AO FINAL: Muzzah misses out to Nole, 7'6(2), 6'7(5), 3'6, 2'6

[traveller7]

Not got dressed yet. Too engrossed to leave sofa. Mind you my tablet battery is dying so need to get mobile.

[JennieF]

Superb play from Andy.

[Sallydaisy]

I disagree with Boris - as usual. Djoko was playing the better tennis early on in the set, but Andy played better and better as it went along and definitely deserved it in the end.
Agreed. And Nole started fretting about his shoes and slipping which seemed to play on his mind a little even though he was playing well and holding serve. Andy just played his way in (as he often does) and his tie-break record is very very good.

[Sallydaisy]

Love hold from Andy to go 1-0 in the 2nd set.

[lynne]

from @jamie_murray..........


Andy looking very composed. Djokovic looking strangely off balance. You seldom see that from him.

[david1610]

Please please let this momentum continue. Break and hold please. And a cup of coffee? C'mon Andy!

[traveller7]

Lovely hold now I fancy a kitkat

[davech]

Good to see the Andy boys again.

[Hawkeye]

Not the best set from Andy IMO, but what a tie-break he played!

[JAMES4578]

Nole got off to a nervy start but great breaker from Andy to take the first set! It wasn't hisbest tennis throughout but he stepped it up when it mattered! Keep it going Murray! An easy hold to start the 2nd!

[Jan62]

Andy getting right into his stride now, dangerous for Djoko who is looking unusually nervy. Nice early break Andy would be just perfect! Thank you in advance :)

[banskogirl]

Lovely hold now I fancy a kitkat

Me too:)

[Sallydaisy]

Big glimmer ...

[davech]

A bag of break points here! Take the first!

[david1610]

take the next one Andy!

[banskogirl]

Andy getting right into his stride now, dangerous for Djoko who is looking unusually nervy. Nice early break Andy would be just perfect! Thank you in advance :)

I actually think Nole has looked edgy from beginning. He mentioned the wind at US Open, mind games? And wasn't expecting it here.

[davech]

Shame. Back to deuce.

[Craigenhogen]

Deuce. Come on Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Nole dug deep to save those 3mps. More work for Andy to do, needs to break Nole right now.

[david1610]

Deuce. Don't take your foot off the pedal please. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Great FHDTL from Nole for Ad.

[traveller7]

Such a shame 0-40 to adv nole

[Craigenhogen]

Deuce. Just two more points Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Deuce. Andy still pressing for the break and Nole still not comfortable.

[Sallydaisy]

Good serving from Nole, forces error on the return from Muzz

[banskogirl]

Andy almost smiling :)

[Sallydaisy]

Blast it. Nole holds. Hope he doesn't get all chest puffed out now.

[Craigenhogen]

Game Djokovic, at least Andy's putting pressure on Novak!

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[traveller7]

Much needed hold from nole

[banskogirl]

Easy hold Andy?

[davech]

30-30. come on!

[davech]

Fantastic ace to get game point.

[Craigenhogen]

Good serving from Andy, I'm getting hungry for a kitkat though!

[Sallydaisy]

2-1 to Andy, held to 15.

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[davech]

Very good hold indeed, Keeping Djoko in his place.

[david1610]

So much easier for Andy to hold of course when that first serve starts firing!
Stay focused and keep him under pressure. C'mon Andy!

[Jan62]

Just seen the Daily Fail headline "I've come for a Slam Down Under" - loving it!

[cazza99]

Brad Gilbert ‏@bgtennisnation


djoker struggling with momement or shoes like he did vs Stan the man and also seems like breathing very heavy for so early in the match ?

[Craigenhogen]

40-30, let's pile on the pressure Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Come on Andy, keep the pressure on!

[banskogirl]

It's like anything shoe can do I can do better! Both trying the shoe annoyance thing!

[davech]

It's like anything shoe can do I can do better! Both trying the shoe annoyance thing!

:big grin:

[Craigenhogen]

Djokovic holds. It's only a matter of time though before Murray gets the break!

