, until now.

Andy Murray defeated Roger Federer 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 in the Australian Open 2013 semi-final that lasted close to four hours.      

Clearly, Federer was not at his brilliant best. Andy Murray shot 21 aces as compared to Federer’s 5.  Murray dominated the game right through the first set, dwindling only in the two tie breakers in set 2 and 4. Federer, known for his nerves of steel during tough matches was completely taken over by the Briton in the fifth set. The man who dominated the game, Murray has set a date with the world number 1, Novak Djokovic.  

Andy Murray’s career is in its prime now. He has defeated Novak in US Open finals in 2012, won an Olympic gold medal, and has a new found winning confidence. Tennis now has ‘The Big Four’. Murray had made it to the big league. Fans don’t disregard him as a meek opponent anymore. But tomorrow’s match is against a tough opponent, a man who has an indomitable winning attitude. Novak Djokovic is mean even in five setters, can come back and win even after two sets down (read US Open 2011 against Federer). But with this new Andy, even Djokovic is not invincible. We have to wait and watch.   

Ivan Lendl must be a happy man now, but even that’s not a reason enough to see him smiling more often. He was instrumental in bringing a grand slam to Great Britain after almost 76 years.  
No doubt everyone’s waiting for an epic finale tomorrow. If only Rafael Nadal was here, things could have been different!