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.

Serena Williams Survives to Win Her Fifth Wimbledon Title

An elated Serena Williams defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 to win her fifth Wimbeldon title. (Reuters)

Many wondered if Serena Williams would ever play tennis again. Serena endured a rash of injuries over 18 months that left that thought lingering. However, she overcame the injuries and doubts to return to the court. A return to Wilbledon seemed like the perfect remedy for Serena's past aches.

Serena stormed through her competition to reach the final. She seemed like the overwhelming favorite. After all, Serena was a 13-time Grand Slam singles champion. She was set to face Agnieszka Radwanska, a 23-year-old from Poland, in her first major final.

Serena dominated the first set, winning 6-1. Radwanska battled back in the second set. She forced error after error out of Serena. Williams let her nerves and emotions get the better of her, and she lost the set 7-5. In the decisive third set, Radwanska continued her strong play, gaining a 2-1 advantage in the set. But something suddenly changed in Serena's demeanor. It was as if she flipped a switch. Williams hit four consecutive aces. She never looked back from there as she won the set 6-2.

After sealing the win, Serena fell flat along the baseline with her head in her hands. She then ran into the stands and embraced her family. The family members who were there to encourage her as she fought to comeback. Serena and her sister Venus finished the day off perfectly as though won yet another doubles title.

This is Serena's 14th Grand Slam singles title, which is the most of her generation. It is also her fifth Wimbledon title matching Venus' total. In fact, the Williams sisters have won ten of the last thirteen Wimbledon singles titles and five doubles titles. Furthermore, they have combined for a total of 21 majors. The remaining active players have only won a combined 16.

The Williams sisters have truly dominated and transformed women's tennis. But they aren't done yet. Serena made sure to remind us of that today. When all the momentum seemed to be going the way of Ranwanska, Williams reminded us of how amazing she has been all these years. Even though they might be getting older and the bodies might be wearing down, these sisters still now how to dominant the sport. Serena and Venus are still a force to be reckoned with, so you better not forget about it.

Aussie Final was Unmatchable

The Australian Open men's final featured #1 Novak Djokovic and #2 Rafael Nadal. I will break down the action from the epic battle.

Set 1: Nadal 7-5, 80 minutes

In the first set, play went back and forth as both players got into a rhythm. Nadal served well, and Djokovic missed on some returns. The first set lasted only two minutes less than the entire women's final. A little premonition of things to come.

Set 2: Djokovic 6-4, 66 minutes

Nadal rallied by saving three set points in two different games to come within 4-5, but choked on his 40-15 advantage and doubled-faulted to end the set. The momentum began to swing Djokovic's way.

Set 3: Djokovic 6-2, 45 minutes

Djokovic dominated Nadal on his serves in the third set. Nadal tried to play defensively, but Djokovic took advantage. The set was never really in doubt.

Set 4: Nadal 7-6, 88 minutes

Everything seems to be going Djokovic way as he is up 4-3, but Nadal refuses to quit. With the aid of the crowd and a ten-minute rain delay, Nadal battles back. After he wins the set, he falls to his knees in triumph, but this match isn't over yet.

Set 5: Djokovic 7-5, 74 minutes

Djokovic's body seemed to be breaking down throughout the set, but a crucial backhand miss by Nadal breathed new life into him. Despite the exhaustion both must have been experiencing, the two go on a 32-shot rally. Nadal wins the battle, and Djokovic collapses on the court. However, Djokovic rises to his feet and appears to have one more push left in him. Nadal returns one into the net to make it 6-5 Djokovic. From there, Djokovic takes care of business and buries the winner.

This match, lasting a total of 5 hours and 53 minutes, might be one of the greatest of all-time. The win gave Djokovic his fourth Grand Slam win in the last five. The loss dealt Nadal his third consecutive major final defeat. This is the type of match the sport of tennis needs. If you didn't get to watch it, I would encourage you to watch a replay or at least the highlights. This was a battle for the ages. It was won by the best player in the sport right now, Novak Djokovic.

Aussie Your Way Down Under

The Australian Open is about to get under way, and I have your men's and women's previews right here.

Men

Novak Djokovic is the #1 seed in the tournament, but that should come as no surprise. The world's #1 ranked player is coming off an incredible 2011 where he won three out of four majors. Djokovic wore down at the end of last year, but claims he is healthy and ready to go, which makes him the oddsmakers' favorite. Two former number ones, #2 seed Rafael Nadal and #3 seed Roger Federer, want a shot at him, but first they need to put aside their own off-court spat. #4 seed Andy Murray has finished as the runner up the past two years. Some sleepers to keep an eye on would be Argentinian Juan Martin del Porto and Frenchman Richard Gasquet. In my opinion, it is Djokovic's tournament to lose. Personally, I think it gets the job done once again.

Women

The women's field is much more wide open. Caroline Wozniacki got the #1 seed ahead of Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova, who is seeded 2nd. It comes as a bit of a surprise as Wozniacki is still looking for her first major title. Belarusian Victoria Azarenka is the #3 seed and crowd favorite Maria Sharapova is #4. The last two Australian Open champions, Kim Clijsters (hip) and Serena Williams (ankle), were both injured last week in the Brisbane International. They are seeded #12 and #13 respectively. Williams is always among the favorites in this tournament, but it remains to be seen how healthy she is. Some sleepers to keep an eye on would be Estonian Kaia Kanepi and Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Kanepi is coming off a win at the Brisbane International. I'm picking Petra Kvitova to win. She is quickly closing in on Wozniacki's world #1 ranking and already has one major win to her name. I think she will make a statement by winning a second.