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Why the Djokovic-Murray Rivalry is Peaking at the 2016 US Open
- Updated: September 7, 2016
If Novak Djokovic was vulnerable heading into his match against streaking Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, he never got the memo. The world No. 1, dealing with wrist and right arm problems a week ago, obliterated the Frenchman in two sets, forcing him to limp away with a knee strain.
Maybe irony is the new normal because the healthier Djokovic gets, the quicker his opponents fall. Three of his five victories were not completed by powerful players, and the Serbian marches on with increased vigor.
Then there’s No. 2 Andy Murray, fresh off destroying resurgent Grigor Dimitrov. This was supposed to be a challenge against one of the most talented players on tour who was in the zone and who has defeated Murray in a couple of big matches over the past two years. Next, please.
If Kei Nishikori or anyone else thinks about knocking off the scrappy Scot before the final, they are going to have to dial up untapped powers. Murray isn’t giving an inch, knowing he will need every ounce of tennis strength and acumen to continue playing the best tennis of his career. Nothing less will do for the inevitable mega challenge against his supreme rival Djokovic.
The U.S. Open final is still a few days away, but everything between Djokovic and Murray is a mere formality until they clash for their super-summit meeting. The New York air is thick with this rivalry—a palpable tension that increases as destiny looms closer.
Superman vs. Batman
For all but a handful of months since 2011, Novak Djokovic has been the most dominant player in tennis, by far. There were times between 2012-14 that he was less than his best, but since 2015, he’s donned his red cape and lapped the ATP world tour as if he were the son of Jor-El. Not even kryptonite could slow him down in major finals while he captured the Grand Slam three months ago at the French Open.
Meanwhile, Murray has had to use his fitness, wits and determination to stay in the battle, bouncing back to the Batcave time and again to train and and draw up new schemes to challenge Superman. He’s overcome back surgery from 2013, suffered through lackluster play in …
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