Some thoughts from an elated Murray fan today:
- I'd mark that down as probably the 4th biggest win of Murray's career (the other three are obvious). He took on the defending RG champion, who he'd never beaten on clay, who he'd lost three straight matches to, played a superb match tactically and mentally, and broke his game down. He survived a big setback at the end of the third and came out firing at the start of the 4th. As a result he becomes the 10th man in the Open Era to reach all 4 Slam finals and beats the best challenger to the "Big 4" at his best event. I don't think I've ever seen Murray hit his forehand as well on clay as he did today. Mats Wilander said he was 'shocked' at his level.
- Despite an absolute mess of a tournament, both the men's and women's draws have the favourites from both halves in the final (I don't actually know if Muguruza was the favourite over Halep, but it would've been very close). The last 5 men's slams have been Djokovic/Federer or Djokovic/Murray. Hasn't happened too often on the women's side lately.
- Thiem, for all the hype, and all the evident potential, was easily seen off by Djokovic. Couldn't help but notice there were two of the best all-out power players, on their best surfaces, taking on the #1 and #2, great defenders, on their worst (arguable in Djokovic's case, but Thiem would surely rather face him on clay than grass), and the #1 and #2 came through, forcing and baiting mistakes.
- Serena was poor again, against a spirited Bertens carrying a calf injury, but she got the job done as usual. She'll need to raise her level tomorrow if she's to win her 22nd Slam...
Going to watch the mixed final. Hingis/Paes v Mirza/Dodig.