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Nole holds 2-2. Andy had another bp chance there.

Easy hold needed now.

[banskogirl]

Good stuff Andy :)

[patmoren]

Great play by Andy and he is also heading the social leader board 10.000 ahead of Nole.

[Sallydaisy]

Don't get mad with yourself Andy; you're not perfect, keep the frustration under wraps and wallop a couple of Aces!

[Sallydaisy]

Heehee!!!
30-15.

[Jan62]

Oooh. Djoko been practising tennis footie?

[Sallydaisy]

First the ball took a kicking and now the racquet takes a bounce. Nole not happy.

[banskogirl]

Great play by Andy and he is also heading the social leader board 10.000 ahead of Nole.

Where do we find that Pat?

[Sallydaisy]

Andy holds 3-2.
:p

[Jan62]

Lovely ace to finish the game. 3-2 in second set, time for a break?

[KnightOwl]

Don't need to worry too much about string vibration when you don't get a racquet to the ball ;)

[traveller7]

Good hold again now a break please

[cazza99]

Andy's stats are getting better and Nole's are getting worse.

[banskogirl]

First the ball took a kicking and now the racquet takes a bounce. Nole not happy.

Yes I love what happens to the other player when Andy doesn't get rattled! Let your tennis rattle him Andy!

[david1610]

Early days but Nole may rue not breaking Andy in the first set when the first serve was not fully firing.
Still this set for Andy is all about staying focused on serve and taking any opportunity that comes along to break.
C'mon Andy!

[Craigenhogen]

Good hold to 15 for Andy. Djokovic seems to be on the back foot in this final, failing to convert BPs and losing the tiebreak spectacularly. That being said you can't count him out until Murray wins championship point!

[cazza99]

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes


Prolonged applause from Alessandro Del Piero for that outstanding left footed volley
(footballer)

[Sallydaisy]

Where do we find that Pat?

I think whenever you tweet you need to add #murray and it clocks up.

[Sallydaisy]

Come on Andy - kitkat time.

[cazza99]

Chris Goldsmith ‏@TheTennisTalker


Andy Murray has already won more games in this final than he did in the whole of the 2011 final against Djokovic #ausopen

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[banskogirl]

I think whenever you tweet you need to add #murray and it clocks up.

Haven't time to tweet :)

[Sallydaisy]

3-3. Hold Andy please.


Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) #Murray (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Murray&src=hash) takes lead in the aces tally 6-5 & holds for 7-6 3-2 v #Djokovic (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Djokovic&src=hash).
Unforced errors the other stat to watch. 16 Murray, 33 Djokovic!

[cazza99]

Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg


If Murray wins, he'll be first player to hold two Slams + Olympic gold + be ranked No3 since, well, Serena two weeks ago. #ausopen

[Sallydaisy]

Andy holds to 15 for 4-3.
First DF to drop a point.
Just needs to find a little firepower against the Novak service game.

[davech]

4-3 Andy! The quality of play in this match has dropped a touch, but it doesn't matter as long s Andy stays ahead.

[JennieF]

A nice little break would be good now Andy! Please.

[david1610]

4-3
Perfect time for a break and a hold. C'mon Andy!

[Craigenhogen]

Good hold Andy, now how is Novak going to reply?

[davech]

We haven't had a break of serve in 1 hour 45 minutes. Now would be a good time for the first.

[Sallydaisy]

Fabby shot from Andy to win the first point against Nole's serve.

[cazza99]

tennishead ‏@tennishead


Andy Murray's double fault in that last game was his first in seven sets of tennis #AusOpen

[Caro]

Nnoooo! Could have had 0-30!

[KnightOwl]

Aaarrrgh - should have had that!

[Sallydaisy]

15-15, that was a bit of a missed chance from Andy and he knows it

Rats!!!!
Andy could have had that.
:grrr:

[Caro]

Come on Andy, keeping pressing

[Sallydaisy]

C'mon Andy - game ain't over.

