More tennis unpredictability

Normality in the tennis world is yet to return - in Dubai Djokovic lost the first set to Lopez, serve broken twice, before retiring with an eye infection. A run of 17 tournaments making the final is now dashed.

In Doha the 41 match winning streak of doubles dynamos Hingis and Mirza ended.  In singles at the same tournament, Garbine Muguruza failed to clear her quarter final hurdle and so there will be at least one unseeded finalist in Doha.

Nick Kyrgios defeated Tomas Berdych for the second week in a row and also in Dubai unseeded Marcos Baghdatis dumped the 4th seed Roberto Bautista Agut, leaving Stan Wawrinka as the sole seed left in the semis.

I am ready to give up predicting anything anymore !

Later... 

All the slaps on the back that Nick Kyrgios received after his Marseille breakthrough must have been a little too much as he was forced to retire with a broken back (maybe a little less serious) from his semi final match with Stan Wawrinka in Dubai. Hopefully it will be a short recovery and he will be able to fulfil his Davis Cup duties.  

There was some good to come out of the match - down 1-4 and two breaks in the first set, Nick fought back to 4-4 before the injury took its toll and he relented 4-6 0-3.  Wawrinka faces a rejuvenated Marcos Baghdatis in the final following his victory over Lopez.

Better news on the Tomic front as Bernie recovered from a poor opening set against Alexandr Dolgopolov in an Acapulco semi to eventually dominate 1-6 6-4 6-3.  Maybe it will be two titles in as many weeks for Australia ?

Meanwhile Aga Radwanska's consistent form came to an abrupt conclusion thanks to Carla Suarez Navarro in Doha with the Spanish number two handing her a thrashing 6-2 6-0.  The final will see Carla facing 18 year old Latvian surprise packet Jelena Ostapenko who won the first set against Andrea Petkovic before the German retired, a reason for match conclusions far too common at the moment.

Jelena is one to watch - her wins in Doha in addition to Petkovic include Kvitova, Kuznetsova (both dual GS winners) and Zheng (who had knocked out Kerber).

WTA - everyone's a winner !

What is happening on the WTA Tour ? Results are all over the place.  Consistency is not being allowed.  

The St Petersburg winner Roberta Vinci and runner up Belinda Bencic were both first round losers in the next tournament in Dubai.

Dubai winner Sara Errani and runner up Barbora Strycova did marginally better in their next event currently occurring in Doha, but said their goodbyes in the second round there.

Just to add to the mess Aus Open champ Angie Kerber, playing her first tour match since her Serena success, lost in Doha to Elena Vesnina, Elina's first win over a top ten player since 2013.

Simona Halep is also having a disastrous start to 2016, gone again in the opening match, repeating her Melbourne effort.

At least Garbine Muguruza and Petra Kvitova won, so a few top ten players may feature in the Doha finale with an ounce of luck.

Not sure what to make of 2016 for the girls, but it is surely unpredictable and giving a number of players chances previously unlikely. The stability of Serena, Vika and Maria appears to be missing just for the moment and things may settle with their return.

Kyrgios wins first ATP title

Well Nick Kyrgios broke through in Marseille to win his maiden ATP title disposing of world number 12 and 2014 US Open Champ Marin Cilic 6-2 7-6. 

 A high quality serving match saw Kyrgios just too strong in all departments, serving 16 aces and hitting 36 winners, many simply breathtaking, with just 12 unforced errors.  He faced just one break point, while piling on pressure whenever Cilic was at the line.  This was especially so at the start of the match with the first two Croatian service games. where a multitude of break points were created by the smart returning and damaging groundstrokes of the Australian.  To Cilic's credit he saved all of them to hold his opening serve, and appeared headed that way again in the third (Kyrgios had levelled with a love game in a matter of seconds! but the ninth break point was decisive and with its conversion by Nick the set was basically over.

Another break of serve at 2-4 gave the Aussie the opportunity to serve with insurance for the set and he had no difficulty sealing  it.  Throughout he showed a maturity and sporting approach far different from some of his 2015 lowlights.  Always free to congratulate Cilic on a great shot, this was refreshing to experience.

The debut victory wasn't just some minor tournament with none of the big names present. 

This required Nick to dismiss the 2, 3 and 4 seeds to claim the trophy.  Each of those was either a current or previous top ten player, and no one should be foolish to deny the likelihood of Kyrgios ending up in that elite company sooner rather than later.  

This week will move him from 41 back to the low 30s.  Watch out USA in the upcoming Davis Cup tie.  Australia is ready to fire.  Yes Tomic will need to lift himself from a curious lapse in form but hard to see Kyrgios dropping a singles rubber at Kooyong given his appetite at the moment.

Djokovic 6 Aus Opens

For the fourth time in six years Novak Djokovic was to meet Andy Murray in the final of the Australian Open.  Andy was hoping desperately for a debut triumph at the event and his first major title since 2013 Wimbledon.  Novak was wanting a sixth Aus Open which would make it 11 majors and three in succession after his 2015 Wimbledon and US Open successes.

Andy struggled to reach the final after Raonic appeared to have his measure in the semi final before succumbing to injury, while Novak whipped Federer for two sets before finishing him off in four.

However what was done is history, and the final of 2016 would create its own excitement.  Djokovic should win, his game similar to Murray's, but better where it counts. The ease of victory not as clear as many would have you believe though,  and this could well go the full distance.

