Australian Open 2015 Final: Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray

[powerangle]

If Novak plays as defensively and without purpose as he did last night, then he is toast if Andy plays offensively and confidently. But we all know Novak has the power tennis inside of him, if he chooses to unleash it. We also know that Andy can always revert back to defensive and passive tennis. You'll just never know. I hope they go for their shots and we get treated to an epic ending to this fortnight.

 

[beast of mallorca]

When I saw the draw at the start of the tournament I picked Djokovic to win but I think I am going to go with Murray winning this one. Murray looks like he is on some kind of mission and out to prove people wrong.

Murray in four or five.

This. 10 THIS.....

 

[Djokodal Fan]

Djokovic in 4. Murray has not been tested enough.

Djokovic was defensive in wawrinka match because he knows wawrinka will be the one to go on offensive.

Here Novak will initiate offensive play. I hope Djoko does not play in some kind of zombie mode like he did in 4th game of first set against wawa. Otherwise very hard to recover.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Djokovic..

 

[tenisdecente]

AO is done for me. This match will be a nice boredom

 

[Djokodal Fan]

I already said here that Nole's debut match was with the moon combust which is not a good omen for the final. MOTWYW. I consider this a stronger case than the POF on his natal Venus.

What has start timing of 1st round match anything to do with the final? C'mon you cannot be serious.

 

[tennisaddict]

Yes--that would be another message sent--for all of the TW members believing no woman can coach a man (but in typically hypocritical fashion, never complain about males--ex-players or not--coaching women), Murray winning would throw that back in their faces.

May be Goffin can snatch Henin or Clijsters.

Mary Pierce can help Monfils or any other Frenchmen.

Chrissie is available.

Possibilities are endless and it would be the "headline" of this AO.

 

[Rebel-I.N.S]

Surprising poll results, IMO.

The only advantage I see for Murray is the fact that he should be fresher (because of the day off and the fact that Djokovic played a five setter), but even that would be only an excuse for the Djokovic fans (in the end, he played 3 and a half hour, not a five-hour match).

On the other hand, Djokovic has won this title four times - Murray has yet to win his first and he's actually lost to Djokovic three times there (twice in the final). Murray's had his chances and haven't used them, why it would be different this time?
There is a reason why Djokovic won all those matches, this court simply suits his game more than any other, while Murray, even though he's had a great results here in the past, his flat groundstrokes simply don't penetrate through this court as they do on the faster ones (Queens/Wimbledon, Cincinnati, USO).
This reminds me of the Djokovic - Nadal matches at the French Open. People give Djokovic more chances every year, by totally ignoring the history and the fact that he's had five, four or six chances to beat Nadal, but he ends up losing every time. I believe it will be no different this time.

Anyway, may the best man win.

Nadal is damn near immortal at RG.

It's not a fair comparison.

 

[cc0509]

May be Goffin can snatch Henin or Clijsters.

Mary Pierce can help Monfils or any other Frenchmen.

Chrissie is available.

Possibilities are endless and it would be the "headline" of this AO.

No she is not. She said she is not available for coaching at this point in time.

 

[DM07]

Murray in 4. Never seen him look more confident and assured, or his body language look so positive. Could be a big year for him. Murray on top form can give Djokovic nightmares, and if Novak plays like today it could be over in 3.

 

[albatros_forehand]

Flashy Serb in 4.

Peasants mouth to cry a river..

 

[WhiskeyEE]

lol @ Murray leading the poll

 

[Algo]

Given their SFs form, I'd have to go with Murray in 4.
Anything can happen.

 

[Djokodal Fan]

Given their SFs form, I'd have to go with Murray in 4.
Anything can happen.

If you were to go by their QF form, who would you pick?

 

[tennis_pro]

New year, same results.

Djokovic is 4-0 against Murray since 2013 Wimbledon and 7-1 since 2012 US Open + he's 3-0 against Murray at the Australian Open.

Djokovic in 4 or 5, he'll kill Murray physically.

 

[Algo]

If you were to go by their QF form, who would you pick?

Wouldn't change. Actually, Murray has been better all along.
Raonic and Muller aren't good enough players/match ups for him to make much off Nole's matchs. Dimitrov and Kyrgios are a slightly better measurement. Imo

 

[MonkeyBoy]

Andy looks really tall in that photo.

 

[Mike Sams]

I hated their 2011 and 2013 AO matches! I really really hope this match will be as awesome as their 2012 AO semifinal match

 

[ThomasGB]

Murray in four! If Murray plays as well as yesterday, and Djokovic plays like today, it should be easy.

