12 > 14?Thinking Djoker in 4. Would like to see a 5 set war though in that case Djokovic probably wins too. I've rooted for Murray over Djokovic in one other final (2012 USO) in hopes that Roger could finish that year at #1. I kind of felt dirty in the middle of the match and wasn't rooting for him by the end. This one is clearly more important legacy wise. If Djokovic wins he is either #3 or #2 of all time in my book and with a very good shot at the mythical GOAThood when all is said and done. If he loses then he realistically has 1 or 2 decent shots left at the French and if he never wins the French that is an enormous gap obviously.
It seems impossible to me that Novak's nerves won't come into play at some point. He might be tentative at the outset. Andy has to play the aggressive game that won him Rome, and he needs a fast start. I hope for a good match, too, but it's pretty hard to picture Novak allowing a repeat of last year's final. I said Novak in 5, but 4 is more likely.
I think he actually was gassed in Rome. Nadal, Nishikori left him without much. Even Murray admitted he had the easier run. Novak has had to play a lot of tennis in the last few days, but he does get the day off tomorrow. If he made a mistake last year by coasting a bit after winning the first and expecting Stan to burn off, he won't make the same mistake this year. I expect him to throw everything at this final, come hell or high water. Murray will have to be on the tips of his toes and edge of his comfort zone throughout if he hopes to have a chance.Watching the Rome final, I tend to believe the Serb was saving some reserves for the two weeks here. I agree with you; after being bullied off the court by Wawrinka, I doubt very much he will allow that to happen again, no matter how much he may battle with his nerves.
12 > 14?
Significantly better non-Slam resume? That's debatable, isn't it?12 with a non-calendar year slam and a significantly better non-slam resume...IMO yes that pushes him above Nadal and Sampras (who didn't have the career slam)
Watching the Rome final, I tend to believe the Serb was saving some reserves for the two weeks here. I agree with you; after being bullied off the court by Wawrinka, I doubt very much he will allow that to happen again, no matter how much he may battle with his nerves.
Rome final doesn't matter for this Sunday at all. RG was too important for Nole to risk anything in Rome. He wasn't too tired but he was moaning about the court condition numerous times to the ump. He wasn't risking anything there.
That's one way of looking at it. Still, Andy drew last blood. Probably will linger in the minds of both. I hope it gives Andy heart.
Rome final doesn't matter for this Sunday at all. RG was too important for Nole to risk anything in Rome. He wasn't too tired but he was moaning about the court condition numerous times to the ump. He wasn't risking anything there.
And he finally gets a full day off before the final. YAY!!! Go Nole, 20th major final and a chance for Nole slam. That would be amazing.
It won't be easy, but it never is. Maybe 4th time will be his lucky charm.
That's one way of looking at it. Still, Andy drew last blood. Probably will linger in the minds of both. I hope it gives Andy heart.