Djokovic won the toss and served first. Murray returned the second serve long and 15-0. Forehand winner and 30-0. Netted error and forehand error from Djokovic and 30-30.  Backhand netted by Djokovic and break point.  Awesome backhand crosscourt winner from Djokovic saved the break point. Both players hit long and still deuce.  Djokovic held ultimately for 1-0.

0-15 after Murray netted.  Djokovic long for 15-15.  Great return forced error and 15-30.  Netted Murray forehand and two break points.  Double fault and the break, 2-0 Djokovic.  Drop shot special from Djokovic and 15-0.  Forehand return netted and 30-0.  Off forehand winner and 40-0. Game for Djokovic and 3-0.  

Djokovic forehand long and Murray 15-0. Murray forehand into the Dandenongs and 15-15.  Murray netting a groundstroke and then another and two break points.  A long forehand and a second break, Djokovic ahead 4-0.  Murray backhand long, forehand wide 30-0 Djokovic. Ace for 40-0.  Backhand wide by Djokovic and 40-15.  Backhand winner behind Murray for the game and 5-0.

Surprisingly meek performance from Murray so far.  A quick reversal of form needed.

Error from Murray and 0-15.  Big serve and 15-15.  Murray forehand wide 15-30.  Ace for 30-30.  Forehand crosscourt winner from Murray and game point. Murray on the board and 5-1 Djokovic. Backhand down the line winner from Djokovic and 15-0.  Murray forehand winner and 15-15.  Murray forehand wide and 30-15.  Backhand long from Djokovic and 30-30.  Murray better now.  Djokovic forehand winner and set point.  Murray backhand return winner and deuce.  Murray backhand wide and a second set point.  Forehand from Serbia in the net and deuce.  Off forehand winner from the same nation and third set point.  Return into the net and the first set won by Djokovic 6-1.

Murray served first in the second set and led 15-0.  30-0 with Djokovic backhand wide.  Djokovic forehand volley winner and 30-15.  Murray backhand netted and 30-30.  Return wide and game point. Game to Murray and the lead 1-0.  Murray wide and 15-0 Djokovic. Volley put away by Djokovic and 30-0.  40-0 with Murray meeting the net.  Long by Djokovic and 40-15.  Serve held and 1-1.

Double fault and Murray down 0-15.  30-15 with a Djokovic netted backhand.  30-30 with Murray doing likewise.  Ace for game point.  Murray forced into error by Djokovic forehand and deuce.  Lucky net cord for Murray and game point once more.  Deuce with another Murray date with the net.  Awesome backhand from the Eastern Suburbs by Djokovic for break point. Saved by big Murray serve.  Another break point.  Bad shot by Djokovic and saved.  Third chance. Overhead by Murray and deuce. Fourth try. Ace to save that one.  Game point. Ace for service hold and Murray led 2-1.

Backhand wide by Djokovic and 0-15.  Murray return error and 15-15. Ace and 30-15.  Return long and 40-15.  Quick game for 2-2.  Serve backhand combo for 15-0 Murray. Backhand long by Djokovic and 30-0. Backhand netted for 30-15.  Ace for 40-15.  Forehand crosscourt winner by Murray for 3-2.

15-0 with Murray netting a forehand.  Return forced an error and 15-15.  Forehand netted by Djokovic and 15-30.  Murray well wide and 30-30.  Game point with Murray netting.  Dieuce.  Game point luckily after Murray missed a volley.  Deuce with a wild Djokovic backhand.  Murray long and another chance for Djokovic to level.  Finally a Serbian backhand forced the error and games were 3-3.

Double fault for Murray and 0-15.  Ace and 15-15. Murray to 30-15 with forehand winner.  30-30 Murray finding the net. Backhand in the net by Murray and break point.  Murray hit long and there was the break.  4-3 Djokovic. Ace for 15-0 Djokovic.  15-15 with the net halting Djokovic's progress.  Murray winner and 15-30.  Murray error and 30-30.  Break point with Djokovic netting a forehand.  Backhand winner from Murray for break back and 4-4.

30-15 Murray. 30-30 with Murray long.  Forehand return forced Murray error and break point.  Deuce with service winner.  A point each and deuce again.  Ace for game point.  Deuce once more.  Forehand long by Murray and break point.  Backhand forced error from Djokovic and deuce.  Backhand winner from Murray and game point.  Serve held and 5-4 Murray.

0-15 Djokovic. 15-15 with Djokovic forehand smash winner.  15-30 Djokovic in the net.  30-30 Murray in the net.  40-30 again Murray netting.  Serve held 5-5.  Backhand Murray winner 15-0.  Forehand Murray winner 30-0.  Backhand long from Djokovic 40-0. Forehand wide from Murray 40-15.  Forehand winner from Djokovic 40-30.  Murray backhand wide and deuce.  Backhand winner from Djokovic and break point.  Murray backhand long and the break, Djokovic leading 6-5.

Djokovic serving for the set.  15-0, Murray in the net.  15-15, Djokovic long.  30-15 Murray long.  Double fault and 30-30.  Double fault and break point.  Saved with Murray netting a backhand.  Set point with a long Murray backhand.  Set to Djokovic with yet another Murray visit to the net 7-5.

Two sets to love to Djokovic, although for much of the second he looked to be matched by Murray especially in extended rallies.  However, chances when available are taken by champions and usually at the right time and that is what happened with Djokovic.

Murray served first in the third set and was immediately in trouble at 15-30.  An overhead into the net by him gave Djokovic two break points.  One saved with a wayward Serbian backhand.  A sparkling Djokovic running backhand winner down the line sealed the break and he led 1-0.