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

OK, it is now after Nole held for 4-4.

Andy MUST hold now.

[Hawkeye]

Chance missed. Let's create another one.

[Jan62]

He's got that look in his eyes again - nice aggression.

[traveller7]

Come on andy u got to break please

[JAMES4578]

still no breaks, Andy must be solid here. Pity he didn't capitalise on the 3 bps earlier.

[cazza99]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis


Difference in sound of the two players' footwork. Murray barely makes a sound. Judders to a stop, pushes off. Djokovic sliding, squeaking.

[JennieF]

Phew.

[Sallydaisy]

*15-0, 30-0, 40-0, 40-15 DF, HOLD for 5-4

Nole to serve to stay in the 2nd set.

[davech]

Solid hold. A break would be good here.

[david1610]

Well held Andy. Now just the break. How silly of me asking you to break when you would have had to serve it out.
Do it this way. So much easier!
It is time to get a break Mr Andrew Murray.

[JennieF]

Ha! Andy eating banana. Article in Sunday Times about his not enjoying them but accepting they're a good source of energy when you need it. Keep chomping Andy!!

[JennieF]

What a shot!

[Sallydaisy]

What a ripper of a pass!!!!!

[Jan62]

Beauty. 0-15. Break please Andy

[KnightOwl]

Shot!! Great stuff!

[Craigenhogen]

30-15 c'mon andy!!!

[Sallydaisy]

*0-15, 15-15 good serve from Nole, 30-15 good overhead, 40-15.
Great play from both men here.

[banskogirl]

Nole knows he needed that

[davech]

5-5. It's all very close again.

[JennieF]

Break him next time then Andy.

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

5-5 as Nole holds. No breaks yet at all in this match.

Keep going Andy! Get your serve in quickly and pressure Nole again.

[banskogirl]

Ok Andy hold and break ;)

[JennieF]

An ace would do nicely now. Come on!!!

[davech]

Ace please and on to the next game.

[david1610]

Focus. Ace please. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy calmly holds ... leading 6'5 in the 2nd set.

[Hawkeye]

Looking like a tie-break as Nole has seemed to regain his focus.

Early on I always thought Andy was favourite once a rally developed, but it's much more even now.

[banskogirl]

Right score in FTM for first set, really don't want it in this set :/

[davech]

Right, time for a break.

[Jan62]

Here we go again. Can he break Djoko this time or are we headed to TB again?

[Sallydaisy]

Nole is having a right rant at himself at the change of ends; very frustrated presumably about the way he's playing? Hope Andy can capitalise on it in the next game and get a break.

[david1610]

This might be a good time to remind ourselves that the score in the first two sets at the USO was
7-6 7-5 to Andy! :)

[Caro]

They'll both be shattered at the end of this .... so will we!!!

[JennieF]

Another bite of banana.

[Caro]

This might be a good time to remind ourselves that the score in the first two sets at the USO was
7-6 7-5 to Andy! :)

I like that! Come on Andy!

[banskogirl]

They'll both be shattered at the end of this .... so will we!!!

You're not already?

[Sallydaisy]

Just having a bowl of porridge to keep my strength up.
:thumbup:

[JennieF]

Another brilliant shot.

[KnightOwl]

Beau-ti-ful!!

[JennieF]

Just having a bowl of porridge to keep my strength up.
:thumbup:
Excellent idea Sally! I need some caffeine.....at the next break.

[banskogirl]

I've had 3 cups of tea, two pancakes and now on to coffee!

[JAMES4578]

Good hold for Andy though signs Nole was trying to be more aggressive, Andy must break here or it's another breaker-come on!

[davech]

Two points from the set!

[JennieF]

Please Andy please......break now!

[rondun]

Just having a bowl of porridge to keep my strength up.
:thumbup:Whisky or wine in your porridge?

[Sallydaisy]

*0-15, 15-15, 30-15, 30-30 DF from Nole - that's tight.

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy!

[KnightOwl]

C'mon Andy - chance here...!

