Game, Set, Match, or something: Aussie Open Final Review

Nole dominates!

Andy Murray (left); Novak Djokovic (right)

Pre-match festivities

The match started off with all the pomp and circumstance expected of the final in a major, even when the game began, one would think this is going to be a good match - maybe even a five setter - no such luck for Andy Murray.

The first set started off with Djokovic looking sharp & going for his shots, and Murray playing defense - nothing out of the ordinary. Nole held his service games with ease and had a couple of break points on the Murray serve doing the first set, then with Murray serving at 4-5, Nole pounced - first set to Djokovic 6-4.

Then in the second set, the bottom fell out for Murray - he looked dejected, with good reason. Nole's defensive skills were on full display, and the offense he showed should put the other players on notice for the rest of the year. Djokovic, looking like a man on a mission, broke Murray's serve time after time. Finally, while serving at 0-5, Andy Murray wins a service game, and gets on the board. Now, on the board, a glimmer of hope pops up for Andy Murray when he breaks Djokovic's serve, but it didn't last long - Djokovic immediately breaks back to take the second set 6-2.

Andy Murray

Andy Murray looked flat throughout the match up to this point. His feet seemed like they were glued to the court, he was constantly blinking/rubbing his eyes and grabbing at his left leg. Nole took no pity on him.

Novak Djokovic

Novak

Andy & Novak

Game one of the third set should a little promise for the Scot, breaking the Djokovic serve. That lead didn't last, nole immediately breaks back, then on Murray's next service game, he is broken again - now down 3-1. The storm seemed to end for Murray when he broke Nole's service game, then held his on serve to get the set even at 3-3. But once again, Hurricane Nole roared thru, holding his service game & then breaking Andy to go up 5-3. Then finally, with a forehand shot from Murray that goes into the net, Mr. Djokovic is no longer a one slam wonder, taking the set & the match 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

None of what Andy Murray used to get to the final was highlighted today. Aside from the first seven games of the match, he was like a deer caught in the headlights. There's no doubt Andy has the game to win a major, but he's head definitely fails him. Nole on the other hand looks like a guy who can & should overtake 'The Federer' for the number two ranking position before the end of this 2011 season.

The hottie of the day is none other than the 2011 Australian Open Men's Champion, Serbia's pride & joy, Novak Djokovic!