A Murray shot long and Djokovic was at 15-0.  A stunning backhand forced an error and it was 30-0.  A seriously good lob and 40-0.  A love game and 2-0.  

Murray 15-0 with forehand. 15-15 with Djokovic forcing an error with his backhand.  15-30 with Murray in the net.  Big serve forcing long return and 30-30.  Game point after Djokovic met the net with his forehand.  Serve held and 2-1 Djokovic.

0-15 Djokovic 15-15 after a forehand crosscourt winner from Djokovic. Forehand Serbian smash winner and 30-15.  Djokovic long and 30-30.  Break back point after Djokovic hit the net.  Saved with a wild Murray forehand miss.  Service winner and game point. Serve held for 3-1 Djokovic. 

15-0 Murray 15-15 with Murray pushing a backhand wide.  Djokovic forehand wide and 30-15.  Forehand clean winner from Djokovic and 30-30.  Backhand netted by Djokovic and game point.  Serve held and 3-2 Djokovic.

Murray volley winner and 0-15 Djokovic. 15-15 with Murray backhand pushed wide.  Murray backhand long and 30-15.  30-30 following Djokovic in the net.  Break point with Djokovic forced into error.  Serve forehand combo to the rescue.  Overhead winner from Murray and break point.  Djokovic long and break back 3-3.

Murray 15-0.  15-15 with Murray finding net.  30-15 Djokovic long.  Forehand winner by Murray 40-15 

Game over and 4-3 Murray.  Pressure back on Djokovic.  15-0 with Murray error.  A Murray volley winner and 15-15.  The net found a Murray forehand and 30-15.  Double fault and 30-30. Better serves and game won for 4-4.

Magic Djokovic backhand caused error and 0-15 on Murray serve. Forehand volley winner from Murray and 15-15.  30-15 with strong serve down middle.  Serve well held and 5-4 Murray.  15-0 Djokovic with Murray encountering the net again. 30-0 with forehand smash winner.  40-15 with Murray forehand long. Games were 5-5 with serve held.

Murray 15-0 on serve. 15-15 Murray netting a forehand. Backhand winner from Murray and 30-15. Service winner for 40-15.  Another for 6-5 Murray.  Djokovic 15-0 with an off forehand winner. Another forehand winner and 30-0.  Ace for 40-0.  Forehand wide and 40-15.  Murray backhand volley winner and 40-30.  Serve held and 6-6 tie break.

Murray double fault and 0-1.  Djokovic ace and 2-0.  Murray netted and 3-0 Djokovic.  Backhand winner from Murray 1-3.  Double fault Murray 1-4 Big serve Djokovic 5-1. End change.  Murray backhand wide 6-1 Djokovic.  Five match points.  Ace by Murray 2-6.  Backhand long by Djokovic 6-3.  

Ace for the match.

Novak Djokovic was just too good for a much more competitive Andy Murray after set one, and he won the match in straight sets:

6-1 7-5 7-6 (3)

6 Aus Opens and 11 Majors as the roll continues for the best player in the world.

Angie Kerber stuns Serena for AusOpen16

On paper the 2016 Aus Ooen women's singles final appeared a mismatch, as most clashes featuring Serena Williams do.  However first time GS singles tournament finalist Angie Kerber had performed especially well and her effort against two time winner Vika Azarenka must have given her a confidence with which to enter the final, rather than the normal trepidation associated with a Serena meeting.

Serena and GS success is amazing, but less surprising as time goes by.  The 2015 US Open was a blip in proceedings, and a warning to all other players on tour.  Not gonna happen again !  

Players that lose to Serena in finals at grand slam level tend to not come back again for another crack at the great one.  Since and including the 2008 US Open she has won 13 GS titles and of those, there have been 11 defeated opponents.  Only Sharapova and Azarenka have lost twice to her in finals in that period.  Incredible statistic.  And Angie could be number 12.  I can't see any logical reason why Serena will lose, other than a complete reversal of her form or an injury.  Anything Kerber has in the way of weapons is more than covered by the power and pace of Williams.  Her first set exhibition against an in form Radwanska in the semis was clear evidence of that.

Serena served first and immediately had a love game with first serves the key, attacking from the start.

Angie served and won the first point with a Serena return long. The next point saw Serena forcing an error and 15-15.  Double fault and 15-30.  Serena sprayed her backhand and 30-30. An ace gave Angie game point and she proceeded to hold serve for 1-1.

Serena missed a forehand wide but a sizzling backhand winner and 15-15.  An awesome backhand crosscourt winner from Angie and 15-30. Serena netted a backhand and the first break points were Angie's.  A long backhand from the champ donated the service break and Angie led 2-1 in a surprise beginning to the final.

Serena hit a volley long and Angie led 15-0.  A forehand crosscourt drew an error and 15-15.  A poor forehand was way long from Serena and 30-15, and the next one found the net.  Angie led 40-30 after a stunning Serena return winner. Game to Angie with an overhead winner. 3-1 the lead.  Serena was forced into error thanks to a backhand from Angie. 0-30 with a wide Serena forehand.  Finally a backhand winner and 15-30.  Another backhand winner and it seemed the facsimile had been replaced with the real thing just arriving at the court from her hotel.  Deuce following a forehand Serena mistake.  Drop shot perfection and game point.  Big serve and the top seed trailed 2-3.