[cazza99]

stevegtennis ‏@stevegtennis

In this set #AndyMurray has won 100% of points on his first serve and 50% on his 2nd @AustralianOpen

Brad Gilbert ‏@bgtennisnation

18-18 on 1st serv points 39-44 for the match amazing stat so far vs Djoker return

[traveller7]

Please not another tb I can't cope with that

[Sallydaisy]

Whisky or wine in your porridge?
Saving the whisky for after the match ...
;)

(a nice drop of Laphroaig Quarter Cask)
:p

[KnightOwl]

Please not another tb I can't cope with that

'fraid so...

[cazza99]

Matt Cronin ‏@TennisReporters


Murray has gotten 81% of his returns in play. Phenomenal. Novak 74%. Not 2 bad either.

[JennieF]

Tie break again, with Andy playing first.

[davech]

Tie-break time again. Same as last time, please.

[banskogirl]

Uh oh here we go again!

[Craigenhogen]

Second set tiebreak. I hope it's as good as the first!

[david1610]

Forget everything and remember what you did in the first tiebreak.
Hold your serve and get at least one of his. C'mon Andy!

[JAMES4578]

oh well breaker again,hopefully Andy better on the big points again. Nole up 2-1 on serve

[david1610]

Focus. Hold your two serves. C'mon Andy!

[KnightOwl]

Oooohhh! Chance there - should have had that!

[Craigenhogen]

Come on Andy don't get frustrated!

[JennieF]

Tense for both players.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy serving first in the tie-break:

*1-0
1-1*
1-2* drat
*2-2
*2-3 the feather won that point. C'mon Andy, break back now!!!
2-4* Double drat

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[Craigenhogen]

4-2 Djokovic :sofa:

[JennieF]

Break back now...pleeeeeeeze!!

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy!!

[david1610]

C'mon Andy! Regroup. Focus. Get the mini break back. You can do it. So do it!

[Craigenhogen]

Believe you can do it Andy and you will!

[Craigenhogen]

5-3 c'mon

[JennieF]

Ooooh nooooooooo!

[KnightOwl]

Eeeek!

[cazza99]

nooo. Andy lost 39 stroke rally.

[Craigenhogen]

**** c'mon andy!

[JAMES4578]

That double unfortunate and loses another point against serve in long rally, Andy 3-6 down

[Jane]

:crying::crying::crying:

[Hawkeye]

Well, we didn't think this was going to be easy...

1 set all.

[JennieF]

Stupid shot.

[Sallydaisy]

Well, Nole is ahead for the first time in this 2nd set.
He's another serve to come ...

2-4*
2-5* Hold from Nole. Andy needs his next 2 to be in with a chance for this set.
*3-5
*3-6 Andy into the net and Nole will have 2 serves for the 2nd set.

2nd set to Djokovic 7'6(3)

[Craigenhogen]

One set all. Come on Andy, regroup, focus and win the match!

[DaveArneRiise]

That was a pretty poor breaker there from Andy. Hopefully put it behind him fast!

[Linda]

:sad: :sad: :sad:

[JAMES4578]

oh well 2nd to Nole, hopefully Andy regroups and steps it up again in the 3rd.

[banskogirl]

Ok regroup Andy! Right everyone get the kettle on, we need our energy now!

[Jan62]

time for cup of tea and some chocolate. Disappointing, a few chances missed - but regroup, its best of 3 now.

[Manaus]

Just got back, is Andy OK? See the trainer on.

[cazza99]

Aaaaah. Massive blister on Andy's foot.

[Sallydaisy]

1-1 and now it's a best of 3 sets match.

Despite Andy looking more dominant in that set Nole managed to cling on and produce better tennis in the tie-break.
He still doesn't look at ease though.

