Continuing his impressive run of form, Sunday saw Novak Djokovic defeat Andy Murray 7-6(3) 4-6 6-0 to win the Miami Open. The Key Biscayne victory, Djokovic’s fifth title at Miami, came after the Serb reigned supreme at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.
Having beaten the Scot in ten straight matches on hard courts, Novak holds an impressive 18-8 overall record against Murray.
Losing to Djokovic seems to be something Murray has grown accustomed to, and after succumbing to the powerful Serbian yet again, Britain’s finest was left to dwell upon further disappointment.
“It is big progress from where I was last year. I am not quite there with Novak yet, but I feel like I am getting a little closer.” said Murray. But is he really getting ‘closer,’ is he ever going to achieve his goal of being a true great?
On Sunday, after failing to secure his third Miami title, Andy Murray held his head in his hands, a sight we are all too familiar with. After the Wimbledon high of 2013, the Briton went on to experience a nightmarish 2014, and the latest Australian Open final was supposed to signal progress for the man seeded third, an event to wipe away the previous horrors.
Although Djokovic won the four hour final 7-6 6-7 6-3 6-0, Murray was lauded for his phenomenal spirit. Unfortunately, folks, spirit doesn’t substitute for silverware, and Pat Cash hit the proverbial nail on the head when he said that Murray needed to “have a hard look in the mirror.”
Ever since Andy started challenging the elite, from mainstream media to the average man on the street, one issue has been raised on a regular basis – For all his ability, Murray does not have a strong enough mentality to be the best.
Possessing a fragile mindset, a questionably emotional disposition, Murray all too often surrenders to mind games. How often have we seen the 27 year old lose his head on-court, throw his racquet in anger, and scream with rage as he struggles to maintain composure?
This ugly feature has really tarnished the Brit’s image. We have seen Cristiano Ronaldo exhibit the same spoilt child characteristics, however, the Portuguese star has the skills to compensate for such erratic behaviour.
How often have we seen Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal react in such a childish manner? These men carry themselves with a sense of pride, they are dignified losers and humble winners, true greats worthy of our respect.
When Murray is tuned in, both physically and mentally, he is a joy to behold. Nevertheless, having to watch a grown man shout at himself when he makes a mistake is absolutely painful. Murray, like Ron Burgundy screaming uncontrollably inside a phone-box, seems to be trapped inside a glass case of emotion.
Staring at his girlfriend, roaring at the crowd, Murray needs to realize that opponents will use these insecurities to plot his downfall, and that’s what Novak did in Miami.
When harnessed correctly, passion is a wonderful thing. Andy has the stamina, but if he wants to be where Djokovic is now, his mental game needs far more work than his physical game..
Right now, unfortunately for Murray, he looks destined to fulfill the bridesmaid role. Unless he works on developing a tougher psychological resistance to unforeseen circumstances, the Brit will always be known as the man who came so close to being the man.