 

[Fed881981]

Mauresmo in 4 sets over Becker.

 

[Deleted member 512391]

Nadal is damn near immortal at RG.

It's not a fair comparison.

That's correct. What I find similar in those two cases is a player who's had fair amount of chances to beat the other player, but he failed, and that fact is somehow ignored every time.

 

[Homeboy Hotel]

The crowd will destroy Djokovic. Murray wants this bad and will not make it easy

 

[Rebel-I.N.S]

That's correct. What I find similar in those two cases is a player who's had fair amount of chances to beat the other player, but he failed, and that fact is somehow ignored every time.

Only had 3 matches at AO.

You could say a similar thing about Djokovic against Murray on Grass.

 

[Peters]

Between the two players, Novak is the one who seriously needs to improve on what he's shown so far in the tournament. Which he may well do, but it's still a factor that has to be considered.

Andy is in a good rhythm and needs to maintain his form, especially his 1st serve percentage. His groundstrokes are in great condition right now and will take care of themselves, but he has to stay intense for the whole match.

I think Andy will win - I've voted for 4 sets but it could even be in 3 if he's solid all the way through. I have a sneaky feeling this won't be a 5-set slugfest this time.


If Novak does raise his game and take the title, then I'll give him a lot of credit for doing it when it really matters. Fair play to him if he does that.

 

[damazing]

This is really a toss up to me. I think it will come down to the killer instinct for either of them. They both can play the grinder game or try to belt out winners and both of them have effective first serves.

I'd give the slight edge to Djokovic just due to his return of serve, and due to Murray at times rolling in his second serves. If Murray isn't aggressive from the start it will be a short night.

 

[Deleted member 512391]

Only had 3 matches at AO.

You could say a similar thing about Djokovic against Murray on Grass.

Of course, that's what I was referring to. Until the other player, with a losing history, proves the opposite, he cannot be the favorite, IMO.

And it's not only three matches. When you lose three matches in best of five, in the same tournament, it means that your opponent troubles you and knows how to beat you, while you still have to figure out how to win.

 

[RSH]

Murray in 4.

 

[Rebel-I.N.S]

Of course, that's what I was referring to. Until the other player, with a losing history, proves the opposite, he cannot be the favorite, IMO.

And it's not only three matches. When you lose three matches in best of five, in the same tournament, it means that your opponent troubles you and knows how to beat you, while you still have to figure out how to win.

Fair enough.

I think you're right to an extent but Murray is a much, much improved player since AO 11 and 12.

13, I'll give you.

 

[Rozroz]

Between the two players, Novak is the one who seriously needs to improve on what he's shown so far in the tournament. Which he may well do, but it's still a factor that has to be considered.

Andy is in a good rhythm and needs to maintain his form, especially his 1st serve percentage. His groundstrokes are in great condition right now and will take care of themselves, but he has to stay intense for the whole match.

I think Andy will win - I've voted for 4 sets but it could even be in 3 if he's solid all the way through. I have a sneaky feeling this won't be a 5-set slugfest this time.


If Novak does raise his game and take the title, then I'll give him a lot of credit for doing it when it really matters. Fair play to him if he does that.

This is very precise.
Novak has to prove himself here, otherwise he'll lose.

 

[West Coast Ace]

Djokovic's match was 3:40 - but not that tough. Fairly cool and not a lot of long rallies. You could make a case the extra day off is worse; more time to think about it for Murray.

Djokovic in 4. He won't play as passively; he'll attack Murray's 2nd serve. He's won 7 of their last 8 back to Shanghai 2012.

1st set is huge for Murray. Murray has never beaten Djokovic after losing the 1st; Djokovic has come back 3 times.

 

[ultradr]

I have this theory that a marriage and a baby will take something out of Djokovic.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Djokovic has the measure of murray. Especially at Melbourne. Perfect conditions, being played at night. Djoko in 4 sets!

 

[mydogsparty]

I watched a lot of the high seeded matches this year at the AO and these two guys were clearly playing the best tennis of the lot. The fans couldn't have asked for a better match up.

The OP's poll is interesting to note that of the fans who think this match is going to last 5 sets feel Murray has a big advantage (18-5). I'll take Djokovic in 4 however I really don't have a horse in this race. I'll be watching because I think we're all going to be treated to some very high level tennis.

