It’s the moment Great Britain has been waiting for – one of its own tennis players on the verge of winning a grand slam.
The talented Scot has all the right attributes to win a grand slam. But Murray has one giant problem. Roger Federer ... the world’s No. 1.
There’s a simple reason why Federer will win the Australian Open on Sunday.
Federer keeps his emotions in check – most of the time.
Murray, 22, is still on the young side. He expresses raw emotion on the court – he demonstrates a self-talk, pump-up style that burns up too much energy.
Fed will use his grand slam experience to his advantage. He will out-manoeuvre Murray in a clinical and calculated way.
Federer won’t have too much trouble in his semi-final clash against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Tsonga has fought out some tough matches this tournament and he will front up tired for his semi-final clash.
Fed is just so calm and controlled. His calmness saves him plenty of energy. He draws strength from his seemingly relaxed demeanour.
However, under that calm exterior, Federer’s mind is constantly ticking – mostly about strategy and how to outwit his opponent.
It takes a lot of maturity to play with controlled emotion. It takes a lot of practice too.
Federer’s supreme mental toughness is the underlying current of his success - his consistent performances in grand slam finals.
For years, Andy Murray has worked liked crazy to win a grand slam.
And the way Murray played against Rafael Nadal on Tuesday night (before Rafa pulled out injured), there were signs that the Brit (Scot) is close to winning the big one.
Murray will learn from this grand slam final – how to save his energy on the big points, and how not to let the adrenaline zap him during major finals.
Good luck to Murray. Good luck to Federer. But the simple fact is ... Murray is not ready to take the crown away from Fed.
Facebook Recommendations
Read all about it
Punch live
Up to the minute Twitter chatter
OK, so am I the last person in Australia to see this Herald front page mockup thru the Rinehart lens? http://t.co/LSNBPkVl
RT @mumbletwits: Our judgement is that ANZ will lift interest rates despite the RBA announcement, but only by about 0.06 per cent. #hindsightbrokers
Loving this photo of Arnie and Sly Stallone together in hospital for treatment. Great shot http://t.co/BD7FkF5e
Recent posts
The latest and greatest
Would you kill for a job?
Who would work in an abattoir? Most of us have done jobs we didn’t want to do because we needed…
Friday Dilemma: child cruelty or harmless fun?
Parenting. It’s the new oneupmanship. Ah, how quaint the days now seem when parents could raise…
Hipsters with hip replacements
Someone once told me that when people reach a certain age they begin dressing in the manner they did…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: Punch on: Open thread 09/02/2012
marley says:
I'm one of the older ones, so I've certainly seen a few changes in my time. When I started school I learned to write with a nib pen, dipped in an inkwell (no, I'm not kidding). My mother became a dab hand at getting inkstains out of my clothes. Flicking ink at one another in the classroom was an essential… [read more]From: I’d rather have a piece of toast than listen to crap lyrics
Erick says:
Led Zeppelin are responsible for my all-time favourite mixed metaphor: "There you sit, sit and stare, like a book on a shelf rusting." (Misty Mountain Hop) I laugh every time I hear it. Hmmm, I believe I've decided what to play on the way to work today. [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
No wuckin forries. These nuckin futs are tuckin fops
Well, puck me with a fitchfork. The F-word is apparently an acceptable part of Australian speech. That’s… Read more
Most commented