Right so this post will combine the best matches of the Davis cup this year and the Olympics into one post so there will be five matches in total for the list rather than five each (as that could take a bit too long!).
So with that said let's get a move on and start the list....
5. Davis cup first round, Andy Murray d. Kei Nishikori, 7-5, 7-6, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3
Right, OK so to start off the list at No.5 is this classic between Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori as both men played against each other in this Davis cup first round epic encounter that would have potentially been the decider for team GB if they won.
As for the match itself it started with a very close first set but Andy made the key break to grab the set and take the early lead and he then went on to close out a very tense 2nd set in a tiebreak winning 8-6. However despite the two set lead, this was where Kei found extra reserves and started to fight back as he broke Andy in the 3rd set and took it along with the 4th set to level the match at two sets all.
And in the 5th set alarm balls started ringing as Andy went down a break early on to Kei but he soon managed to claw it back and got back on serve and play went on serve until Andy nabbed the crucial break and won the match and the tie with it as their battle came to an end in Andy's joint longest match in 4 hours and 54 minutes (along with his US Open 2012 final).
Well there is no doubt this a real nerve shredding classic of a match and it was also the toughest match by far that either player had played against each other as up until now all their matches had been decided in straight sets. And the match would also set the tone of their rivalry this year as they would continue to have some big clashes at the US Open and later the ATP World Tour Finals.
But here it was Andy that got over the line, having just become a dad only a few weeks earlier he looked tired and jaded at times in the match but his fighting spirit never waned here and ultimately got him over the line in what was a real classic that deserves its place at No.5.
4. Olympics semi final, Juan Martin del Potro d. Rafael Nadal, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6
At No.4 is this match which was between two of the biggest warriors in the men's game today, the former US Open champion, Juan Martin del Potro vs the 14 time major champ and former Olympic gold singles medalist, Rafa Nadal. And to say this match was dramatic is something of an understatment as both men played an absolute blinder infront of a very fired up and passionate crowd as the Argentine fans and the Brazilian fans created a real cauldron in the Olympic tennis stadium.
The match began with a very close battle between both men in the opening set and it was a late break of serve that separated both men in the match as Rafa grabbed the first set. In the 2nd set however, Delpo mounted his fightback and he got Rafa where he wanted him and broke serve to level the match. In the 3rd set though both men played some absolutely enthralling tennis for the near uncontrollable crowd who were nothing but vocal in their passion for the match. And both men traded breaks of serve later on as play eventually went to a deciding tiebreak that saw Delpo emerge the victor as he reached his first Olympic final after a stunning thee set win.
You simply can't deny this match was a tremendous contest from both players and neither player gave an inch in the final set as they went for broke to try and break each other and it really was nip and tuck as they were both backed and riled by a very vociferous crowd.
And in the end it was a match that really heralded the return of form for del Potro as a player to be truly reckoned with on the tour and he went into the final tired but with the knowledge he could on his day beat anyone infront of him
So there is no doubt for me this was one of the best matches of the Rio Olympics this year and it more than deserves a spot on here.
3. Davis cup semi final, Juan Martin del Potro d. Andy Murray, 6-4, 5-7, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4
At No.3 is another huge epic marathon of a match that saw Argentina and Great Britain clash at the Davis cup semi finals in Glasgow and this produced an absolute classic in the form of this match between Andy Murray and once again big Delpo (who will appear in this list ALOT!).
This match was highly anticipated by everyone given the quality of their Olympic gold medal final the month before and it sure did not disappoint as both men produced tennis of the highest level for a thrilled crowd.
As for the first match itself, the 1st set saw Andy get off to a bad start as Delpo broke his serve and he went on to confidently serve out for the opener. In the 2nd set however Andy finally managed to penetrate big Delpo's serve and he went on to level the match at a set all and he then went one better and grabbed a very tense and close 3rd set on a tiebreak (7-5 to Andy).
However just as it appeared that Andy had the ascendancy in the match, Delpo clawed his way back in again as he nabbed yet another break of Andy's serve and he went to square the match at two sets apiece. And in the 5th set all it took was one careless drop of serve for Andy and he soon found himself on the losing end of a marathon match that was the longest of either player's careers that saw Argentina take an early 1-0 lead in the tie with Delpo winning the match in just over 5 hours.
Well this was undoubtedly one of the best matches of the year and it was also the longest match of either men's careers as I already said, which no doubt would have taken a hell of a lot out of them and when you think about it that was about the length of three and a half football matches alone!
But the match also even further cemented the return of form for Juan Martin del Potro as he beat Andy Murray, one of the best players in the world and the now current World No.1 and if you think about it, Delpo was the last man to actually beat Andy so that is saying quite alot!
So for team GB it was a bitter loss that ultimately cost them the tie and their title but as an individual match it was an absolute cracker and it more than deserves its place on here.
2. Rio Olympics gold medal final, Andy Murray d. Juan Martin del Potro, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5
Right now some may argue this match may deserve to be ranked lower than the previous one but I guess I'm probably a bit biased given that I am an Andy Murray fan, I had to put this amazing match at the No.2 spot on this list. And the match itself was an incredible and memorable finish to the 2016 Rio Olympics tennis event that saw two of the world's very best battle it out for the gold medal.
The match itself did get off to a little bit of a slow start as Delpo did look somewhat jaded from his efforts against Rafa in the semi final and Andy got off to a quick start and grabbed the early break. However it wasn't long before the sleeping giant in Delpo woke up and he broke back Andy to keeps things going but it wasn't too long before Andy broke the big man again and took the opening set. In the 2nd set however, Andy got careless on serve once again and this time Delpo held onto the break and levelled the match to go one set all.