 

[eldanger25]

I'm hoping for a great match - Novak showed a lot of poise when Murray came at him at the Open last year (and again last night v. Stan). Pretty wild that this is already their fifth GS title fight - don't think it'll be their last either. Theirs was the key rivalry of mid-2012/13, while Nadal was brooding in his tents - nice to see it resume on the biggest stages.

I think Murray will win at least two sets. But can he get over the line against Djokovic in Australia? I'll believe it when I see it - Novak wins #5 in 5.

 

[Shangri La]

Murray has a good chance after Nole's 5 setter and 1 extra day of rest.

 

[PeteD]

Andy eats light before a match:

 

[chjtennis]

Djokovic must feel tired, but SF was that problem match he had to go through in this tourney. I think he'll be OK physically in the final. Murray has looked brilliant so far, but I'm not 100% confident yet if he can sustain the high level. It will be a good match. I think Djokovic takes it after 3 hour + contest. 4 or 5 sets.

 

[Djokovic2011]

When I saw the draw at the start of the tournament I picked Djokovic to win but I think I am going to go with Murray winning this one. Murray looks like he's on some kind of mission and out to prove people wrong.

Murray in four or five.

Have to agree with you here cc0 and he also looks like he has a point to prove(I found his post match interview on Thursday quite revealing). Murray in 5 but I really hope I'm wrong.

 

[Gary Duane]

I voted for Murray in 5, but I really don't have a clue how this s going to go. I just hope it is close, with great play from both.

 

[Djokovic2011]

Well in the last three slams finals now that Novak has been in, he has played against Nadal, Federer and Murray. He is playing every one of the big four in a slam final within the last 12 months.

What's new? :?

 

[Flint]

This is such a hard one to call.

I have been working over all but the Dimitrov match but I will be able to watch the final

I just watched the highlights of Murray v Berdych and he looks so much better than last year, fitter, faster, sharper more powerful and better with the ball. Scoring the epic points he did pre surgery.

Even if he doesn't win the final is a big achievement and will get him much better draws this year.

Murray has been looking mean though...

 

[Djokovic2011]

This cannot come fast enough although when my alarm wakes me for it I might feel differently

Tell me about it. It's my birthday tomorrow so my family will be staying over which means I'll have to pre-record the match and watch it later on in the day when they've all done one lol. Watching slam finals is just too stressful around other people!

 

[Djokovic2011]

Yes--that would be another message sent--for all of the TW members believing no woman can coach a man (but in typically hypocritical fashion, never complain about males--ex-players or not--coaching women), Murray winning would throw that back in their faces.

This why I think Murray will probably win. Can't believe I agree with you for once. :shock:

 

[Noleberic123]

Tell me about it. It's my birthday tomorrow so my family will be staying over which means I'll have to pre-record the match and watch it later on in the day when they've all done one lol. Watching slam finals is just too stressful around other people!

You confident about tomorrow night? or tomorrow morning for you or whatever :lol:

 

[Noleberic123]

This why I think Murray will probably win. Can't believe I agree with you for once. :shock:

You also said stan would beat nole in 4. And then it turned out nole was the one that should have won in 4 :lol:

 

[Djokovic2011]

You confident about tomorrow night? or tomorrow morning for you or whatever :lol:

Not at all confident mate. I think Murray's got this one, especially after Nole's SF performance.

 

[Michael88]

Not at all confident mate. I think Murray's got this one, especially after Nole's SF performance.

Come on, now. Just because Djokovic is a tier 3 great doesn't mean he can't beat a tier 4 great like Murray.

 

[Djokovic2011]

This is such a hard one to call.

I have been working over all but the Dimitrov match but I will be able to watch the final

I just watched the highlights of Murray v Berdych and he looks so much better than last year, fitter, faster, sharper more powerful and better with the ball. Scoring the epic points he did pre surgery.

Even if he doesn't win the final is a big achievement and will get him much better draws this year.

Murray has been looking mean though...

You're one of the three great Murray fans on this forum I'll think of with a smile on my face if Andy does win on Sunday. Hope you enjoy the match! :smile:

 

[Noleberic123]

Not at all confident mate. I think Murray's got this one, especially after Nole's SF performance.

So? look at djokovics sf performance at Wimbledon last year and then compare to the final. sunday is a new day. Even nole has to win ugly sometimes

 

[swordtennis]

Not at all confident mate. I think Murray's got this one, especially after Nole's SF performance.

Murray does not get under his skin like Stan especially at the AO. Novak will get to Murray's 2nd serve. Going to be a good one I have a feeling. Getting over Stan was big after last year.