Well CBS is probably a little disappointed that there will not be a Nadal vs Federer III in 2008, but rest assured the better player won in the second men's semifinal match today in Arthur Ashe Stadium. This match was as good as it gets in men's tennis. Andy Murray played a nearly flawless match, under ridiculous circumstances. He was up two sets to love yesterday when the rains came. Moments after the match was postponed, it was announced they would resume play on Sunday at 4:00 pm. Everyone under the sun was predicting this would help Nadal-- it was a forgone conclusion that he would compose himself in order to meet Roger in the final on Monday. Nadal certainly played better today, but it was not enough. Rafa managed to win the third set, but it was Murray who was dictating play throughout. I can't imagine the final will be as good as this one was today. Federer lucked out by playing a visibly dejected Novak Djokovic in his semifinal. Djokovic said some idiotic things to the New York crowd after his win over Roddick, and his heart was never in it on Saturday. That's not to say Federer doesn't have a chance on Monday-- he is the greatest player ever, but if Murray plays anywhere near the level he played on Saturday and Sunday, he should walk away with the first Grand Slam title for the British Isles since Fred Perry won here in 1936-- and I thought we Americans had a drought going!
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3 comments:
Forgive me, but I wish it was Federer/Nadal too.
We all do. I've never been so conflicted during a match in all my life. For Fed's sake though, I think this was the best scenario. I don't think his confidence could survive another beating at the hands of Nadal.
And the British . . . are still waiting. Meanwhile Switzerland just won it's 12th grand slam title since the last time an American won it. It was a lackluster match. Andy Murray was clearly not the same guy who dominated Nadal. He'll win one, someday. He's only 21.
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