Andy Murray Ends Britain’s Long Wait

I was supporting Federer to extend his record of Grand Slam title haul in the US Open even his convincing win over Djokovic in the Cincinnati Open finals. He had great start in the tournament until his stunning defeat from the hands of Berdych in the quarterfinals. While on the other hand, I want Murray also to bring home his first ever Grand Slam silverware and end Britain’s long wait. He almost makes it a reality when he reached the Wimbledon Finals against Federer but failed to capitalize his first set win. 

And on a day before the anniversary of September 11 at New York, Andy Murray finally made it through and has removed the monkey on his back by defeating Djokovic in a record 5 sets match. It was even almost halted after Djokovic fought back to take the third and fourth sets in a convincing manner but then it seems that it is Andy’s time to shine once again. I said once again because he was able to duplicate and followed his remarkable win at the same court and the same opponent during the London 2012 Olympics but this time it is more remarkable since it is a Grand Slam title that has eluded him in four occasions. 

I am sure Andy Murray will now become a big name not only in Britain but in international tennis. And I think the idea that big sponsors will be flocking on his way will now become another reality after his wonderful win at the Flushing Meadows. And I think his new coach (Ivan Lendl) had great influence in the way he played in big events like the Grand Slams. Finally, Great Britain has another grand slam winner after a very long wait of 76 years. 

Many believe that Murray will have good outlook in 2013 as the Swiss maestro continue to show signs of aging while Nadal is still bothered by a lingering knee problem which made him back out at the US Open. Then Murray-Djokovic rivalry is looming in the making if this kind of situation will continue.

Image from The Guardian.

It Finally Become a Reality

As I have briefly mentioned in my last post, The Sluggish Start of the Champions, particularly on the side of Real Madrid about the pending move of the Croatian playmaker Luka Modric from Tottenham, has now finally become a reality after an extended lengthy summer negotiations. 

The fan favorite has arrived in Madrid a day after the Los Blancos tasted its first loss of the season. After passing a medical on Monday morning, he then signed a five-year contract reported to be worth 42 million euros though neither Tottenham nor Real Madrid discloses any financial details. And I guess, everyone is now relieved probably more so of Luka himself that the transfer negotiations has finally concluded before the window transfer closes at the end of the week. 

The addition of Luka Modric in the squad of Los Blancos could be a catalyst to get the troubled season of the defending champions Real Madrid back on track. And everyone is excited to see him on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu for his first appearance as The Meringues for the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup. But that would not come in handy as he needs to fight to win his place in Mourinho’s starting XI. He will be wearing the number 19 jersey and hopefully will put Madrid’s poor start of the season behind them.

The Sluggish Start of the Champions

As you have known already that the football season across five big leagues in Europe has started and many football analysts have said that the first few matches are the most difficult one. And I guess that holds so much truth right now because some of the defending champions are having great difficulties in their quest to defend and retain their respective titles at the moment. 

Champions Real Madrid had just lost their second La Liga game to city rivals Getafe and their sluggish start continued. The Los Blancos was held to a 1-1 draw at home in their first match of the season and was followed by a 3-2 defeat from fierce rivals Barca in the Spanish Super Cup first leg. Madrid is now five points behind Barca in the league standings and probably is now focusing on their Super Copa second leg on Wednesday at the Bernabeau. And was probably hoping Luka could finally join them by that time. 

Whereas, the Premier League champions Man City also continued their own destiny of come from behind. In fact, their second match of the season was another come from behind and the only thing that makes it different is that they just have to settle for a 2-2 draw at the Anfield. While their first match last week at home to Southampton was all the same from last season’s last match. Then city rivals ManU was able to salvage a 3-2 victory at the expense of Fulham and a far cry different from their season opening loss at Everton. 

And Ligue 1 champions Montpellier just got their second defeat of the season and remained winless. While runner-up PSG also is still yet to taste a win as they have another goalless draw at home. This is perhaps the sluggish start of the champions.