Could the actual Serena break back after her late appearance had cost her dearly in the first few games ?  0-15 Forehand wide from Angie.  Backhand winner from Germany and 15-15. Serena forehand wide and 30-15.  A typical Serena forehand winner behind Angie and 30-30.  Game point following a netted shot from Serena.  Backhand return too much and deuce.  Serena attacking throughput the rally and eventually Angie hit long.  Serena converted the break point with a brutal forehand return winner.  3-3.

Forehand into the net by Angie and Serena had 15-0.  Double fault for 15-15.  Fine forehand deep from Angie forced an error and 15-30.  Great rally and forehand netted by Angie. 30-30. Break point after a wild backhand went into the MCG.  An even wilder volley and Serena was broken again giving Angie a 4-3 advantage.  Serena needed a spark.  A poor backhand netted by her wasn't it.  Maybe the slashing backhand return winner was. The forehand error was typical of tonight's performance so far and another one gave Angie 40-15.  A terrible backhand by a messy top seed and Angie was ahead 5-3.

Serena hit another forehand way long and had 0-15.  A forehand winner down the line winner 15-15.  A backhand winner for 30-15.  Serena was noisy now.  A return long and game points.  40-30 as Serena hit long again.  Serve held and Angie led 5-4 to serve for the set.  Certainly not in the script.

15-0 after another unforced Serena error.  Finding the net again twice Serena was facing three set points.  The set was Angie Kerber's 6-4 and thoughts were flooding back to Serena's last loss in a final.  That was in 2011 to Sam Stosur and Angie is a higher credentialed opponent so Serena's task to fight back would be very tough.

Serena served first in set two and had 15-15.  A drive volley and 30-15.  Angie hit long and 40-15.  A forehand winner and Serena led 1-0.  A forehand crosscourt winner from Serena and 0-15.  Big service winner and 15-15.  Serena done at the net and 30-15.  Volley put away by Serena and 30-30.  Ace for game point.  Serve held and 1-1.  Return long and Serena 15-0.  Forehand smash winner 30-0. Backhand winner by Angie 30-15. Serena sent one long 30-30.  Forehand winner by Serena and game point.  Backhand winner and serve held.  2-1 Serena.

Angie serving and double fault 0-15.  Forehand netted by Angie 0-30.  Double fault and three break points.  One saved with forehand winner.  Serena netted a backhand.  Angie hit a backhand long and the break arrived.  3-1 Serena.  A wonderful forehand pass by Angie and 0-15.  A Serena forehand long and 0-30.  Serena forced the error with a solid backhand and an ace gave her 30-30.  Good serving allowed the service hold and a 4-1 lead for the top seed.

A backhand long and 0-15 for Angie.  A forehand forced the Serena error and 15-15.  Ace for 30-15.  Stunning backhand down the line winner from Serena for 30-30.  Serena netted for game point.  Serve held and 4-2 Serena.  Angie netted a forehand and Serena had 15-0. Nice forehand in the corner for 30-0. Ace for 40-0.  Double fault and 40-15.  Backhand long by Serena and 40-30.  Excellent volley and Serena led 5-2.

0-30 for Angie after an attacking rally from Serena finally forced the error.  Netted backhand from Serena and 15-30.  Netted return and then an ace 40-30.  A forehand winner from Angie and 3-5. Serena serving for the set.

15-0 with a forehand winner by the top seed. Double fault and 15-15.  Ace and 30-15.  Return well long and two set points.  Netted forehand from Angie and the set was won.

Serena Williams tied things taking set two 6-3 but Angie would be serving first in the decider.

Angie hit a winner and led 15-0. Service winner for 40-0.  Forehand sizzler from Serena for 40-15.  Forehand down the line winner for the game and 1-0 Angie.  Forehand long and Serena was down 0-15.  Backhand trouble for Serena at the net and 0-30. A forehand winner by Angie for three break points.  Applauded by Serena.  Another forehand down the line and the break was hers.  2-0 Angie.  Angie 0-15 after a netted shot.  0-30 after Angie found the net again.  Ace for 15-30.  Two break points after Serena's return forced error.  One saved.  Another awesome return and the break back straight away.  2-1 Angie.

Forehand crosscourt winner by Angie just brilliant and 0-15.  Backhand winner from Serena and 15-15. Wonderful forehand winner from Serena for 30-15.  Tennis great and Serena's backhand winner and big ace sealing the game for 2-2.  Angie 15-0 with Serena into the net.  30-0 after the same result. Forehand magic from the top seed and 30-15.  Crosscourt forehand winner from Serena and 30-30.  Backhand out from Serena and game point. Serve held and 3-2 Angie.

Ground stroke wide from Serena and 0-15.  Forehand winner behind Angie and 15-15.  Serena cleaned up at the net again 15-30.  Danger time as Serena finds the net with forehand.  Two break points.  Great rally and Serena won the point with a forehand volley put away.  One break point saved. Ace and deuce.  Break point again with Angie's forehand winner.  Deuce with a Serena backhand gem.  Ace for game point.  Drop shot winner by Angie and deuce.  Double fault and break point #5.  Saved with a netted. Angie shot.  Game point with another netted shot from the 7th seed.  Deuce once more with a repeat drop shot winner from Angie.  Double fault and break point chance yet again.  Serena hit long and the break came.  Angie led 4-2 with serve to come.

15-0 with Serena forehand long.  Another one long and 30-0.  Ace and 40-0.  Game and 5-2 Angie.  Serena needing to hold to stay in the match.  Double fault and 0-15 Serena.  Backhand beautiful from Serena and 15-15.  Forehand volley winner and 30-15.  Netted backhand by Serena and 30-30.  Ace for 40-30.  Game to Serena and 5-3 Angie.