The 3rd set however saw Andy put his foot to the pedal and he took advantage of a seemingly exhausted Delpo who looked to be on his last legs and Andy took a double break to nab a two sets to one lead. However in the 4th set, Delpo looked like a man reborn as he reasserted himself and he broke Andy early on however both men would go on to trade breaks of serve and it wasn't until Andy pounced on Delpo at 5-5 to get the final key break and he went on to serve out an emotionally and physically draining rollercoaster of a match that secured Andy his 2nd Olympic gold medal.
Well there is giving everything of yourself and then some and this match was then some from both men as Andy went into this match the fresher of the two but Delpo despite his fatigue gave his absolute all of what he had left in him and together both men produced an incredible and unforgettable battle.
The match had also been played in another cauldron-esque atmosphere with the passionate Argentine fans backing Delpo and the Brazilians naturally backing Andy(!) so it made for another fiercely vocal evening of tennis from the packed crowd.
But there is no doubt that both guys here put on quite a display and Juan Martin del Potro further proved that despite the defeat he is one of the most talented, dynamic and watchable players the sport has ever seen and his comeback from injury this year has been remarkable and winning that silver medal was proof of that even further in this match.
As for Andy, well he put it all on the line too and he showed yet again why he is a great champion and like he did at the Wimbledon final this year, he showed his tears and raw emotion at the end before claiming that Olympic gold medal.
So there you go, this match had the whole lot going on and for me it was easily one of the best of the year and that's why it takes the runner-up spot.
But....as for the best Davis cup/Olympics tennis match of the year the No.1 spot belongs to....
1. Davis cup final, Juan Martin del Potro d. Marin Cilic, 6-7, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-3
Yep, this vital Davis cup final match between big Delpo (God he's in four of the matches on this list!) and Marin Cilic takes the top spot as it was easily one of the very best matches of the year and undoubtedly THE best Davis cup match of the season. Period.
This match was a mammoth contest between two big serving giants currently in the game and both of these guys are man mountains standing at 6ft 6" each so there was very little in it in terms of their physical status and their movement, ability around the net or their serves. This was in many ways the perfect match-up for anyone tennis to watch and it sure did not disappoint in the slightest.
As for a summary of the match itself, it began with Cilic on fire as he quickly broke an undercooked Delpo to grab a 3-0 lead. However it wasn't too long before Delpo started to find his feet and clawed his way back into the set and things eventually went to a tiebreak but Cilic again dominated play and he won his first set in three years against the Argentine to give Croatia the lead. And in the 2nd set it was more of the same from Cilic, who was firing on all cylinders and he was ruthlessly efficient in his serving and breaking the del Potro serve twice to take the two sets to love lead.
However as things started to look pretty bleak for Argentina with only one set away from defeat and Croatia's 2nd Davis cup title, Delpo played an incredible hotdog lob at the start of the 3rd that seemed to get him going and he started to hold firm and get his serve working. And this soon created the spark big Delpo needed to break Cilic's serve at 6-5 and take the 3rd set to keep Argentina alive in the tie and trail two sets to one. And Delpo was not yet finished either as he then went on to break Cilic again to level the match at two sets all.
And in the 5th set, which made the first two sets seem like ages ago, Delpo for the first time in the match moved ahead at 4-3 with Cilic serving to level 4-4, Delpo pounced and took a break of the Cilic serve to go 5-3 up and serve for the match. And serve for the match, Delpo surely did and with that he completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in Davis cup history as the big Argentine secured his country's hopes to stay alive in the tie with an amazing five set win.
This for me was one of the best, if not THE single best match of the year and it could easily have been the last match of the season had del Potro not gone on to win it. And it was also the first time that del Potro was able to come back from two sets down to win a five set match in his career and after the match you could see how choked up he was with emotion when he won it. It was yet again another example of Delpo's natural ability to battle it out in any match and frankly without him they couldn't have won the title.
As for Cilic well this no doubt would have been a very tough loss for him to take just like his defeat to Roger Federer earlier this year at Wimbledon where he was in the same position with a two set lead he would then go on to lose. And from here unfortunately, Croatia realistically didn't have a way back once Federico Delbonis put in one last terrific performance to seal the tie that was it.
But as for the match itself it was an amazing contest from start to finish and even though Delpo got off to a slow start he soon battled his way back in and eventually got the job done after nearly five hours of the best quality tennis you will probably ever be likely to see. And both men played their parts for sure and they both deserve all the credit for putting together an absolute classic match.
So for me this match deserves the top spot as it was of the highest quality and it was shining example of why tennis is one of the best sports out there.
Right! Phew! That was a lot of typing today with three posts in one day!
Anyway so that's it for another year of tennis and I will be back on this blog again next year once the 2017 season get's under way and I will probably be back with my pick of the favourites for the Australian open in January.
So, till next year have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and see you in 2017!
Monday 28 November 2016
Top 5 Grand Slam matches of 2016
Right! So now we get onto my pick of the top 5 grand slam matches of 2016 and boy this could be tough to narrow down but I will do my best as its been a great year of tennis once more in the majors.
And with that in mind let's get started!
5. Australian Open semi final, Andy Murray d. Milos Raonic, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2
So at No.5 was this epic clash between two players that had their fair share of clashes this season, Andy Murray and Milos Raonic in a match that went the distance in Melbourne and what a match it was.
The match started with Andy Murray dropping serve, which saw the big serving Canadian take full advantage and the 1st serve with it. In the 2nd set however deep into it, Andy finally capitalised on a poor Raonic service game, which saw the match level at a set apiece but in the 3rd set there danger signs for Andy as Raonic took the 3rd on a tiebreak to put him within a set of his first major final.
