The last time Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray met in the U.S. Open two years ago, they produced an epic five-set final, wherein Murray prevailed to claim his first-ever Grand Slam title. What can we expect in this year’s matchup, as the World’s No. 1 and No. 9 tennis players battle for a place in the tournament’s final four?
Djokovic, the overall favorite to win the tournament as mentioned in our U.S. Open preview, is well-positioned for another deep run at Flushing Meadows, but Murray should never be counted out. Read on to see if the World No. 1 can get past the gritty Brit.
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Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray, 2014 U.S. Open Men’s Singles Quarterfinal Match Preview
Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York
Simply put, Djokovic has looked every bit the World No. 1 in the run up to his astonishing 22nd-consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal.
[sc:Other240banner ]Djokovic took care of the No. 22-seed, Philipp Kohlschreiber, in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 in the last round. Djokovic has been absolutely dominant through four matches, winning 12 sets out of a possible 12.
Djokovic’s patented return game has been spot-on in the tournament. He won over 50 percent of his return points in his first three matches. Sam Querrey and Paul-Henri Matthieu, in particular, felt the wrath of those outstanding returns, as the Serb pounced on those two opponents’ second serves. Second serves happen to be one of the chinks in Murray’s armor, one that Djokovic is well-equipped to take advantage of.
The World No. 1 has the edge over Murray in their career head-to-head, with 12 wins against eight defeats, including four wins of the last five. Djokovic has also emerged victorious in each of their last three meetings on hardcourt.
It should also be noted how Djokovic just loves the U.S. Open. The Serb has reached the semifinal in Flushing in every year since 2007.
Betting on Andy Murray
Andy Murray hasn’t been at his best in this U.S. Open, but he pulled out by far his most convincing performance in a straight-sets win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to advance to the quarterfinal.
Murray won 84 percent of his first serve points and hit 45 winners against just 18 unforced errors to notch his first win against a top-10 opponent this year.
Murray’s first serve percentage was a little off against Tsonga, as it dropped to below 50 percent after hovering at the 60 percent mark in his earlier matches. Murray will need to raise his overall service game against Djokovic to prevent the Serb from pouncing on the return.
Although Murray has been on the losing end of most his meeting against Djokovic in recent years, the Brit has had the edge in the Grand Slams. In their most recent meeting in the 2013 Wimbledon final, Murray dominated in a straight-sets victory. And in their last meeting in the U.S. Open during the 2012 final, Murray also edged out Djokovic in a five-set war.
Writer’s Prediction
Djokovic (-350) overcomes Murray in four sets and proceeds to yet another U.S. Open semifinal. Create a betting account today as the final tennis Grand Slam reaches the latter stages.
