Murray ready for Djokovic test after beating Federer
View(s):Andy Murray set up another potential epic against Novak Djokovic and declared himself ‘ready for the pain’.
They meet tomorrow in the final of the Australian Open after Murray’s memorable 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 victory over Roger Federer set up a repeat of last year’s US Open final, which Murray won.
Andy Murray is fired up for the final of the Australian Open. AFP
“Every time we play each other it’s usually a very physical match,” said Murray. “So I’m going to have to be ready for the pain. I hope it’s a painful match because that will mean it’s a good one.”
After taking four hours to beat Federer, Murray was left with less than 48 hours to prepare for world No 1 Djokovic, knowing their final at Flushing Meadows in September went to five sets before the Scot clinched his first Grand Slam title.
Murray’s impressive performance clearly frustrated Federer and led to an uncharacteristic outburst from the world No 2 in their semi-final when he seemed to swear at Murray as the British No 1 attempted to serve out the match in the fourth set.
When the usually ice-cool Federer saw a forehand passing shot fly by he continued to the net and appeared to shout ‘F***ing stop!’ in Murray’s direction.
Clearly taken aback, the 25-year-old Scot responded with a contemptuous sneer but the incident seemed to fire up his opponent and Federer suddenly fought back to take the match into a decider.
“Stuff like that happens all the time in tennis matches, it’s a one-on-one sport of individual combat but it was mild in comparison to what some people say on football pitches and all sorts of other sports,’ said Murray, who recorded his first victory over Federer in a Grand Slam tournament.
“It didn’t rattle me, there’s no hard feelings and it’s not a big deal. Sometimes guys need to get emotion into the match.”
It will be Murray’s sixth Grand Slam final but his first without the monkey on his back of being the best player around never to have won one.
“I would hope that will help me but it doesn’t make the task any easier. I think the big matches I have played and won in the last 12 months will help me mentally, and going through some of the losses I have done well.- Courtesy Daily Mail.
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