However in the 4th set, Andy fought back and he managed to fashion another break and with that he levelled the match at two sets all. As for the 5th set, unfortunately for Raonic things started to come undone as he began to struggle with his fitness and injury took over and he lost his momentum and suffered a double break that enabled Andy to win the match and reach his 5th final down under.
This really was a high quality match and it was a sign of things to come from both these men in 2016 as they would go on to have several excellent quality matches together as they year progressed. And in the match, Raonic looked as dangerous as he ever had in a big match up to this point and at two sets to one up he really looked to be in the driving seat before his fitness struggles occured later in the 4th set.
But despite the heartbreak that Milos suffered in this match it was still one hell of an encounter between both men and as such it rightly takes the spot at No.5.
4. US Open men's final, Stan Wawrinka d. Novak Djokovic, 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3
In the 4th spot is this year's US Open men's singles final between Nole and Stan "the man" in what promised to be a highly entertaining encounter and it did not disappoint as it was another great match-up between these two who have contested a terrific rivalry in the last three years.
The match itself had an unknown quantity to it as Novak went into it having only played three full matches as he got two retirals and a walkover leading into the final so it was difficult to guage where his level was at given that he had suffered a poor summer by his own his standards. Stan however had quietly built up momentum throughout the tournament, which saw him reach his 3rd grand slam final having a perfect 2-0 record in major finals he looked like a slight favourite going into this one.
However the match started with Novak making the stronger start as he broke Stan early on to take a lead but it didn't last too long as Stan broke back and both men went into a tiebreak, which Novak dominated to take the opening set. In the 2nd set however, Stan did what was expected of him and that was to break Novak and with that he levelled the match. In the 3rd set we got another tight battle but in the end Stan managed to pip Novak to the post and he broke to edge ahead and take a two sets to one lead. And by the 4th set, Novak started to look a bit worse for wear as cramp had set in after the gruelling three sets that proceded him but Nole still battled on valiantly despite going down a break. But in the end it was Stan who was the man again and he managed to finally serve out the match to seal his 3rd grand slam title in four gruelling sets.
Well this really was a very entertaining encounter, which featured quality points that had the New York crowd gasping and cheering in equal measure. The match also saw Stan prove that he truly is a big match player and in slam finals he certainly rises to the occassion and he did once more here and its amazing to think that Stan is now only one major away from the career slam and next year at Wimbledon he could concievably do it too!
Anyways in the meantime its safe to say this was one of the best slam matches of the season and easily the best slam final of the year.
3. US Open 4th round, Lucas Pouille d. Rafael Nadal 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6
At No.3 is another US Open match and this one was an incredible encounter between the former two time US Open champion, Rafa Nadal and the upcoming Frenchman, Lucas Pouille in a thrilling clash where both men were battling it out for a place in the quarter finals.
Going into this match, Rafa looked to be in good form having not dropped a set but here he met his match in Pouille who stunned Rafa in the 1st set as he dominated the former No.1 by a double break to the opener. In the 2nd set however, Rafa bounced back strong and he got a double break of his own to level the match at a set all. In the 3rd set however, Pouille reasserted himself yet again and he broke Rafa to take the two sets to one lead and possibly a famous victory with it. But in the 4th, Rafa was not yet done as he managed to secure a break and went on to level the match at two sets all.
And in the 5th set we got a thrilling battle that saw momentum swing to and fro as both men traded breaks, which finally saw the match head into a deciding tiebreak and it was Pouille that pulled off a stunning victory to put out Rafa and deny him his chance at reaching his first major quarter final of the season with a remarkable win.
Well this was another match that had everything in it as it was not short on tension or drama and there was plenty of that throughout and it was a match that unfortunately in a way signalled that Rafa had to make way for the new generation of players. But you could take nothing away from the incredible effort that Lucas Pouille put into this memorable match as he made his 2nd consecutive major quarter final (having reached his first at Wimbledon earlier in the year).
So there is no doubt that this epic clash deserves to take the 3rd spot.
2. Wimbledon championships semi final, Milos Raonic d. Roger Federer, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
At No.2 is another epic clash that happened between the former seven time Wimbledon champion, Roger Federer and the big Canadian server, Milos Raonic, who had put in a very impressive run of form at the tournament as he made his 2nd semi final at SW19 where he faced Roger previously in a straight set loss two years earlier.
However this match was completely different from their previous Wimbledon semi final as Raonic, under John McEnroe's coaching, had become a stronger player and in the match he got off a strong start as he broke Rog to grab the opening set. In the 2nd set Rog as anyone would expect started his fightback as he levelled the match in a tiebreak and he then went on to take the lead in the 3rd set as he grabbed the two sets to one advantage. And Roger continued to look in control in the 4th set until at the very last minute, Milos manufactured a break out of the blue at 6-5 to level the match at two sets all.
Unfortunately for Roger in the 5th set his fitness started to let him down as he struggled with a knee injury that saw Milos break Rog once again and he served it out for a place in his very first grand slam final.
Well this definitely one of the best matches of the tournament and it was quite a remarkable comeback from Raonic after looking potentially down and out in the 4th set as there were a few chances for Roger to break that would have seen him reach the final. However Raonic deserved all the credit in this match for hanging tough and it was thanks to John McEnroe's coaching that he was able to do just that.
So this was a real cracker of a match and as such it easily earns its place as the runner up to the best slam matches of the season.
And so the No.1 grand slam match of the season is....
1. Wimbledon championships, quarter final, Roger Federer d. Marin Cilic 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3
So at the top spot is this remarkable match between Roger Federer and Marin Cilic which turned out to be an absolute classic that saw both men battle it out for a place in the semi finals and it was a match that had it all for sure.
As for the match itself it began with Cilic serving out of his skin as he expertly kept Roger at bay on serve and in the tiebreak, Cilic continued his great form and dominated Roger 7-4 to take the first set. In the 2nd set it was more of the same as Cilic seemed to be growing in confidence as he broke Roger to move two sets to love up and it looked like a dramatic upset was on the cards. However Roger did what he always does when his back is to the wall and that is play his best tennis and dig real deep and he sure did that here as he won the 3rd set with a break of serve to keep his 8th title at Wimbleon alive.
And in the 4th set the audience were treated to an exhilirating contest between both men as they battled it out and Cilic had several match points in the set alone as the 4th set was decided by an epic tiebreak 11-9 in Roger's favour. And by the 5th set, momentum was fully with Roger as he finally moved ahead in the match for the first time and he broke Cilic's heart and spirit with a break of serve that saw the seven time champion seal an amazing comeback win.
Well Roger Federer has certainly come back from the dead several times in grand slam matches before from a two set deficit but this surely had to be one the most impressive comebacks of his whole career as Cilic played superbly in the first two sets and appeared to have the ascendancy in the 4th set also. However in the end you just can't keep a champion like Roger down forever and he certainly showed his fighting spirit here throughout.
Unfortunately for Cilic this was certainly one of the toughest losses of his career and perhaps the last match he played under Goran Ivanisevic's coaching, who was said to have been devastated after this loss and Cilic would later take on Andy Murray's former coach, Jonas Bjorkman as a replacement. And for Cilic this wouldn't be the last match of the season where he had such an advantage and let it slip but I will leave that for another post....
Anyway for me this was the best grand slam match of the year and it had all the drama, excitement and entertainment you could hope for in a tennis match and it more than deserves its place at No.1.
Right so that's it for my look at the best grand slam tennis matches of the year and I will be back soon with a combined post for my look at the best Davis cup and Olympic matches from this season.
So see you soon!
And with that in mind let's get started!
5. Australian Open semi final, Andy Murray d. Milos Raonic, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2
So at No.5 was this epic clash between two players that had their fair share of clashes this season, Andy Murray and Milos Raonic in a match that went the distance in Melbourne and what a match it was.
The match started with Andy Murray dropping serve, which saw the big serving Canadian take full advantage and the 1st serve with it. In the 2nd set however deep into it, Andy finally capitalised on a poor Raonic service game, which saw the match level at a set apiece but in the 3rd set there danger signs for Andy as Raonic took the 3rd on a tiebreak to put him within a set of his first major final.
However in the 4th set, Andy fought back and he managed to fashion another break and with that he levelled the match at two sets all. As for the 5th set, unfortunately for Raonic things started to come undone as he began to struggle with his fitness and injury took over and he lost his momentum and suffered a double break that enabled Andy to win the match and reach his 5th final down under.
This really was a high quality match and it was a sign of things to come from both these men in 2016 as they would go on to have several excellent quality matches together as they year progressed. And in the match, Raonic looked as dangerous as he ever had in a big match up to this point and at two sets to one up he really looked to be in the driving seat before his fitness struggles occured later in the 4th set.
But despite the heartbreak that Milos suffered in this match it was still one hell of an encounter between both men and as such it rightly takes the spot at No.5.
4. US Open men's final, Stan Wawrinka d. Novak Djokovic, 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3
In the 4th spot is this year's US Open men's singles final between Nole and Stan "the man" in what promised to be a highly entertaining encounter and it did not disappoint as it was another great match-up between these two who have contested a terrific rivalry in the last three years.
The match itself had an unknown quantity to it as Novak went into it having only played three full matches as he got two retirals and a walkover leading into the final so it was difficult to guage where his level was at given that he had suffered a poor summer by his own his standards. Stan however had quietly built up momentum throughout the tournament, which saw him reach his 3rd grand slam final having a perfect 2-0 record in major finals he looked like a slight favourite going into this one.
However the match started with Novak making the stronger start as he broke Stan early on to take a lead but it didn't last too long as Stan broke back and both men went into a tiebreak, which Novak dominated to take the opening set. In the 2nd set however, Stan did what was expected of him and that was to break Novak and with that he levelled the match. In the 3rd set we got another tight battle but in the end Stan managed to pip Novak to the post and he broke to edge ahead and take a two sets to one lead. And by the 4th set, Novak started to look a bit worse for wear as cramp had set in after the gruelling three sets that proceded him but Nole still battled on valiantly despite going down a break. But in the end it was Stan who was the man again and he managed to finally serve out the match to seal his 3rd grand slam title in four gruelling sets.
Well this really was a very entertaining encounter, which featured quality points that had the New York crowd gasping and cheering in equal measure. The match also saw Stan prove that he truly is a big match player and in slam finals he certainly rises to the occassion and he did once more here and its amazing to think that Stan is now only one major away from the career slam and next year at Wimbledon he could concievably do it too!
Anyways in the meantime its safe to say this was one of the best slam matches of the season and easily the best slam final of the year.
3. US Open 4th round, Lucas Pouille d. Rafael Nadal 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6
At No.3 is another US Open match and this one was an incredible encounter between the former two time US Open champion, Rafa Nadal and the upcoming Frenchman, Lucas Pouille in a thrilling clash where both men were battling it out for a place in the quarter finals.
Going into this match, Rafa looked to be in good form having not dropped a set but here he met his match in Pouille who stunned Rafa in the 1st set as he dominated the former No.1 by a double break to the opener. In the 2nd set however, Rafa bounced back strong and he got a double break of his own to level the match at a set all. In the 3rd set however, Pouille reasserted himself yet again and he broke Rafa to take the two sets to one lead and possibly a famous victory with it. But in the 4th, Rafa was not yet done as he managed to secure a break and went on to level the match at two sets all.
And in the 5th set we got a thrilling battle that saw momentum swing to and fro as both men traded breaks, which finally saw the match head into a deciding tiebreak and it was Pouille that pulled off a stunning victory to put out Rafa and deny him his chance at reaching his first major quarter final of the season with a remarkable win.
Well this was another match that had everything in it as it was not short on tension or drama and there was plenty of that throughout and it was a match that unfortunately in a way signalled that Rafa had to make way for the new generation of players. But you could take nothing away from the incredible effort that Lucas Pouille put into this memorable match as he made his 2nd consecutive major quarter final (having reached his first at Wimbledon earlier in the year).
So there is no doubt that this epic clash deserves to take the 3rd spot.
2. Wimbledon championships semi final, Milos Raonic d. Roger Federer, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
At No.2 is another epic clash that happened between the former seven time Wimbledon champion, Roger Federer and the big Canadian server, Milos Raonic, who had put in a very impressive run of form at the tournament as he made his 2nd semi final at SW19 where he faced Roger previously in a straight set loss two years earlier.
However this match was completely different from their previous Wimbledon semi final as Raonic, under John McEnroe's coaching, had become a stronger player and in the match he got off a strong start as he broke Rog to grab the opening set. In the 2nd set Rog as anyone would expect started his fightback as he levelled the match in a tiebreak and he then went on to take the lead in the 3rd set as he grabbed the two sets to one advantage. And Roger continued to look in control in the 4th set until at the very last minute, Milos manufactured a break out of the blue at 6-5 to level the match at two sets all.
Unfortunately for Roger in the 5th set his fitness started to let him down as he struggled with a knee injury that saw Milos break Rog once again and he served it out for a place in his very first grand slam final.
Well this definitely one of the best matches of the tournament and it was quite a remarkable comeback from Raonic after looking potentially down and out in the 4th set as there were a few chances for Roger to break that would have seen him reach the final. However Raonic deserved all the credit in this match for hanging tough and it was thanks to John McEnroe's coaching that he was able to do just that.
So this was a real cracker of a match and as such it easily earns its place as the runner up to the best slam matches of the season.
And so the No.1 grand slam match of the season is....
1. Wimbledon championships, quarter final, Roger Federer d. Marin Cilic 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3
So at the top spot is this remarkable match between Roger Federer and Marin Cilic which turned out to be an absolute classic that saw both men battle it out for a place in the semi finals and it was a match that had it all for sure.
As for the match itself it began with Cilic serving out of his skin as he expertly kept Roger at bay on serve and in the tiebreak, Cilic continued his great form and dominated Roger 7-4 to take the first set. In the 2nd set it was more of the same as Cilic seemed to be growing in confidence as he broke Roger to move two sets to love up and it looked like a dramatic upset was on the cards. However Roger did what he always does when his back is to the wall and that is play his best tennis and dig real deep and he sure did that here as he won the 3rd set with a break of serve to keep his 8th title at Wimbleon alive.
And in the 4th set the audience were treated to an exhilirating contest between both men as they battled it out and Cilic had several match points in the set alone as the 4th set was decided by an epic tiebreak 11-9 in Roger's favour. And by the 5th set, momentum was fully with Roger as he finally moved ahead in the match for the first time and he broke Cilic's heart and spirit with a break of serve that saw the seven time champion seal an amazing comeback win.
Well Roger Federer has certainly come back from the dead several times in grand slam matches before from a two set deficit but this surely had to be one the most impressive comebacks of his whole career as Cilic played superbly in the first two sets and appeared to have the ascendancy in the 4th set also. However in the end you just can't keep a champion like Roger down forever and he certainly showed his fighting spirit here throughout.
Unfortunately for Cilic this was certainly one of the toughest losses of his career and perhaps the last match he played under Goran Ivanisevic's coaching, who was said to have been devastated after this loss and Cilic would later take on Andy Murray's former coach, Jonas Bjorkman as a replacement. And for Cilic this wouldn't be the last match of the season where he had such an advantage and let it slip but I will leave that for another post....
Anyway for me this was the best grand slam match of the year and it had all the drama, excitement and entertainment you could hope for in a tennis match and it more than deserves its place at No.1.
Right so that's it for my look at the best grand slam tennis matches of the year and I will be back soon with a combined post for my look at the best Davis cup and Olympic matches from this season.
So see you soon!
Top 5 ATP tour matches of 2016
Right! The tennis season is officially over now as the Davis cup final weekend has come to a close, which saw Argentina claim the title (well done guys!) on their fifth attempt. So this now means I can now do a review of my favourite matches of the year.
Now usually in the past I've done just a top 10 for the whole year over the season that would encompass the best ATP, grand slams and the Davis cup matches together. But this time I've decided to do three separate posts for each category given that we've had such a great season this year and had some amazing matches it would be tough to narrow it down to one post.
So this post will cover my pick of the top 5 ATP tour matches of the season (these are matches that are part of the regular tour and not the grand slams) and with that let's start the countdown...
5. BNP Paribas Open 3rd round, Federico Delbonis d. Andy Murray 6-4, 4-6, 7-6
So at No.5 is this clash between the then World No.2, Andy Murray and the virtual unknown but now known hero of the Davis cup final for Argentina, Federico Delbonis who in this match gave the British No.1 more than he bargained for in a high quality match.
The match itself featured plenty of twists and turns and it was Delbonis who surprised Andy with his unorthdox game and he showed his prowess in terms of his movement, touch and defence against a somewhat undercooked Andy Murray who had just become a father only a few weeks ago. Delbonis then went on to break Andy in the first set and he closed it out to take the opener but in the 2nd set, Andy fought back and he broke the Argentine to go on and level the match. Going into the decider Andy looked to be favourite and he even went a break up however with some real determination and class, Delbonis broke back and play went onto into a tiebreak and the Argentine pulled a big upset as took the breaker 7-3 to seal the match and send the World No.2 packing.
Well this certainly was a high quality match for the most part and Delbonis turned a very surprising result as Andy looked to be in control in the deciding set but the Argentine certainly deserved all the credit for defeating the British No.1.
4. Rome Masters semi final, Novak Djokovic d. Kei Nishikori 2-6, 6-4, 7-6
At No.4 is the very next match Novak played funnily enough, which was a real epic battle between himself and Kei Nishikori, which saw the Japanese No.1 play in some real good form and the match itself saw Novak be pushed to the absolute limit like he did before with Rafa.
The first set saw Novak get off to a slow start as Kei played some sharp tennis to grab a double break to take the opener but in the 2nd set Nole did what he usually does and fought his way back into the match and broke the Kei to level the proceedings. And the last set was a great contest, which saw both players battle it out as they pushed each other to the very limit and despite Kei's best efforts it was the World No.1 who just made it through to yet another final in Rome.
Again this was another very high quality encounter in a year that had already seen Kei Nishikori threaten the very top guys in the game and here he came closer than ever to causing an upset but he was up against Novak who knows a thing or two about playing his best when he's backed up against a wall.
So it was a great clash and deserves its place on the list.
3. AEGON Championships final, Andy Murray d. Milos Raonic 6-7, 6-4, 6-3
At No.3 is this clash between Andy Murray and one of his key rivals this year, Milos Raonic, who Andy has already endured a real epic clash against at the Australian open earlier this year and going into this match Raonic had just started his tuition under John McEnroe and the two of them together looked to be a lethal combination.
And given the way the match started it looked a combination that would work as after a tight opening set, Raonic took it on a tiebreak and he even secured an early break in the 2nd set along with the knowledge that Raonic had never been broken in the whole tournament up to this point! However Andy proved to be the one man that could snap that streak as he broke back and he then went on to break Raonic himself and serve out for the 2nd set. And in the 3rd set, Andy seized the initiative with a break of serve in the bag he went onto secure a double break as Raonic failed to serve it out and with that Andy secured a record 5th Queens club title.
This was just one of the many gripping tour finals of the year and it was certainly quite a memorable one to watch given the history surrounding it for Andy and the event as he broke the tournament record by being the first man to win five titles there. It also signified that Milos Raonic was starting to really look like a significant threat to the rest of the field including Andy and with Johnny Mac coaching him it would see both men have a rematch come the Wimbledon final.
However this match out of the two was for me the more memorable one and as such it deserves its place on the list.
2. Rome Masters quarter final, Novak Djokovic d. Rafael Nadal 7-5, 7-6
At No.2 is this clash between two of the greatest rivals the game has seen as Novak and Rafa went at it on the clay in a gruelling match that lasted two and a half hours in two very tight sets. Rafa however had suffered a bad run of form against Novak prior to this season but here he showed some of his fighting best against the then World No.1.
The match itself had many twists and turns in momentum as Rafa and Novak traded breaks of serve aplenty in the first set and despite Rafa having set points failed to serve it out before Novak went on to get a break of his own to take the opening set. In the 2nd set Rafa again went a break up but he soon found himself broken back as Novak was like a dog with a bone who simply would not let go. And the match concluded with a thrilling 2nd set tiebreak that saw a weary Novak finally get over the line with a winner down the line as he finally dispatched the former king of clay in one of the toughest straight set wins of his career.
This is a match that just about had everything and it was pity for Rafa that he wasn't able to capitalise on his chances when they came around but Novak was No.1 for a reason and the quality of this match earns its place in the runner-up spot.
So the No.1 match of the 2016 ATP Tour match season is....
1. ATP World Tour Finals semi final, Andy Murray d. Milos Raonic, 5-7, 7-6, 7-6
So in the top spot is this incredible match which was between the newly crowned World No.1, Andy Murray and the Wimbledon finalist, Milos Raonic in what was a very tense and memorable, not mention epic encounter at the year end championship in London. The match itself was even the longest one in the history of the tournament in its 7 year run at the o2 in London at 3 hours and 38 minutes.
As for the match itself it featured many riveting points and long gruelling service games but the match started on serve until 6-5 for Raonic and the Canadian then secured a break of the Murray serve to take the 1st set. In the 2nd set, the drama continued for Andy as he went down another break and from here things looked pretty bleak but just like their clash at the Queens club final, Andy broke back again and he went on to seal the 2nd set on a very tense tiebreak.
And in the 3rd set the audience were treated to a thrilling, nerve jangling contest as both men battled it out to try and hold serve with Andy failing to serve it out twice at 5-4 and 6-5 which saw play go into a final tiebreak which was an epic in itself and Andy had to save a match point. But in the end it was Andy that finally prevailed as he sealed an epic match win and the 3rd set tiebreak 11-9 to reach his first ever ATP World Tour Finals finale.
Well this is a match that had absolutely everything and the level of play from both men was at times incredible and though it was an error strewn performance at times from Andy Murray it did show what a real champion he is to battle through the Raonic onslaught of big serves and brutal returns.
Raonic also deserves much credit for playing his part in this memorable encounter too and this year under John McEnroe's coaching (he teamed up with McEnroe again at this event) he could very well make his major breakthrough very soon.
But in the end this was a heroic performance from Andy Murray and he would then go on to win the title and secure the year end No.1 ranking over Novak Djokovic in the final and for me this was the best ATP tour match of 2016.
Right! So that's it for now and I will be back soon with my countdown of my pick of the best grand slam matches of the year.
So until the next un its bye for now!
Now usually in the past I've done just a top 10 for the whole year over the season that would encompass the best ATP, grand slams and the Davis cup matches together. But this time I've decided to do three separate posts for each category given that we've had such a great season this year and had some amazing matches it would be tough to narrow it down to one post.