Serving for the title.  0-15 after Angie's forehand went long.  Forehand wide and 0-30.  Serena's backhand went long and 15-30.  Serena hit a magic crosscourt forehand winner for 15-40 and two break points. One saved by a Serena netted backhand.  Forehand long and the break back for a 5-4 lead to Angie.  A lifeline for Serena. 0-15 with a backhand into the net.  0-30 with the net the enemy again.  Ace for 15-30.  Awesome backhand crosscourt winner from Serena for 30-30.  Serena with a backhand winner for game point. Great return forced the error and deuce.  Netted forehand from Serena and match point.  Serena hit long and the upset was complete.

Angelique Kerber defeated Serena Williams 6-4 3-6 6-4 to win the 2016 Australian Open Women's Singles title, her first Grand Slam title in her first major final.  Serena lost only her fifth major final from twenty six appearances and this was her first defeat in a Melbourne Park final.

Kerber was a revelation the way she took it to the world number one and to have Serena challenged in that way was great for women's tennis.

Murray in five over Raonic

Second seed Andy Murray had played well all tournament to reach this semi final and Milos Raonic had been the breath of fresh air that men's tennis needs, beating Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round en route to tonight's clash with Murray.  The winner would be decided largely on which weapon prevailed - the huge Raonic serve or the renowned Murray return.  I believe that Raonic had done enough to upset Murray and present something different for Djokovic to face in The final.

Murray served first.  Raonic drew first blood with a forehand crosscourt winner and then a forehand volley winner. 0-30.  Double fault and three break points.  Backhand winner and break straight away for the 13th seed.  1-0 Raonic.  Forehand wide by Raonic 0-15.  Another even wider 0-30.  Missed all three first serves and the off forehand was wide.  Three break points.  The first saved with big serve.  The second saved with a forehand winner.  Deuce with another big serve.  Forehand winner and game point.  Serve volley winner and Raonic led 2-0.

Backhand wide from Raonic and Murray had 30-0.  An ace and 40-15.  A netted return and Murray was on the board but behind 1-2.  Raonic smashed an attempted lob for 15-0. A backhand volley for 30-0.  A backhand forced a Murray error and 40-0.  A netted forehand from Raonic 40-15.  Ace sealed the game and Raonic led 3-1.

Raonic backhand  hit the net 15-0.  Murray ace for 30-0. 40-0 with another netted backhand from Raonic. Sensational running backhand winner down the line from Murray and he trailed 2-3.  Forehand winner from Raonic and he led 15-0.   Big serve and 30-0.  Another and the return way out 40-0.  Game easily to Raonic 4-2.

Backhand long from Raonic and Murray had 15-0 Murray hit a backhand long as well and 15-15.  Netted forehand from Raonic 30-15.  Forehand forcing Murray error 30-30.  And again for break point. Great forehand winner from Murray and deuce.  Fine serving from Murray to dig himself out of deeper trouble and be 3-4 but still down a break.

Ace from Raonic for 15-0. Forehand wide and 15-15.  Body serve and 30-15. Forehand netted by Raonic 30-30.  Return long by Murray 40-30.  Serve volley success and 5-3 Raonic.  Murray served to stay in the set and was 30-0.  A forehand pushed wide and 30-15.  A drop shot surprised Raonic and gave Murray game points.  He held, Raonic led 5-4 and would serve for the first set.

Ace for 15-0.  An attempted drop shot by Murray failed and 30-0.  Double fault and 30-15.  Huge serve to the body produced a long return and two set points, one saved with an errant backhand from the Canadian.  An ace clinched the first set for Raonic 6-4.

Murray pushed a forehand wide and lost the first point on his serve before Raonic netted a backhand.  15-15 in the opening of set two. An ace for 40-15 and serve held well, Murray leading 1-0.  Raonic was 15-0 after a big serve.  An ace for 30-0. Backhand netted and 30-15.  Repeat for 30-30. Great return and Raonic's forehand went wide for break point.  A forehand winner from Canada saved it. A superb Raonic backhand volley won a great rally and he survived for 1-1.  

Murray backhand winner and 15-0.  A drop shot from Scotland was reached by Raonic and he hit a winner for 30-15.  Murray held serve and led 2-1.  A Murray netted backhand and 15-15 on Raonic's serve.  Ace for 30-15.  Service winner and 40-15.  Smart volleying and serve held for 2-2.  

Murray served and a double fault didn't help 0-15.  A Raonic backhand was wide and 15-15.  A beautiful backhand winner down the line by the second seed gave him 30-15. Another Murray backhand was pushed wide for 40-30 but he held for 3-2. Forehand volley by Raonic for 15-0.  Volley error and 15-15.  Forehand winner behind huge serve and 30-15.  Murray did well to pressure Raonic into error and 30-30. Another poor backhand wide from Raonic and break point.  Saved with Murray finding the net.  Fine overhead winner by Raonic and game point. Double fault and deuce.  Murray hit a forehand long and then a great volley from Raonic sealed the game and 3-3.

Two big serves from Murray and he led 30-0.  He held to love and moved ahead 4-3.  Return by Murray netted and 15-0.  Another shot long for 30-0.  A top lob winner from Murray and 30-15.  Raonic levelled easily 4-4.