[Caro]

Really nasty blisters!! Hope they don't affect his movement

[david1610]

Oh well. Best of three setter now.
In retrospect Andy should really have broken at 0-40 in Nole's first game when Nole was down. Nole is now doing his preening and will come after Andy big time in the third. Nole served better towards the end of that set and was more aggressive and Andy looked a bit lacking in energy at the end of the second.
But so be it.
Regroup Andy. Have an energy bar or a banana and realise you can do this. Focus on holding serve, getting those first serves in and this set take the chance if it comes.
Eek! Andy's foot!
C'mon Andy!

[davech]

Didn't want to see that.

The foot, that is.

[JennieF]

Nasty blister there.

[banskogirl]

Aw that look painful, reminds me of Mourne Mountain marathon, also gives Andy a breather! I'm sure Andy will come out blazing now

[Craigenhogen]

Oh well. Best of three setter now.
Have an energy bar or a banana

I think Andy would honestly kill anyone who approached him with a banana. He hates them!

[banskogirl]

1-1 and now it's a best of 3 sets match.

Despite Andy looking more dominant in that set Nole managed to cling on and produce better tennis in the tie-break.
He still doesn't look at ease though.

Sounds like Federer two days ago ;)

[Sallydaisy]

I think Andy would honestly kill anyone who approached him with a banana. He hates them!
Yeah, but he's been persuaded that they're necessary for how quickly they release energy into his system.
So he eats them but says he still doesn't like them.

[david1610]

C'mon Andy!

[banskogirl]

Think Andy has been seen eating bananas this tournament, yip shocker!

[Sallydaisy]

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

An early break of the Nole serve would be great.

[david1610]

I think Andy's blisters may mean he is going to try and shorten the points and be more aggressive. Let's see. C'mon Andy!

[KnightOwl]

Andy still grimacing a bit, but seems to be playing more aggressively again...

[davech]

Definitely more aggression from Andy in the first two points on Djoko's serve.

[Craigenhogen]

Maybe Andy should just throw bananas at Djokovic, is that a valid game plan? ;)

[traveller7]

Andy lost a set so mentally he is down oh shut up sue this was never going to be a 3 set match and pkus no breaks of serve 2 tiebreaks even stevens

[Sallydaisy]

Good on ya Chris Hoy!

Chris Hoy ‏@chrishoy (https://twitter.com/chrishoy) As a Murray fan this is excruciating but as a tennis fan this is brilliant. Come on Andy, you can do this..



Nole holds1-0, Andy to serve with new balls.

[Manaus]

Good easy hold please Andy, must be tough with that nasty blister.

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[banskogirl]

Andy lost a set so mentally he is down oh shut up sue this was never going to be a 3 set match and pkus no breaks of serve 2 tiebreaks even stevens

Am on Eurosport, bad enough people talking rubbish but at least they aren't all British.....

[Craigenhogen]

I hope Andy's got enough left in the tank after beating Federer to take this to a 5th set if necessary!

[davech]

Come on - let's just get through this game and on to the next.

[david1610]

Ace please! C'mon Andy!

[davech]

Good serve! 1-1

[banskogirl]

Great hold Andy :)

[Craigenhogen]

Game Murray, well done Andy!

[Manaus]

Well held, early break now Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

I think part of Nole's frustration must be that he wanted to come out and get ahead quickly and lost patience in the first set. He did quite well to square things up and will probably try to get an early break in this set especially since he's serving first.

Anyway - Andy held and I still think it's Nole who has to get past the Murray Wall.

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[david1610]

Well held Andy. He has grown in confidence and that was an important first hold after having all that work done on your foot.
C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Rubbish shot from Nole, Andy's return looked to be going out!!

Nole 30-15 now. Keep at 'im Muzz.

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy, an early break would be sooooo good! :)

[Craigenhogen]

Will Bouncy Castle please shut up and realise this is the third set not the second!

[banskogirl]

Really don't think Nole looks happy running around, if only Andy could get to do it more!

[patmoren]

Very tight match, both playing amazing tennis. Nole slightly ahead at the moment.