So this post will cover my pick of the top 5 ATP tour matches of the season (these are matches that are part of the regular tour and not the grand slams) and with that let's start the countdown...
5. BNP Paribas Open 3rd round, Federico Delbonis d. Andy Murray 6-4, 4-6, 7-6
So at No.5 is this clash between the then World No.2, Andy Murray and the virtual unknown but now known hero of the Davis cup final for Argentina, Federico Delbonis who in this match gave the British No.1 more than he bargained for in a high quality match.
The match itself featured plenty of twists and turns and it was Delbonis who surprised Andy with his unorthdox game and he showed his prowess in terms of his movement, touch and defence against a somewhat undercooked Andy Murray who had just become a father only a few weeks ago. Delbonis then went on to break Andy in the first set and he closed it out to take the opener but in the 2nd set, Andy fought back and he broke the Argentine to go on and level the match. Going into the decider Andy looked to be favourite and he even went a break up however with some real determination and class, Delbonis broke back and play went onto into a tiebreak and the Argentine pulled a big upset as took the breaker 7-3 to seal the match and send the World No.2 packing.
Well this certainly was a high quality match for the most part and Delbonis turned a very surprising result as Andy looked to be in control in the deciding set but the Argentine certainly deserved all the credit for defeating the British No.1.
4. Rome Masters semi final, Novak Djokovic d. Kei Nishikori 2-6, 6-4, 7-6
At No.4 is the very next match Novak played funnily enough, which was a real epic battle between himself and Kei Nishikori, which saw the Japanese No.1 play in some real good form and the match itself saw Novak be pushed to the absolute limit like he did before with Rafa.
The first set saw Novak get off to a slow start as Kei played some sharp tennis to grab a double break to take the opener but in the 2nd set Nole did what he usually does and fought his way back into the match and broke the Kei to level the proceedings. And the last set was a great contest, which saw both players battle it out as they pushed each other to the very limit and despite Kei's best efforts it was the World No.1 who just made it through to yet another final in Rome.
Again this was another very high quality encounter in a year that had already seen Kei Nishikori threaten the very top guys in the game and here he came closer than ever to causing an upset but he was up against Novak who knows a thing or two about playing his best when he's backed up against a wall.
So it was a great clash and deserves its place on the list.
3. AEGON Championships final, Andy Murray d. Milos Raonic 6-7, 6-4, 6-3
At No.3 is this clash between Andy Murray and one of his key rivals this year, Milos Raonic, who Andy has already endured a real epic clash against at the Australian open earlier this year and going into this match Raonic had just started his tuition under John McEnroe and the two of them together looked to be a lethal combination.
And given the way the match started it looked a combination that would work as after a tight opening set, Raonic took it on a tiebreak and he even secured an early break in the 2nd set along with the knowledge that Raonic had never been broken in the whole tournament up to this point! However Andy proved to be the one man that could snap that streak as he broke back and he then went on to break Raonic himself and serve out for the 2nd set. And in the 3rd set, Andy seized the initiative with a break of serve in the bag he went onto secure a double break as Raonic failed to serve it out and with that Andy secured a record 5th Queens club title.
This was just one of the many gripping tour finals of the year and it was certainly quite a memorable one to watch given the history surrounding it for Andy and the event as he broke the tournament record by being the first man to win five titles there. It also signified that Milos Raonic was starting to really look like a significant threat to the rest of the field including Andy and with Johnny Mac coaching him it would see both men have a rematch come the Wimbledon final.
However this match out of the two was for me the more memorable one and as such it deserves its place on the list.
2. Rome Masters quarter final, Novak Djokovic d. Rafael Nadal 7-5, 7-6
At No.2 is this clash between two of the greatest rivals the game has seen as Novak and Rafa went at it on the clay in a gruelling match that lasted two and a half hours in two very tight sets. Rafa however had suffered a bad run of form against Novak prior to this season but here he showed some of his fighting best against the then World No.1.
The match itself had many twists and turns in momentum as Rafa and Novak traded breaks of serve aplenty in the first set and despite Rafa having set points failed to serve it out before Novak went on to get a break of his own to take the opening set. In the 2nd set Rafa again went a break up but he soon found himself broken back as Novak was like a dog with a bone who simply would not let go. And the match concluded with a thrilling 2nd set tiebreak that saw a weary Novak finally get over the line with a winner down the line as he finally dispatched the former king of clay in one of the toughest straight set wins of his career.
This is a match that just about had everything and it was pity for Rafa that he wasn't able to capitalise on his chances when they came around but Novak was No.1 for a reason and the quality of this match earns its place in the runner-up spot.
So the No.1 match of the 2016 ATP Tour match season is....
1. ATP World Tour Finals semi final, Andy Murray d. Milos Raonic, 5-7, 7-6, 7-6
So in the top spot is this incredible match which was between the newly crowned World No.1, Andy Murray and the Wimbledon finalist, Milos Raonic in what was a very tense and memorable, not mention epic encounter at the year end championship in London. The match itself was even the longest one in the history of the tournament in its 7 year run at the o2 in London at 3 hours and 38 minutes.
As for the match itself it featured many riveting points and long gruelling service games but the match started on serve until 6-5 for Raonic and the Canadian then secured a break of the Murray serve to take the 1st set. In the 2nd set, the drama continued for Andy as he went down another break and from here things looked pretty bleak but just like their clash at the Queens club final, Andy broke back again and he went on to seal the 2nd set on a very tense tiebreak.
And in the 3rd set the audience were treated to a thrilling, nerve jangling contest as both men battled it out to try and hold serve with Andy failing to serve it out twice at 5-4 and 6-5 which saw play go into a final tiebreak which was an epic in itself and Andy had to save a match point. But in the end it was Andy that finally prevailed as he sealed an epic match win and the 3rd set tiebreak 11-9 to reach his first ever ATP World Tour Finals finale.