A great forehand crosscourt from Raonic drew the error and 0-15 on the Murray serve.  A backhand from Murray went wide and 15-30.  A fine forehand crosscourt winner by Murray and 30-30. Poor backhand into the net by Raonic and game point. Murray held and led 5-4.  Raonic messed up a half volley and it was 15-15.  A wide backhand from Raonic and at 15-30 he was under pressure.  A calm volley winner and 30-30.  An outstanding rally concluded by an off forehand of the highest quality from Raonic and it was game point.  Saved with a Canadian forehand mistake.  A super backhand volley winner and another game point to Raonic.  Serve held for 5-5.

Wonderful tennis at the net and Murray won out to lead 15-0.  40-0 with a Raonic backhand miss.  Love game and Murray led 6-5, a tie break likely.  A forehand winner and Raonic led 15-0.  A brutal forehand and Murray couldn't control his shot 30-15.  Double fault and 30-30.  A Murray forehand rifled crosscourt gave him set point.  A quality return pressed Raonic into finding the net after a serve volley attempt, and out of nowhere the set was Murray's 7-5.  One set apiece.

Murray with the momentum served first and a backhand volley winner gave him 40-0.  The love game put him in the early lead 1-0.  Murray found the net and Raonic had 15-0. An ace and 40-0.  Another love game and 1-1.  Murray was now serving well and hardly having any trouble holding at all.  He led 2-1 with the third love game in succession. 

30-0 after a strong Raonic forehand. Serve held and four games without a point against serve.  2-2.   Yet again no way a point was looking like being won by receiver and Murray was ahead 3-2.  Twenty points in a row with the serve.

Raonic 15-15.  Forehand put away by Raonic and 30-15.  Ace and 40-15.  Another ace and 3-3.  Murray lost the first point on his serve.  Raonic hit a poor return and it was 15-15.  Ace from Murray 30-15.  A second overhead required by Raonic and 30-30. Forehand uncontrolled return and game point. Murray ahead 4-3.

Ace from Raonic 30-0.  Forehand winner 40-0.  Love game and 4-4.  Terrific point from Raonic and Murray trailed on serve 0-15.  0-30 after Murray netted.  Serve helped draw an error and 15-30.  A forehand was angled nicely by Murray and he had 30-30. A netted backhand by Raonic let Murray off the hook.  A reflex volley for the game and Murray led 5-4.

Raonic raced through his service game to level at 5-5.  A forehand crosscourt by Raonic forced a Murray error and 0-15. A netted forehand by Murray and 0-30.  A second serve ace incredibly and 15-30. A wicked drop shot and 30-30.  A great serve and 40-30.  Deuce following another net experience for Murray.  Murray missed badly wide and break point for Raonic. Saved with Raonic's backhand finding the net.  A great Murray forehand crosscourt winner and game point. Serve held and 6-5 Murray.

Double fault and 0-15.  Murray missed wide and 15-15.  A Raonic backhand shocker and 15-30.  Murray forehand out and 30-30.  Game point after a wide Murray backhand. Raonic sealed the game with a backhand winner clubbed down the line. 6-6.

Tie break.  A super return from Raonic and forcing a Murray error 1-0 Raonic with a break.  Volley error and 1-1 back on serve.  Forehand slashing return winner from Raonic and 3-1 with break again.  4-2 Raonic at end change and a serve to come.  5-2 with Raonic overhead on the line.  Ace from Murray 3-5.  Errant return and 5-4 to Raonic with two serves to come.  Netted backhand from Murray and 6-4 with two set points.  An ace delivered the set to Raonic.  7-6 and 7 points to 4 in the tie break

Raonic led two sets to one.

Raonic served first in set four.  30-0. Superb forehand volley and 40-0. Love game and 1-0 Raonic.  Murray served well and he had 40-0.  Serve held and 1-1.  A Murray running backhand pass was not enough to stop the Raonic roll and he led 2-1, the serve rock solid.

A winner from Raonic and Murray down 0-15 but Murray came back strongly to level at 2-2, helped by Canadian unforced errors.  Raonic aced Murray for 30-0.  Perfectly played point finished with a forehand volley and 40-0.  Murray charged the net and forced an error 40-30.  Raonic still held for 3-2.

Murray hit one of the shots of the night with a backhand pass from way out of court for 30-0.  40-0 following one off the frame from Raonic.  Serve held and 3-3.  Deep shot from Murray forced a mistake from Raonic, then an unforced error from the Canadian made it 0-30.  Three break points for Murray with a Raonic wide forehand.  A netted forehand from Raonic and the service break.  Murray ahead with the break 4-3.

A forehand winner from Raonic and Murray had 30-15.  A wild backhand from the same racquet and 40-15.  Murray inexplicably hit a forehand long and 40-30. A backhand from Murray was also poor and deuce arrived.  Break point with Murray's netted forehand.  A great forehand volley saved the break point. Game point after Raonic found the net.  Deuce with a long Murray backhand. Forehand crosscourt winner from Murray and another forehand winner after that for a 5-3 lead.

A forehand winner from Raonic gave him 40-15, before a double fault tightened things at 40-30. Deuce came following a loose forehand.  Set point to Murray as a clearly hampered Raonic was seemingly succumbing to an upper leg injury, the running backhand passing shot a beauty nevertheless. Saved with Murray's backhand missing wide.  Ace for game point. Backhand long by Raonic and deuce.  Another ace and game point once more. A brilliant clutch volley was enough to hold serve and force Murray to serve for the set, leading now 5-4.

A stunning forehand crosscourt winner from Raonic and 0-15.  Raonic backhand wide and 15-15.  Murray netted backhand 15-30.  Awesome point by Raonic won ultimately by an overhead and two break points as a result.  One saved by a Murray volley winner.  Deuce with a return into the net.  Good serving by Murray and set point.  Set to Murray 6-4 and two sets all.

