Andy Murray is someone who can provide an honest evaluation of what it’s like to compete against one of the greatest tennis players in a high-profile match. Murray and Djokovic have faced each other 36 times in professional tennis, with Djokovic emerging as the winner in 25 of those matches. Out of the 19 finals they’ve played, Djokovic has triumphed in 11, while Murray has managed to secure victory in only 8.
A significant portion of their finals meetings have occurred in Grand Slam tournaments, where Murray has only managed to claim victory twice – at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013. As Djokovic stands on the brink of capturing his 100th title, a feat accomplished only by Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, Murray was asked about the challenges of facing Djokovic in a final, considering the overlap in their careers.
“It’s undeniably incredibly tough,” responded the former world No 1. “Especially during the later stages of his career, I believe he has become even stronger. I have played numerous finals against him, and it was exceedingly difficult, even though we grew up together and had extensive experience competing against each other in major tournaments.”
“But with all that he has gone on to achieve in the past five or six years,” Murray continued, “it becomes even more challenging for the younger players who find themselves playing against him in a Masters Series or Grand Slam final. When you’re standing on the opposite side of the net from a player who has won 24 majors and 98 titles, it’s not easy, especially when you have limited experience in those situations. It’s really difficult.”
Murray also acknowledged the immense task faced by up-and-coming players when they go up against the likes of Federer and Nadal at the peak of their careers. The three-time Grand Slam champion emphasized the difference between facing these legends in the early stages of a tournament compared to the later stages.
“I experienced this early on when I played Roger in my first US Open final or when I faced Rafa in the latter stages of events while I was still quite young,” Murray explained. “It’s not the same as playing them in the quarter-finals or semi-finals. And I truly believe that for the younger generation now, when they see Novak on the other side of the net, it becomes incredibly difficult for them to emerge victorious. It’s not just about the tennis aspect, where he is undoubtedly exceptional, but also the mental aspect, because he has done it all, whereas many of the younger players are still trying to establish themselves.”
According to the Source tennis365.com