Murray mania is gripping Britain, as Andy Murray heads into the Australian Open final against Roger Federer in a matter of hours. There is a gulf of experience between the two players, with Federer having 15 Grand Slam titles under his belt, and Murray seeking his first. A lot is being made of the mental battle which Murray has to deal with, and not beat himself up with the pressure of the big final, and all the expectations around him. He would become only the third player to beat Federer in a Grand Slam final. Murray needs to keep his cool head, if things do not go his way at the start, for if he doesn’t then that is the weakness which Federer could jump all over.
The Swiss World Number One will start as favourite, as he has proven time and time again that he has the big game mentally and skill to prevail. He is the champion of champions in tennis, and the one that everybody else is looking to take on and beat. But Murray is showing that he has the game to reach these big matches, the coveted finals of the Grand Slams, which are notoriously difficult. He has titles under his belt, just not one of the big ones. This is his best showing at the Australian Open, and he gets the chance to redress the balance against Federer, who beat Murray in the US Open final in 2008. That seems a long time ago now, when Murray was a much rawer talent than what he is now. He is commanding the court more, and showing those flashes of brilliance and creativity which can make good players, great.
He has time on his side, and a loss to Federer won’t be the end of the world for him. It won’t be the end of his season, as it should steel him ahead of the remaining three Grand Slams throughout the year. But let’s not talk of defeat. Murray is in the final because he deserves to be. Because he has the talent to be there. Britain awaits, and Britain expects. Yes he will need to be at his very best and take all the chances that come his way, and there is no reason to believe why he cannot do it. It may need the game of his life, as he puts it, but he has beaten Federer six times before, so therein lies the proof that he can achieve.
Australian Open Men’s Final
Roger Federer to win: 8/13 at BetFred
Andy Murray to win: 27/17 at Bwin
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