Raonic served first in the final set and double faulted on first point.  A netted backhand and he was down 0-30. Forehand winner from the 13th seed helped 15-30.  Netted forehand and two break points for Murray.  Double fault and break of serve.  Murray led 1-0.  Injury was sadly a major factor in changing the course of this match.

Murray up 30-0 with help of net cord.  Easy hold and 2-0 to the second seed.  Raonic suffered yet another net cord against him 0-15.  Sharp volley and 30-15.  40-15 after a marvellous rally.  Backhand error from Raonic and 40-30.  Deuce with long forehand.  Murray's forehand forced error and break point.  Saved with overhead winner.  Backhand wide and another break point.  Double break occurred and Murray led 3-0.  The match was as good as over now with one fully fit player on the court.  A great pity with Raonic so close and having to surrender much of his power due his leg injury.  

Murray consolidated his position easily and led 4-0.  Down again 0-30 this wouldn't last much longer for Raonic.  Two more break points.  One saved.  And the second.  Brave and quality tennis gave Raonic game point a few times and he saved more break points  In spite of the Raonic injury restriction which allowed the Scot that many more options, the Canadian held serve to trail 1-4 and keep Murray on court for some time longer.  Novak would be happy with that as he rested.

Murray served again.  0-15 became 30-15 as Raonic was moved around the court at Murray's wishes.  Game points available and only one needed. 5-1 Murray.

Raonic served again bravely and had 30-0. Murray hit a backhand forcing an error and 30-15.  Game to Raonic for 2-5 forcing Murray to serve for the match.

15-0 with a Raonic error.  Ace for 30-0.  Great volley by Murray for three match points.  Forehand winner for the match.

Andy Murray defeated an unluckily injury affected Milos Raonic 4-6 7-5 6-7 6-4 6-2

Another Aus Open final for the Scot and the for the fourth time of the five attempts at a title it will be against Novak Djokovic.

Novak sweeps Roger aside

The first mens semi final was a dream match up between the world number one Novak Djokovic and the 3rd seed Roger Federer.  9 Aus Open titles between the two of them and 44 times they had met previously for 22 wins each.  14 times they'd played each other at GS level, with 8-6 in Djokovic's favour, including the Wimbledon and US Ooen finals from last year.  Hard to pick a winner but Djokovic by a breath.

Federer surprisingly elected to receive serve after winning the toss and so Djokovic began things.  

An ace for 15-0.  Federer netted a forehand and 30-0.  A backhand down the line winner and 40-0. A return netted and Djokovic led 1-0.  Federer began with a forehand winner.  A Swiss backhand error and then a forehand long and 15-30.  Another backhand in the net saw Federer down two break points, Djokovic pinning him to the back of the court. A Federer forehand wide and Djokovic led 2-0.

A backhand return winner and Federer had Djokovic 0-15. An ace for 15-15.  Continuing to pressure the Swiss backhand the top seed drew another error wide from the third seed and had 30-15. Then a forehand wide from Federer for two game points.  An attacking backhand from Federer was given a down the line forehand pass reply from Djokovic who consolidated the break for 3-0.

Federer was quickly to 40-0 including an ace and two return errors.  He held to love which would have settled him to some degree.  3-1 Djokovic.  The top seed forced an error with a forehand crosscourt and another netted shot from Federer gave Djokovic 30-0. Federer rifled a forehand return winner down the line for 40-15 and 40-30 arrived with a Djokovic backhand finding the net.  Serve was held and Djokovic ahead still with a break 4-1.

0-30 after two Federer forehands long.  A superb overhead from Federer and 15-30.  A wild backhand miss from Federer and two break points.  Federer's forehand found the net and Djokovic led 5-1.

Serving for the set, Djokovic lost the first point with his forehand finding net.  15-15 after Federer's backhand did the same. A scintillating forehand pass from Djokovic and 30-15.  Two set points after a return error.  One saved with a splendid backhand volley from Federer.  A big serve was too much to prevent the error and Djokovic had the set in quick time 6-1.  More than impressive.

Federer had 15-15 after an amazing backhand return winner from Djokovic. A fine drop shot from Federer and 30-30.  Break point saved with an off forehand winner, then another off forehand forced a Djokovic error.  A backhand wide from Djokovic and Federer held serve leading 1-0.  Djokovic passed Federer with a forehand for 15-0.  An ace for 30-0. Another and 40-0.  A backhand winner for 1-1.

Federer forced into forehand error on his forehand side then backhand side and down 0-30.  Djokovic almost unplayable as another forehand pass created three break points.  A Federer forehand long and the break gave Djokovic a 2-1 advantage. Federer forced a backhand error and had 0-15 on the Djokovic serve.  Federer gave an unforced error back and 15-15. More errors from the Swiss racquet and two game points.  40-30 with a smart backhand from Federer at the net. Strong serve and 3-1 Djokovic.

15-0 Federer with good serve.  Great rally and awesome backhand by Djokovic to win it 15-15.  Federer backhand long and 15-30.  Djokovic backhand too much and two break points.  Federer hit the net and down two breaks 1-4.  This was certainly unexpected but underscored how dominant Djokovic is on the men's tour.

