Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray: Are They Headed in Opposite Directions?

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 8, 2011

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Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were born a week apart in 1987, with Novak being a week younger. They played each other in their junior days and had earmarked the other as their potential biggest rival in years to come, for both of them were aware of the other's talent and genius.

Being very evenly matched in terms of talent, one wonders if they perhaps should have played more Grand Slam finals than they already have. They have only played one Grand Slam final, the Australian Open earlier this year. One of the primary reasons they have only played each other nine times (6-3 in Novak's favor) is because they were in opposite sections of the draw, and Roger Federer/Rafael Nadal had a near monopoly on the finals berth.

It is curious to see that while Novak has had a dream of a year, Andy really is at the crossroads of his career. For all his talent, not winning a slam will continue to haunt him no matter how much he tries to play it down. In fact, it's admirable how he has kept his composure, given he hails from a nation whose media at times can go over the top with their coverage.

Andy is probably playing better than he has ever played. He has been to the Grand Slam finals thrice and has more than paid his dues. He also appears to be mentally ready to take the next step, and physically he is in the best shape of his life.

Yet, at crucial times, when he is about to take the next step, it appears that the situation gets the better of him, and he seems to recede and take a backward step. That didn't come out any more than the recent Wimbledon semifinal against Rafa, where he was clearly the better player at the start of the match. Yet he inexplicably failed to show up from that point in the second set where he had a chance to break Rafa's serve.

I am not so sure that the groin was responsible for his defeat as much as his mental problems. You almost feel that Andy doesn't think he can beat Rafa when playing on an...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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