[Jan62]

The sight of that blister quite put me off my tea and choccy! Come on Andy, you can do this in 4 sets - sooner you do it, sooner you get to put your poor foot up! Bouncy just said "This is going to take a monumental effort for Murray to get back from the disappointment of losing that 2nd set". Really??

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Sue Barker said, just before this 3rd set started, that BBC1 will be staying with this match until it is over.

[JennieF]

Andy looks in pain, even though he's winning the points.

[cazza99]

Will Bouncy Castle please shut up and realise this is the third set not the second!

I'm watching on Eurosport and switching over to the beeb during the adverts. A bit less of Castle that way.

[Sallydaisy]

2-2, Andy holds to love. Great serving.

[cazza99]

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes


Murray looks in physical trouble here, screwing up his face after each point. Blisters playing up

[Jan62]

Andy looks in pain, even though he's winning the points. Well he did make the mistake of saying he wanted to feel pain! Don't think he was meaning from blisters though

[KnightOwl]

Great play Andy :clap:

[Sallydaisy]

Attaboy Andy - make Noley run!!!
:pirate:

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Is it my imagination or are the crowd more behind Andy than Nole?
I could tell when Andy was winning points 'cos the roar of approval was higher.

Nole holds 3-2. Still no breaks of serve.

[DaveArneRiise]

Has he got the blisters strapped ?

[JennieF]

I love watching these two playing each other. Especially knowing they are good friends off the court.

[banskogirl]

Ok Andy Aces!

[Sallydaisy]

Hi DAR. Andy had the trainer on to treat the blisters at the end of the 2nd set.
Didn't seem to be hampering him tbh.

[cazza99]

Andy is winnig 100% on 1st serve, and 50% on second serve. If he is getting 60% of 1st serves in, wouldn't Andy be better off serving like a 1st serve for his second serve?

[Sallydaisy]

Andy 30-0.

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[banskogirl]

Has he got the blisters strapped ?

Iodine but didn't see it getting covered, take it they would?

[JennieF]

They both look pretty tired.

[Sallydaisy]

:hmm:

Ace needed Andy!

[JennieF]

Iodine but didn't see it getting covered, take it they would?
They put lashings of that Vaselene - type stuff on. The sort that heals blisters and extreme sunburn. I think.

[davech]

Phew - good hold there. 3-3

[Sallydaisy]

3-3 and it wasn't an Ace but a very good serve out wide that set up the Djokovic error and win Andy the game.

[banskogirl]

Come on KIT KAT! Andy!

[david1610]

Ace please Andy! He tends to be a bit too lax if he gets to 40-0.
Phew! If we are looking for perfection, that is something to work on.
Oh well. Fifteen minutes of hard work Andy and this set could be yours.
C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Andy letting Nole dictate points a little too much for my liking.

[LC the fan]

What a contest. We should be so proud whatever the result

[JennieF]

Fab shot Andy!

[Jan62]

Blistering backhand, beautiful change up and variety from Andy.

[cazza99]

Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST


Murray did say before the match that he hoped it would be 'painful'. Did he put his foot in it by saying that...excuse the pun

[Sallydaisy]

bullet of a crosscourt shot from Andy!

[JennieF]

What a contest. We should be so proud whatever the result
Couldn't agree more! Two great guys.

[cazza99]

stevegtennis ‏@stevegtennis


Vajda (coach of @djokernole) joked b4 the match it may be so long they would serve breakfast on court. #CouldBecomeReality @ausopen

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Manaus]

Keep fighting Andy! You can do this!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy serving at 3-4.


At this moment in time he's won 100 points to Nole's 99.
Both have 7 Aces and 3 DF's - that's how close this is.

[Sallydaisy]

Quality tennis from both of them; Andy *0-15 though. Needs a couple of Aces.

[Sallydaisy]

*0-30.

:no worries:

[Jan62]

Uh oh. 0-30, danger territory

[davech]

Eek! 0-30

[Manaus]

Uh-oh 0-30. Hold please Andy. :sofa:

[JennieF]

Hands over face time.

[KnightOwl]

3 BPs :sofa: