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

[Sallydaisy]

*0-40, so good from Nole.

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[Manaus]

Not looking good, 3BPs. :sofa:

[david1610]

Andrew Murray. Fight back. Find some aces please!

[Jan62]

Djoko edging ahead here. Come on Andy, raise your game. you can do it!

[banskogirl]

Okay enough now! Come on Andy!

[JennieF]

Eeek. Nole on a roll now. C'mon Andeeeeeeee.

[rondun]

I'm watching on Eurosport and switching over to the beeb during the adverts. A bit less of Castle that way.Beeb coverage with 5 live commentary is the way to go I think

[Manaus]

Dang it Djoko breaks. :sad:

[banskogirl]

Oh no!!! Ok straight back Andy!

[JennieF]

Ok now. You can break back Andy.

[Sallydaisy]

Nole breaks ........
:sad:

He'll serve for the 3rd set at *5-3 up!!!

[david1610]

Break back please Andy!

[davech]

Uh-oh! The first break in the match and it goes Djoko's way.

[rondun]

Noles supporters are a classless bunch

[KnightOwl]

Oh dear. Two break points saved, but the first break of the match goes to Djokovic.

C'mon Andy - hang in there!

[Jane]

:crying::crying::crying::crying:

[banskogirl]

Pants

[KnightOwl]

Ok, gonna have to be five sets then....

[Sallydaisy]

3rd set to Nole who now leads 2-1.

Can Andy come back???

[Manaus]

Nole 2 sets up, going to have to be a 5 setter if Andy is to win. :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

What is Andy having a go at the Umpire about???

[Jan62]

Now its tricky. Really going to have find something special. Muzz frustrated, come on - stay focussed.

[DaveArneRiise]

Andy can come back if he lets go of that blisters issue. Seems to be playing on his mind. Letting it get to him.

[Linda]

What is Andy complaining about? What happened?

[JennieF]

:facepalm::facepalm:What's Andy complaining about?

[Manaus]

What is Andy having a go at the Umpire about???

I think it's about the fact that the crowd are being too noisy during his serve and that the umpire isn't doing enough about it.

[traveller7]

It can be done just more difficult now but we all knew it would prob be 5 sets.

[david1610]

It may simply be that Andy is playing through the pain of the blister on the foot and it is taking too much energy.
Such a pity he did not break early in the second. He was in the ascendancy and perhaps there was too much "it's a marathon. Conserve energy" thinking instead of going for a straight sets victory.

Oh well. Now we will see just how fit Andy is.

[Sallydaisy]

Whatever is bothering Andy let's hope he's got it out of his sytem and will apply himself to winning the 4th set.

Nole has deffo gone up a gear; can Andy match him? He did at the USO ...

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[KnightOwl]

What is Andy complaining about? What happened?

Just about the crowd shouting out during serves, seemed to think the umpire should be saying more to the crowd about it...

[cazza99]

Jon Wertheim ‏@jon_wertheim

RT @ciski77: @jon_wertheim Djokovic is 5/0 against Murray when they split the first two sets

Come Andy, make it 5-1.

[Sallydaisy]

*0-30 on the Murray serve. Hold Muzzah!!!

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[DaveArneRiise]

This game is massive here.

[Hawkeye]

Andy needs to dig himself out of this mental rut.

[JennieF]

A change of mind-set needed here, Andy. You can do it. Think positively and keep attacking!

[cazza99]

Beeb coverage with 5 live commentary is the way to go I think

Tried that but they were talking a lot more during the points. And also there is noone special commentating. But its great that they are offering it. I hope they do during Wimbleon.

[LC the fan]

Djoker has cut back on the unforced errors SOS he is winning more of the rallies. Time for a change in tactics Andy?

[Sallydaisy]

:phew:

thank god for hawkeye!

[cazza99]

Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen


#Murray telling the umpire "just saying please" is not enough to control the crowd. Not happy with the heckling on RLA tonight. #AusOpen

[Sallydaisy]

Andy saying to himself "come on".

[cazza99]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis


Andre Agassi, who will present this trophy, has not left his seat once in 3 hours. Utterly engrossed.

[Manaus]

Deuce. :sofa: Big game this.

[david1610]

C'mon Andy! Find an ace!

[davech]

The. Best. Shot.

[KnightOwl]

Great stuff!

[DaveArneRiise]

Stunning volley that. Pure class

[Sallydaisy]

Shot!!!!

[JennieF]

Phew!

[davech]

Fantastic hold from Andy. Stopped the rot.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy holds, 1-0 in the 4th set.

[banskogirl]

What a shot Andy!!

[Manaus]

:phew: Getting really nervous, early break please Andy!

[david1610]

So so important. It could have been over in twenty minutes otherwise.
Now Andy Murray. Here is where all the training pays off.
C'mon Andy!

[JAMES4578]

Amazing volley and Andy holds, hopefully he can gain some confidence from that!

[banskogirl]

Now for a break Andy :) please

[WimbledonAce]

Good hold,this is tough,we knew it had to be though.

[davech]

Little glimmer...

[JennieF]

Come on Andy. You have a chance now.

[cazza99]

tennishead ‏@tennishead


'Andy fans in the stands let me hear you clap your hands' - Four guys in the crowd with A-N-D-Y t-shirts getting the crowd going #AusOpen

[cazza99]

Jamie Murray ‏@jamie_murray


Massive hold for Andy there. Needs to get some momentum back. Novak looking really strong in the last hour.

[DaveArneRiise]

Break point!

[davech]

First break point for Andy in ages!

[cazza99]

KIT KAT :sofa:

[Linda]

Andy seems to have a bit of discomfort in the left hamstring since that low volley - wonder if he will ask for the trainer?

[Manaus]

BP for Andy! Please take it!

[david1610]

Take this break point Mr Andrew Murray. That is an order!
Hmm... would you be so kind as to get the next two points please? C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Drat and double drat, Nole produced a very good serve to save the bp.

[KnightOwl]

Take this break point Mr Andrew Murray. That is an order!

I don't think Andy really takes orders... ;)

[banskogirl]

This is so stressful! Much more than I expected,

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[cazza99]

This match has gong on so long, my Sky box nearly went into standby.

[Sallydaisy]

Nole holds ... 1-1 in the 4th set. Still very tense innit?

[davech]

Djokovic found his first serve again, and the break chance is gone. 1-1

[Manaus]

Good serving from Nole allows him to hold.
No matter, keep holding Andy, you'll get chances.

[WimbledonAce]

Drat and double drat, Nole produced a very good serve to save the mp.

Getting ahead there,hehe!

[Sallydaisy]

I don't think Andy really takes orders... ;)
:rolling:

... except perhaps from Mr Lendl occasionally!

[JennieF]

This is so stressful! Much more than I expected,
Me too. Ever since the blisters.

[Linda]

I don't think Andy really takes orders... ;)

He did in my dream where he was running a pizza takeaway!

[banskogirl]

Oh no.....and Andy's eating his fist! That's a new one?

[davech]

Now Djokovic has the break points. Need to hold here!

[Sallydaisy]

:hmm:

Brad Gilbert ‏@bgtennisnation (https://twitter.com/bgtennisnation) Only once since we moved to harcourts at ausieopen has a player come back from 2sets1 down in final to win 1988 Willander vs Cash

[Manaus]

2BPs now. Please hold Andy. :sofa:

[DaveArneRiise]

Frustrating thing is I don't know if Andy is 100% physically fit out there. Seems to holding on to some issue which is having a detrimental effect. As Nole appears the most liberated out there. Andy needs to give himself something to work with here! Show us he's in it.

[david1610]

I don't think Andy really takes orders... ;)
Well I tried being nice...
Aces please Andy!

[davech]

Great serve to save the first bp.

[JennieF]

I'm feeling sick.

[Linda]

Every one of those long points Nole is winning :crying:

[KnightOwl]

Nooooo! Oh dear, this is not good!

[Sallydaisy]

Nole breaks ... can Andy get a look again on the Djokovic serve?

[davech]

Not looking good now. Djoko gets the break.

[Jan62]

Oh no. Feel things slipping away at the moment. Andy does not seem on top of things, really really really need to dig deep now.

[JAMES4578]

oh no Andy broken and clearly he's not 100%, looks bleak now.

[david1610]

Oh well. Andy needs to break Nole at least twice in the match now.
C'mon Andy!

[traveller7]

Nole has stepped up a gear and andy has moved down one too many UF errors now come on murray break back and get moving!

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy you can do this ;)

[WimbledonAce]

Nothing going Andy's way at mo.we just have to hope for the best.

[Linda]

Andy really needs to call the trainer and get a bit of massage on that hamstring - even if it's not really needed, it would give him time to mentally regroup.

[Caro]

All the luck going Nole's way too :facepalm:

[banskogirl]

and again...

[Sallydaisy]

Me too. Ever since the blisters.
Looks like his hamstring is giving him problems a bit too ...
:sad:

[banskogirl]

Come on our lad!!

[JennieF]

Massive effort now please Andy.

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[banskogirl]

If its so bad should Andy not call the trainer?

[Sallydaisy]

There were a few 2nd serves from Nole in that game but Andy couldn't capitalise on any of them.

Needs to hold serve here for deffo!

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[JennieF]

Focus.

[banskogirl]

I am actually getting too stressed for this......

[Sallydaisy]

Keep going Andy!!!
*0-15, 0-30, 15-30

[Bardot]

Every step is agony for Andy but he'll keep fighting.

[banskogirl]

You can turn this around Andy!

[WimbledonAce]

He needs to think us open.

[traveller7]

If Nole wins this its all over really thought that murray would win more than 1 set

[banskogirl]

Ok Ace!

[Sallydaisy]

30 all, 2 good serves needed Andy.
40-30

Deuce.

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[Sallydaisy]

Ad Andy and they have to play a let after a ball dropped out of andy's pocket (he'll get a warning for that!).

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy Focus!

[Linda]

Oh no, not pocket trouble again. Take a demerit, Adidas!

[Jan62]

Oh not the shorts again. What???

[Sallydaisy]

Deuce
Andy only JUST missed that get from the dropshot

[Manaus]

Not looking good, really hope Andy can fight back.

[banskogirl]

And at this point husband expects me to go look at a dish cloth to see if it needs washed!!

[Sallydaisy]

:sofa:

[pippadaisy]

Awww djoko has the luck of the devil does he not

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy!

[banskogirl]

Oh no !!

[Jan62]

Oh no. Looks like it will finish in 4 sets but not in our boy's favour.

[Sallydaisy]

DF and that gives Nole a 4-1 lead in the 4th set.

[KnightOwl]

Eeeek! What a shame - but the match is slipping away now :sad:

[davech]

Djokovic is just playing too well here - in defence and attack.

[Hawkeye]

Come on Andy, you might lose but SHOW SOME FIGHT!

[WimbledonAce]

Shame,nole has gone up a few gears and Andy can't seem to match.

[AllyB]

Andy's movement has been really inhibited by the blisters.
Credit to Djokovic - he has been ruthless in exploiting it!

[Sallydaisy]

The Umpire has an Ian Poulter hairdo.

[banskogirl]

Right Andy this is it!! Focus!

[pippadaisy]

Andy looks really tired methinks

[rondun]

Tried that but they were talking a lot more during the points. And also there is noone special commentating. But its great that they are offering it. I hope they do during Wimbleon.I can't bear it when Bradnam and McMillan are together on eurosport - they're just a cackle short of the Scottish Play

[Jan62]

For once, I agree with Bouncy and Lloyd. That first and second game in the 2nd set were pivotal.

[Sallydaisy]

C'mon Muzzah!!!!!

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[Caro]

:crying::crying::crying::crying: That is all ...

[Caro]

However .... Andy doesn't look like he's given up just yet

[banskogirl]

That's it Andy, get mad!

[JennieF]

Come Andy. Show your grit.

[Jan62]

Great start though, nice and aggressive. Can he dig it out?

[WimbledonAce]

Lets hope this is a nole wobble.

[Linda]

Come Andy! Break back!

[cazza99]

Come on Andy. Get him.

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Nole leads 5-1 in the 4th set; Andy to serve next to stay in it.

[rondun]

This umpire is useless - that totally looked in

[davech]

Djokovic is showing why he's number one in the world at the moment.

[Manaus]

Looking rather depressing. Must hold game for Andy now. :sofa:

[WimbledonAce]

Just glad Andy won us open.otherwise imagine how he would feel!

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[davech]

Come on Andy. Force him to serve it out.

[JAMES4578]

Couldn't make it happen and Andy serving at 1-5, at least make Nole serve it out!

[Linda]

Oh dear :crying:

I am getting ready to switch off quickly so as not to see Nole's revolting celebrations :crying:

But still hoping for Andy to solve this . . .

[cazza99]

Brad Gilbert ‏@bgtennisnation


The 2nd serv and the Bachand let the Muzzard down tonight and Djoker was spot on with his 2nd serv and Bachand tonight

[davech]

Right, we need Djoko to choke a bit here.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy holds but Nole will come out after the change of ends to serve for the match at 5-2.

[Manaus]

Nole serving for the title now. :sofa:

[banskogirl]

Ok last chance for a break of serve to Andy! You can still do this!

[KnightOwl]

Right, we need Djoko to choke a bit here.

Not too likely, though, I'm afraid...

[david1610]

Well for whatever reason - possibly the blister, possibly the semi final, possibly something else - Nole has had more energy in the later part of the match.
But.... time for a miracle. C'mon Andy!

[JAMES4578]

Andy gets another game on the board but difficult to see Djokovic being detained much longer now.

[KnightOwl]

Not too likely, though, I'm afraid...

Then again... ;)

[Manaus]

0-15. :sofa:

[Bardot]

Pretend he's Cilic at the US Open. ;)

[Sallydaisy]

2 more of those please Andy!

Nole *0-30

[Manaus]

Hold the press, 0-30. :sofa:

[JennieF]

Andy can be proud in knowing he is more than capable of beating the No 1 player in the world. It's just a shame about the pain he is suffering.

[pippadaisy]

told you he has the luck of the devil

[Sallydaisy]

****** net

[davech]

Hmm. Slight chokage - but we need a little more.

[banskogirl]

What a shot! COME ON ANDY!!

[Linda]

EVen the net is on Nole's side :rolleyes:

[Manaus]

*$&%* Lucky Nole!

[KnightOwl]

Bit jammy there - totally messed up that smash, but it fell on the right side of the net...

[Sallydaisy]

30 all ... fair play to Nole, he's working the points well.

[davech]

Match point.

[Sallydaisy]

Match point to Novak.

[rondun]

told you he has the luck of the devilThink he sold his soul a while back

[Manaus]

CP for Nole. :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

:crying::crying::crying:

[Jane]

:crying::crying::crying: Gutted for Andy

[JennieF]

Bravo Andy. We're so proud you gave it more than 100%.

[Jan62]

Congratulations Nole, well played. Big big disappointment for Andy but you have to give credit to the Djoker.

[davech]

Ah well. Djokovic was the better player and deserved the win.

[Linda]

All over :crying: :crying: :crying:

[Manaus]

:crying: :crying: :crying:
So gutted for Andy. Fought so hard. :sad:

[KnightOwl]

Can't take anything away from Djokovic, though - he did what he needed to do - just too strong for Andy on the day.

[banskogirl]

So sorry Andy! Well played Nole ;)

[JennieF]

When will Andy be No 2 in the world does anyone know??

[david1610]

Congratulations Nole. Best player on the day won.

Next time Andy will take Roger out in straights and break Nole when he is 0-40!

Small margins - knocked down with a feather perhaps?

Never mind. Live to fight another day. Well done Andy on the tournament.
Better luck next time.

[Sallydaisy]

Bad Luck Andy. He fought like stink but he missed chances in the 2nd set and then perhaps the blisters gave him too much pain to play through.

There will be another time for him - no doubt about his ability to get there!!!
I've no idea where Nole gets his reserves from but it's seen him to his 6th Grand Slam title.

[Hawkeye]

All too easy in the end.

[Manaus]

When will Andy be No 2 in the world does anyone know??

Very much depends on how well Andy does in the upcoming Masters and the clay season.

[Bardot]

Andy always a champion. So proud of his achievements. Much more to come. :thumbup:

[Linda]

When will Andy be No 2 in the world does anyone know??

That will depend on how he & Fed play this year!

[WimbledonAce]

Sadly my dream was correct. In brighter news I dreamt Andy wins the French,strange I know!

[david1610]

The good news is losing this time is different isn't it?
More a feeling of "well not this time so wait until next time" rather than the "end of the world" time.
Massive credit to Andy for that!

[JennieF]

That will depend on how he & Fed play this year!
Are there many points between them?

[cazza99]

Andy had a blistering start, but also a blistering end. At least we know that Andy was capable of winning this one.

[Nina]

I just don't know what to say. Really gutted for Andy, Ivan, Judy and rest of his team, his fans.. myself
He was good in this 1st set. probably he should take those BP's in the second set..
Please come back stronger..
we love you and always support

[Reef]

Bad Luck Andy. He fought like stink but he missed chances in the 2nd set and then perhaps the blisters gave him too much pain to play through.

There will be another time for him - no doubt about his ability to get there!!!
I've no idea where Nole gets his reserves from but it's seen him to his 6th Grand Slam title.

Yes Yes - I think it's the battle of the fittest with these two and ytoday it was Nole...

[Jan62]

Still a few things to work on then with Mr Lendl, but he played well. Still a champion, lots to look forward to for the rest of this year. Love you Andy, so proud of you!

[pippadaisy]

well done to Djoko
well done to Andy no disgrace here played a brilliant Aussie open
Was not to be

[Tie-break]

Just thinking of all those times the great Nadal turned up at finals only to be bested by the ultimate competitor that is Nole. So Andy is in good company. Gutted for him but he gave it everything. He should come away from Melbourne thinking he had a great tournament - semi-final being the highlight, obviously! Loads of if onlys (that feather in the 2nd set tie-break ....) --but they are irrelevant, really.

I hope Andy builds from here and makes this his standard for thed whole year. There's no reason why not.

[Bardot]

Barker on about Andy getting upset by every little thing. She's reverted back to type. :grrr:

[Linda]

Are there many points between them?

Tomorrow Andy will have 8,480 and Fed will have 10,265.

[Manaus]

Still proud of Andy, loved watching him every step of the way. Big well done to Andy for a great tournament. :clap:
Well done to Nole too, upped his game as the match went on.

[banskogirl]

Totally gutted but as someone has just said its not the awful feeling it has been in the past :flowers: can be done, just wasn't Andy's turn today!

[pippadaisy]

Barker on about Andy getting upset by every little thing. She's reverted back to type. :grrr:
No surprise there

[JennieF]

Looking forward to Andy and Nole's speeches!

[sid]

Proud of Andy making a fight of it with the blisted foot,@ least he stayed to the end,seen others stop playing with the same.Get a good rest & come back stronger Andy.
all the best.

[JennieF]

Poor chaps. Bet they're dying to get off for a bath and something to eat.

[banskogirl]

No surprise there

I have one here too!

[cazza99]

Brad Gilbert ‏@bgtennisnation

The biggest stats 66 % on 2nd serv points won to 46% for Djoker and 35-41 net points for Nole, Muzzard wore down maybe that 5settter vs Fed?

[banskogirl]

Hey does this mean someone might appear back on here later today ;) remember people don't let him rile you!

[pippadaisy]

I have one here too!
??

[lynne]

from jamie_murray...........



Congrats to @DjokerNole incredible player and achievement! 3 Aussie Opens in a row. Treat yourself.

[JAMES4578]

Still a bit down but credit to Andy for the fight and well done on a great tournament! He just didn't have enough today though and Nole really imposed himself on the match at the end of the 3rd set, Certainly Andy had physical issue which hindered him but at the end of the day Djokovic deserved the win. Sure Andy's chance can come again. A pity Andy didn't break in the 2nd,may have been crucial.

[banskogirl]

??

Husband being a Sue!

[Sallydaisy]

Hold it together Andy ...

[pippadaisy]

Husband being a Sue!
Oh i c
I am on my own so no probs there LOL

[banskogirl]

Uh oh he's getting emotional.... So am I!

[davech]

Great speech!

[cazza99]

Chris Goldsmith ‏@TheTennisTalker


Novak Djokovic joins Mats Wilander as the only male players to lose the 1st set on a Tie Break and still win the final!

[Linda]

Hey does this mean someone might appear back on here later today ;) remember people don't let him rile you!

Never feed a troll ;)

[pippadaisy]

Great speech!
I second that well said Andy

[banskogirl]

Great speech!

Emotional but totally different feel to it :) US Open Champion!

[pippadaisy]

Noles speech hold on to that joy for this year cause you aint getting it next year heh heh

[lynne]

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



Great effort and tournament from Andy. He'll be back!

[Bardot]

Have Barker & Becker forgotten Andy beat Djokovic at the US Open? It's all "Andy has to go back to his team and work out a way to beat Djokovic".

[JennieF]

I'm convinced that if Andy had had two whole days between semi final and final and Nole had had to play 5 sets against Fed with just one day between, the result might have been very very different!

[banskogirl]

Why is no one saying Andy had less time to get over semi?

[patmoren]

Shame but a fantastic match, just little things seperating them at times. Well done Andy

[JennieF]

Why is no one saying Andy had less time to get over semi?
Hear hear!

[pippadaisy]

Shut up about the stupid feather for goodness sake jeez do they have to pick over stupid things
the feather was just that a blooming feather, it wasn,t a curse from above,
or was it?????

[david1610]

Andy has confirmed in this tournament that his natural place at the moment is in the final of a Grand Slam.
He has confirmed that he is one of the two best players in the world on hard courts and probably one of the two best in the world (the points won or lost in the clay season may have a determining factor).

So although there is the sadness of a defeat, there is definite progress. Well done for that Andy!

[Jan62]

Great speech Andy. And no tears! There is so little between these guys. I do think the blister played a small part. But the feather?? Get a grip sue.

[banskogirl]

I must go and get ready for Sunday School! Have changed out of my Jammies but need to have a shower and don't want to leave this!

[patmoren]

Shame but a fantastic match. Very little between them, Andys turn next time. Well done Andy

[banskogirl]

Ok I'm off :grouphug: see you all later ;)

[Reef]

Have Barker & Becker forgotten Andy beat Djokovic at the US Open? It's all "Andy has to go back to his team and work out a way to beat Djokovic".

Sometimes don't you just hate the pundits/commies - one minute Andy is God but one loss in a GS makes him inferior?? Yes he still can learn a lot but if Nole had been more fatigued than Andy we all know it could so easily have been the other way round. Good to see Andy looking positive and speaking well. He'll be fine.

[pippadaisy]

I agree with the fact that Andy was looking very tired at times Defeating roger in 5 sets definately took its toll
but he has got that one over with, each slam bringing new achievements and improvements
French then Wimbledon you never know one thing i am sure of Andy always gives his best and
we are all so proud of him

[Craigenhogen]

Andy played great during the match but he was being unfairly disadvantaged:
1. Not having as much rest time as Nole; why not play both men's semis on the same day?
2. Lack of playing night matches; I know that they want to put the most entertaining matches on at night in primetime but it's unfair that Andy was disadvantaged because of wanting larger viewing figures
3. The crowd were behaving disgracefully at times; throwing that feather as Andy went to serve and shouting as he went to serve ( I know this happened to Djokovic as well but it happened more often with Andy)

I could go on further but I don't want this to turn into a rant. I have to give credit to Djokovic though he played very well and deservedly won the championship. I think Andy will win Wimbledon this year and has a great shot at retaining his US Open title. Let's go Andy, let's go!

[cazza99]

Was that feather thrown from the crowd? I had assumed it fell from a bird.

[pippadaisy]

Was that feather thrown from the crowd? I had assumed it fell from a bird.
yes i thought it fell from a bird too
I also thought the crowd were ok with Andy heard lots of cheers and chants and saw the Andy boys

[SamP]

I think if Andy had won the second in the tie break, he still probably would have lost sets 3 & 4. No point speculating beyond that.

It was an odd match, probably better quality than some journalists are giving it credit, but I don't think either player played their very best.

I remember when Andy used to say he was going to 'give it his all' and leave 'nothing out there', but his negativity prevented him from really giving fully of himself, to the best of his ability. That just isn't the case now, you know he's going to give it everything he has, and he's not going to get down on himself unnecessarily. A break down in the fourth, and I still thought he could do it. Thats so encouraging.

He did ever so well again at another slam, removing his final taboo, beating the Fed at a Slam and in doing so making his third consecutive final. Tremendous effort.

He'll be disappointed, but, the speech suggested he's not to downhearted. Here's hoping after a rest he'll have some more serious time devoted to working with Lendl, and he can really hit the masters tournaments running this year.