Nadal v Murray

Match Date: 6th September 2008

After a hard match against Juan Martin Del Potro to reach the semi finals, Murray has proved to his sceptics that he has a ton of talent and there is a Grand Slam in him just waiting to get out.

There were tough moments in that match for both players and realistically Murray had plenty of chances to end the match before he did. However he did eventually prevail and a very relieved Murray said afterwards, "A match like that it makes it feel even better."

Murray has had a great season, getting better and better. His wins have included Doha, Marseille and Cincinnati but now he must face the world number one Rafael Nadal who up until now has looked invincible.

The two players last met at Wimbledon, in the quarter final but Murray was no match for Nadal then, but this is now and it is the US Open, Nadal's form has slipped and Murray has upped a gear so expect this match to be a whole different ball game.

Nadal will certainly face some tough opposition from Murray, his stamina must be in doubt after his hectic season, I dont think it will be a reapeat of the Wimbledon quarter final where Nadal brushed Murray aside with a straight sets victory, there will be no room for unforced errors or nerves this time round.

A hard match to call this one, in the past I would have edged with Nadal but I feel the odds are a little short, Murray has definitely got the talent and with Nadal seemingly a little off form this could be Murray's time to steal.

UPDATE

Rain stopped play during this match with Murray in the driving seat leading 6-2, 7-6 (5), 2-3.

The match is to be concluded on Sunday with the winner meeting Roger Federer in the Final on Monday.

Head to Head Record

Year	Tournament	Round	Surface	Winner	Score
2007	Australian Open	16	Hard	R.NADAL	6-7(3) 6-4 4-6 6-3 6-1
2007	Madrid	16	Hard	R.NADAL	7-6(5) 6-4
2008	Hamburg	16	Clay	R.NADAL	6-3 6-2
2008	Wimbledon	QF	Grass	R.NADAL	6-3 6-2 6-4
2008	Canada	SF	Hard	R.NADAL	7-6(2) 6-3
2008	U.S. Open	SF	Hard	A.MURRAY	2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 4-6
Rafael NADAL (ESP) Leads Andy MURRAY (GBR) : 5 to 1

Review

An evenly matched restart saw Nadal take the initiative only for Murray to snatch it back and go on to win 6-2, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4.

A fantastic performance by Murray but if his semi-final draw was tough, he now meets Federer in the Final.

Can he emerge victorious for his first Grand Slam win?