Well this is a match that had absolutely everything and the level of play from both men was at times incredible and though it was an error strewn performance at times from Andy Murray it did show what a real champion he is to battle through the Raonic onslaught of big serves and brutal returns.
Raonic also deserves much credit for playing his part in this memorable encounter too and this year under John McEnroe's coaching (he teamed up with McEnroe again at this event) he could very well make his major breakthrough very soon.
But in the end this was a heroic performance from Andy Murray and he would then go on to win the title and secure the year end No.1 ranking over Novak Djokovic in the final and for me this was the best ATP tour match of 2016.
Right! So that's it for now and I will be back soon with my countdown of my pick of the best grand slam matches of the year.
So until the next un its bye for now!
Monday 21 November 2016
ATP World Tour Finals final match preview: A new king in town!
Right, so the 2016 ATP World Tour Finals has now come to a close as the final last night saw the two best players on the planet, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic battle it out for the right to be the World No.1. So let's review how the match went!
THE FINAL
Well this match had so much riding on it as we all know as both men were competing to claim the year end No.1 ranking with Andy out in front as the current No.1 going into this match and Novak looking to reclaim the top spot.
So the match promised to be deliver much although it had to be said there were concerns over Andy's fitness going into the match as he had to endure a brutal battle of wills against the big serving Canadian, Milos Raonic, who pushed Andy right to the limit in a three set classic just the day before that lasted 3 hours and 38 minutes. Novak in start contrast had only spent just over an hour on court in his dismantling of Kei Nishikori as he conceded only two games in all before he booked his place in the final. So fitness wise it looked very much like a Nole victory might have been on the cards.
However...the match turned out to be something of a real surprise as it was Andy that got off to a strong start after a tight start when it came to 4-3 and with Novak serving to level 4-4, Andy finally broke Nole's serve and went on to take the 1st set. In the 2nd set, Novak started to look worse for wear as his game started to come apart and Andy ramped it up several notches and broke his old rival twice to take a 4-1 lead. However Andy then was broken by Novak who was briefly given a fresh lease of life and he reduced the deficit to a single break.
And with Andy serving for the title at 5-4, Novak pushed Andy hard one last time in a game that was slightly reminiscent of that tortourous Wimbledon final game (although not quite as bad) as Andy was forced to duece a couple of times. However in the end, Andy hung tough and soon brought up a third championship point, which he converted and with it he sealed his place as the year end World No.1 by defeating Novak in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4 and claiming the ATP World Tour Finals trophy.
THOUGHTS
Well I have to admit this was certainly not the result I would have predicted as I was convinced myself that Novak would have won given that he was the fresher of the two men going into this match and he appeared to have regrouped and found his form again. However Novak did have the cushier draw in the championship and this may have left him being not tested as much as Andy.
Not only that Novak had not played Andy since the French Open final and he suffered a downward spiral after that victory and since then Andy has become a much better player, who was also on a career best 23 match winning streak going into this final. So on the face it, it was Andy that went into this match in the stronger position given his winning streak and string of titles that had eluded Novak, who had failed to win a singles title since the Toronto Masters back in August. And the fact that Andy was able to come through this match in such a stunning and incredible fashion is just testament to how great a player he has become and it was almost like the Raonic match had never even taken place!
As for Novak it ended not quite the way he would have liked but he still managed to reach the final of the event all the same and the first half of his year was nothing short of sensational given the success he had at the Australian and French Open events. Ultimately the emotional toll it had on Novak to win the French was what really hurt him for several months after and it took him alot of time before he could re-energise himself again. So even though he lost to the better player in Andy, Novak still has alot of signs for encouragement going into next year and given the player he is, its fair to say that he might yet reclaim the top spot.
As for Andy, well this has been a stunning year for him and undoubtedly the best season of his career by far having won 9 titles (a career best for Andy in a single season) that included the Wimbledon title and the Olympic gold medal, as well as three Masters titles and of course the ATP World Tour Finals trophy. And its a year that has seen Andy once again really prove one of his greatest strengths lies in proving everyone wrong and I have to even admit myself I didn't think he would ever get to No.1 but it he sure has now.
I also think its safe to say that Andy can certainly go onto remain as the World No.1 and build on his growing legend in 2017 where his first challenge will be to win that elusive Australian open title where Andy has been a runner-up five times to his good friend, Novak Djokovic (well four to Nole, one to Roger Federer).
And given the form that Andy has shown I think its a fair bet that he can go on to win the title in Melbourne next year and if he does then it is sure to be another stepping stone leading towards him becoming one of the all time great players in the game. And for my money, right now I think Andy already is in that bracket with 44 career titles overall and now the World No.1 ranking, he has joined the greats and finally has earned his place among the "Big Four" of his generation.
SINGING OFF AND DAVIS CUP PREVIEW
And so that's it for now as the ATP tour season has come to an end for another year and what an incredible year its been as there have been so many great matches, in fact I will be doing a post soon covering my favourite matches of the season within the next week or so.
The only thing that remains now this season is the Davis cup final between Argentina (who knocked out the defending champs, Great Britain) and Croatia. The tie will be held in Zagreb in Croatia this Friday coming until Sunday and in the singles, both teams will be lead by the former US Open champions, Marin Cilic (for Croatia) and Juan Martin Del Potro (for Argentina) and no doubt it should promise to be a great one and I will probably do a post on that once the final has been decided.
So that's it for now and all that remains for me to say is a big well done to Andy Murray for capping off a terrific season with the best possible result in being crowned the year-end World No.1.
And until the next un its bye for now!
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