Murray sets up Djokovic showdown
Source: Agencies |
January 26, 2013, Saturday
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ANDY Murray has finally beaten Roger Federer at a grand slam.
Next up is world No. 1 Novak Djokovic for the Australian Open title.
The US Open champion beat 17-time major winner Federer 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-2 yesterday in Melbourne, calling it massive confidence boost as he attempts to win his second consecutive major.
Murray, who missed his chance to serve out the match at 6-5 in the fourth set, will play defending champion Djokovic in tomorrow's final. Djokovic was rarely troubled while beating David Ferrer in straight sets in 90 minutes on Thursday.
There was some controversy in the 12th game of the fourth set when Federer appeared to glare and say something to Murray when the Scotsman stopped momentarily behind the baseline during the rally.
Murray ignored it after winning the point, but conceded serve in that game and lost the ensuing tiebreaker before regrouping in the fifth set.
"It wasn't a big deal," Federer said of the incident. "We just looked at each other one time. That's OK, I think. We were just checking each other out for bit. That wasn't a big deal for me, I hope not for him."
While Murray came into the match with a 10-9 career advantage, Murray had never beaten Federer in their three previous meetings at majors - finals at the 2008 US Open, 2010 Australian Open and last year at Wimbledon.
"It's always tough against him, when he plays in slams is when he plays his best tennis," Murray said. "When his back was against the wall at 6-5 and I was serving, he came up with some unbelievable shots. I just had to keep fighting."
Federer outplayed Murray at stages of the match, but the 25-year-old Scotsman appeared to have the legs and stamina to give him the advantage over the 31-year-old Federer in the fifth set, including a service break to clinch the tense match.
"It's big. I never beat Roger in a slam before. It definitely will help with the confidence," Murray said. "Just knowing you can win against those guys in big matches definitely helps."
Federer admitted he was playing catch-up all night.
"Definitely it was more of a chase," Federer said. "I think I had my chances a little bit. Obviously you're going to go through a five-setter with some regrets. But overall, I think Andy was a bit better than I was tonight."
Earlier yesterday, top-seeded Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy won the first title of 2013 at Melbourne Park, beating the unseeded Australian pair of Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 for the women's doubles championship.
American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan will play their fifth consecutive Australian Open doubles final today.
Next up is world No. 1 Novak Djokovic for the Australian Open title.
The US Open champion beat 17-time major winner Federer 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-2 yesterday in Melbourne, calling it massive confidence boost as he attempts to win his second consecutive major.
Murray, who missed his chance to serve out the match at 6-5 in the fourth set, will play defending champion Djokovic in tomorrow's final. Djokovic was rarely troubled while beating David Ferrer in straight sets in 90 minutes on Thursday.
There was some controversy in the 12th game of the fourth set when Federer appeared to glare and say something to Murray when the Scotsman stopped momentarily behind the baseline during the rally.
Murray ignored it after winning the point, but conceded serve in that game and lost the ensuing tiebreaker before regrouping in the fifth set.
"It wasn't a big deal," Federer said of the incident. "We just looked at each other one time. That's OK, I think. We were just checking each other out for bit. That wasn't a big deal for me, I hope not for him."
While Murray came into the match with a 10-9 career advantage, Murray had never beaten Federer in their three previous meetings at majors - finals at the 2008 US Open, 2010 Australian Open and last year at Wimbledon.
"It's always tough against him, when he plays in slams is when he plays his best tennis," Murray said. "When his back was against the wall at 6-5 and I was serving, he came up with some unbelievable shots. I just had to keep fighting."
Federer outplayed Murray at stages of the match, but the 25-year-old Scotsman appeared to have the legs and stamina to give him the advantage over the 31-year-old Federer in the fifth set, including a service break to clinch the tense match.
"It's big. I never beat Roger in a slam before. It definitely will help with the confidence," Murray said. "Just knowing you can win against those guys in big matches definitely helps."
Federer admitted he was playing catch-up all night.
"Definitely it was more of a chase," Federer said. "I think I had my chances a little bit. Obviously you're going to go through a five-setter with some regrets. But overall, I think Andy was a bit better than I was tonight."
Earlier yesterday, top-seeded Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy won the first title of 2013 at Melbourne Park, beating the unseeded Australian pair of Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 for the women's doubles championship.
American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan will play their fifth consecutive Australian Open doubles final today.
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