Could yesterday mark the emergence of Andy Murray as a true great? Finally after four grand slam final defeats he won the final of a major tournament, and overcame his nemesis Roger Federer. Of course this wasn’t a grand slam, it wasn’t Wimbledon, but winning Olympic gold is a magnificent achievement for Andy Murray, and could well signal more success to come.
Only a month ago Murray suffered the heartbreak of being defeated by Federer in the final of Wimbledon. Yesterday offered a chance to avenge that defeat, an opportunity he grabbed in style. Murray’s path to the final wasn’t simple however, as he had to beat Novak Djokovic just to set up a rematch with Federer.
Against the Serbian Murray was brilliant, serving efficiently and mercilessly capitalising on any rare weakness shown by Djokovic. Murray won the key points and dug deep at vital times, to run out a deserved winner. But if Murray played well against Djokovic, then against his Swiss adversary he was exceptional in the final. His performance reached an all new level, as Murray produced the display of his life, which promises much for the coming months.
At Wimbledon Murray played excellently, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the mighty resilience of Federer, but yesterday the Swiss master was overwhelmed, as Murray blitzed to victory. I must admit I can’t remember Federer being demolished in such a manner as in the Olympic final. To only win three games in two sets is unheard of for Federer, for him to be brutally dismissed in straight sets is a rarity to say the least.
It is true that Federer was not at his best, making uncharacteristic mistakes and not reaching the lofty heights of his Wimbledon performance. Yet take nothing away from Murray, it was largely his brilliance which forced the errors to flow from Federer’s racket, as he continued a lethal onslaught against Federer throughout the three sets.
The British number one can take great pride in his performance, and will surely receive a massive confidence boost leading into the remainder of the season. If he plays in a similar manner in the US Open, then I can see nobody capable of denying Murray the elusive grand slam. It was surely the best that Murray has ever played, whilst his main rivals are not in peak form.
Rafael Nadal missed the Olympics with injury, and is struggling for form and fitness. Djokovic is playing well, but not to the incredible standards of last year and looks very beatable, whilst Murray has proved that Federer is not invincible. It was fantastic to see Murray relaxed and enjoying himself, participating in the Olympic spirit, and thriving as the pressure was lifted from his shoulders. The Olympics may well only be the start, if he continues such fabulous form then a grand slam title may well be just around the corner.
On a final note, many will say that Murray may have preferred to have won the Wimbledon final than the Olympics, and that it will seem like a hollow victory. However Murray will be in contention for Wimbledon next year, and the year after that. Eventually he will surely win a grand slam title; he’s too good a player not to. A home Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Murray made the most of it soaking in the atmosphere and delivering the goods. His performance is something the nation can be proud of.