Andy Murray: 'I expected more from Daniil Medvedev against Novak Djokovic'

The five-time Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray couldn't compete at Melbourne Park in the previous two weeks due to the coronavirus. The Briton didn't want to see any footage from Melbourne during the season's first Major, unfollowing the fellow players on social media and focusing on his Biella campaign. Andy expected a closer title match between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, who had won the previous 20 encounters before the clash against the eight-time winner. Like always in the Australian Open closing stages, Novak delivered his best tennis in the semis and the final.

Andy Murray didn't watch any match from the season's first Major.

The Serb left an injury behind him and toppled Aslan Karatsev and Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to lift his ninth Australian Open trophy and write history books. Djokovic produced a masterclass performance against Medvedev, leaving the Russian with no weapons and unleashing fury from his return to dominate sets two and three in a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory. Novak had the upper hand in the shortest and more extended exchanges, suffering two breaks by the second set's early stages and controlling the pace to march over the top and claim his 18th Major title. 

"I didn't watch any Australian Open match because I wanted to be there myself. It was a struggle; I stopped following all the players I follow on social media and stuff because I didn't want to see any Melbourne action. I expected the final to be closer, to be honest. I also know how good Novak is in Melbourne; he was highly motivated and really played well. Before the match, Medvedev spoke about the pressure on Novak's shoulders. Still, those guys from the top have been dealing with immense pressure for their entire careers, and they know how to overcome it and play at their best when it matters the most. In my opinion, the younger players are not close to them. Dominic Thiem did steal the US Open crown, but if Novak hadn't put a ball through the lineswoman's throat, I think the outcome would be the same," Andy Murray said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3bpc1tq