Andy Murray Outlasts Novak Djokovic to Win U.S. Open

Andy Murray outlasted Novak Djokovic to win the U.S. Open final and his first Grand Slam title. (Robert Sabo)

When Andy Murray won Olympic gold for the host nation, a sense of relief alleviated the pressures of not winning "the big one." However, he had still never won a Grand Slam. After defeating Tomas Berdych in the U.S. Open semifinal, Murray earned a spot in his fifth Grand Slam final. His opponent was reigning U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic.

History was not on Murray's side. No British man had won the U.S. Open since Fred Perry did 76 years ago in 1936. That didn't phase Murray though because he had to overcome his own personal drought if he was going to make history. His task wouldn't be easy against the always tough Djokovic.

The final between Murray and Djokovic quickly turned into a battle of will as much as skill. Their first-set tiebreaker lasted 22 points, setting a tournament record. As if that weren't enough, the duo also battled out points that last 10, 20, 30, and even 55 strokes. Murray took the first two sets of the match, 7-6, 7-5, to take a commanding lead.

Djovokic wouldn't go down easily though. He came back with sets of 6-2 and 6-3 to force the decisive fifth set. Despite the fact that Djokovic had won eight consecutive five-set matches, he was the one that looked to tire first in the final set. Murray was on the verge of victory when he broke Djokovic's serve to lead 5-2.

When Djokovic's return of the match point went long, Murray crouched and covered his mouth with both hands. He took off his shoes and painfully walked to center court. Djokovic met him and congratulated him on his effort with an embrace. Murray had outlasted Djokovic in an epic battle that lasted 4 hours and 54 minutes, tying the record for the longest Open final. The Grand Slam title is not only significant for Murray, but for British tennis as a whole. The nation prides itself on the sport. Now, they might finally have a man who can be one of the best in the world once again.

Andy Murray Wins Olympic Gold at Elusive Wimbledon

Andy Murray finally won a big match when he defeated Roger Federer in three sets to win the gold medal. (Clive Brunskill)

Just one month ago, Andy Murray took the first set against Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final. Murray looked primed to make history, but that wasn't his day as he lost the next three sets. Once again, Centre Court at Wimbledon failed to see to a Briton win the champion honors for the first time since 1936. It was an all too familiar feeling for Murray, who fell to 0-4 in Grand Slam finals. Many wondered whether or not he had what it takes to win the "big one."

Pressure was quickly mounted upon Murray once again as he carried the hope of the host nation winning a medal on the tennis court. The Britons were hopeful, but many were cautiously pessimistic because of his past shortcomings. The only way those shortcomings could come to an end is by beating the best in the world on the biggest of stages. The Olympics gave Murray that opportunity once again. In the semifinals, he beat world #1 Novak Djokovic to advance to the gold medal match. His opponent was set to be a familiar opponent, Federer.

Murray shocked everyone by coming out and taking a stronghold on the match. Murray's confidence grew, as Federer's game suffered. Federer's struggles included losing nine straight games and committing 31 unforced errors. Meanwhile, Murray was propelled by the home crowd to play at his best. By the time Federer looked to recover in the third set, it was too little, too late. Murray went on to win convincingly 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.

Even though Federer was clearly hampered by something, the breakthrough of Andy Murray is the story here. Long heralded as the one who couldn't get over the top, he finally pieced it all together when it mattered most. With his countrymen cheering him on, he was able to capture Olympic gold. His improved forehand may have been just one of the decisive factors. Now, Murray must look to keep this momentum and confidence going. The last Grand Slam tournament of the season is the U.S. Open. It will be interesting to see how he allows it to affect him.