Djokovic's backhand winner closed out a quality rally 30-0.  He then missed a forehand 30-15. Federer netted a backhand 40-15.  And another to give the game to Djokovic 5-1.  Double fault from Federer and 0-15.  Djokovic long and 15-15.  Wonderful point and great overhead from Federer for 30-15.  Serve backhand combo and 40-30.  Djokovic backhand pass for deuce.  Djokovic forced a Federer error and set point.  Saved with the second of two smashes.  Another set point with a Serbian forehand down the line winner.  Saved with good serving. Serve eventually held and Djokovic would serve for the set at 5-2.  

Federer forehand wide and 15-0.  Forehand return long 30-0. Backhand long 40-0.  Three set points.  Federer missed again and Djokovic won the set 6-2.  He led 6-1 6-2 and Federer needed something extremely special to turn this around.

Federer began set three with an ace.  A fine Djokovic return drew an error, the Federer committed one of his own. 15-30.  Federer's forehand winner made it 30-30.  Serve held for 1-0.  A great volley from Federer and 15-15 a poor forehand from Switzerland and 30-15.  Backhand wide and 40-15. Backhand winner by Federer matched by Djokovic ace and 1-1.

30-0 Federer after two forehand winners off good serves.  40-15 after serve forcing error.  Forehand winner and game to Federer, leading 2-1. Much more convincing early in this set.  30-0 Djokovic, his serve still solid.  An ace for three game points.  Love game and 2-2. 

30-0 Federer whose first serve % was lifting.  Djokovic still pressing and 30-30 with Federer errors.  An exquisite forehand crosscourt pass gave a break point to Djokovic.  Saved well with an overhead winner by Federer after two clutch volleys.  Swiss forehand winner and game point.  Serve held and Federer ahead 3-2.

15-0 Djokovic after Federer netted.  Double fault and 15-15, Federer circling.  A backhand down the line forced an error from Djokovic.  Federer attacking the net with a series of volleys won the point after Djokovic eventually fell into error.  Two break points for Federer, his first for the night.  A big serve down the middle forced an error and one break point saved.  A Federer forehand long and deuce.  A backhand out of court by Djokovic and another break point.  Saved with an errant Swiss forehand.  Game point with a netted forehand from Federer.  Deuce after a wicked Federer drop shot.  Ace for game point.  A forehand return surprised Djokovic into error and deuce.  Big serve and game point once more.  A stunning backhand return winner and deuce.  An amazing run from Federer to reach a Djokovic drop shot and hit a forehand crosscourt winner.  Break point again.  Federer's backhand hammered Djokovic into an error and the break finally came. The third seed led 4-2.

15-15 with a Federer down the line forehand winner.  15-30 with a Federer forehand long.  Ace from Federer for 30-30.  Forehand clean winner down the line for 40-30.  Serve held and Federer had 5-2 lead.  Djokovic 15-0 as he served to stay in the set.  Federer backhand winner and 15-15.  Ace for Djokovic and 40-15.  5-3 Federer and serving to rake it to a fourth set.

Backhand winner by Federer and 15-0.  Backhand netted off the same racquet 15-15. Return netted and 30-15.  Backhand winner for Djokovic 30-30.  Return long and set point.  Forehand crosscourt forcing error and deuce.  Forehand down the line winner from Federer.  Another set point. Saved by Swiss error.  Timely big serve and another set point. The set was Federer's 6-3 and the match was alive.

Djokovic served first in the fourth set.  A net cord won Federer the opening point. 0-30 with Djokovic hitting the net.  A backhand from Federer found the net and 15-30.  A Federer forehand also netted for 30-30.  A forehand return failed the net test and game point for Djokovic.  He held for 1-0.  Federer served and 15-15 became 30-15 after an ace. 30-30 after Federer hit the net with a backhand.  Ace for game point. Federer held for 1-1.

Djokovic 15-0 after another effective serve.  30-15 with a Djokovic backhand pushed wide.  Comfortable hold and 2-1 for Djokovic. Ace for Federer 15-0.  A great forehand crosscourt winner by Federer and 30-0.  Serve held to love and 2-2.

Djokovic hit a forehand wide and had 15-15 on his serve.  Picking on Federer's backhand again, the error was drawn and although he was taken to 40-30, an ace sealed the game and Djokovic led 3-2.  A backhand winner from Djokovic had Federer at 0-15.  Good serving made it 30-15.  A brilliant return levelled it at 30-30 before a long shot gave Federer game point.  Serve held and 3-3.

Djokovic hit long and 15-15 on his serve.  A sharp Serbian forehand volley and 30-15.  Good serving and game to Djokovic for a 4-3 advantage.  Federer served and the first point was won with a fantastic forehand crosscourt pass from Djokovic for 0-15.  A backhand crosscourt winner was dazzling from the world's best as he stepped it up in a real attempt to grab a break. 0-30.  A return netted on second serve and 15-30.  Federer won an unbelievable point with all sorts of scrambling finished off with a spectacular backhand down the line winner and 30-30.  A lucky net cord for Djokovic helped him pass Federer at the net with a forehand and create a break point.  A brutal off forehand return was all too much for Federer and the break was complete.  

Djokovic was ahead 5-3 and about to serve for a place in his sixth Aus Ooen final.

A Federer return long and 15-0.  Another forehand long 30-0.  A netted return and three match points.  A backhand from Federer hitting the net and Djokovic won in four sets 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3.

Djokovic was dominant and it looked likely that he may embarass the great Federer.  Thankfully Roger was able to lift his game enough to grab a set, even with Novak playing at such a level.   It would be a foolish person to believe that anyone could prevent the top seed winning a sixth title if he repeated this type of tennis on Sunday.