Playing perhaps the finest match of his career, a spectacularly precise Andrew Murray pummeled defending Australian Open champ Rafael Nadal for three sets and scored an impressive technical knockout. At 0-3 down in set three, Nadal retired from the contest citing a knee injury.

From the first point this hotly-anticipated night match between the two tennis titans in Rod Laver Arena stunned observers with dazzling shotmaking and furious action. It more than lived up to all expectations. TV commentator Justin Gimelstob said, “this feels like a heavyweight championship fight.” Indeed it may have been.

It was a dramatic duel between two high class champions at contrasting points in their careers. Murray attempting to win his first Grand Slam after two years of frustration and Nadal frantically trying to maintain his status as a kingpin.

The Mighty Spaniard has won six career Slams but came up short in Paris and New York last year. He also missed Wimbledon but did help Spain win the Davis Cup. Against Murray, Nadal appeared threatened, like a man who knew his fate but would fight it till the end. He wore an uneasy expression of ferocious intensity through the first set, often talking to himself and snarling animatedly, sometimes even baring his teeth at Murray, like a wild animal, before service returns.

Nadal was defeated by Murray in Rotterdam a year ago and seemed to sense the crucial importance of trying to subdue Murray now. The big bull of Mallorca was sharp early. He played some miraculous shots and went up a break. But Murray never wavered. The Scot broke back to level the first set at 2-2, but then quickly fell down 0-40 on his next service game.

This was the key point of the battle. Murray utilized his big, new serve and scored three successful serve and volleys to take the pivotal game.  The whole flow of the match changed. Murray knew he just mastered an important test. Nadal felt the urge to force the issue and became more offensive than he typically likes to be.

“Every point is a mini-war out there,” noted Gimelstob. “It’s out of respect for Murray’s game that he’s pushing his game to it’s most aggressive limits.”

While Nadal seemed to portray the role of the feisty warrior, Murray stayed calm and poised throughout this classic duel. Murray’s magnanimous demeanor conjured the image of the experienced hunter/predator, calmly stalking and chasing down his desperate target. Nadal and his Australian Open trophy were the prey to be captured.

After winning the first set 6-3, Murray continued his relentless assault. Nadal engaged in some fantastic toe-to-toe exchanges, but his expression did not carry the same snarl now. The two champions punched it out all the way to a second set tiebreak. Just like in the previous set, Murray asserted his dominance when he needed to and took a 6-1 lead. “Murray, once again, in the big moments, is the aggressor,” noted Gimelstob.

It was evident now: Nadal’s power and intensity were no match for the majesty of Murray on this night. Nadal seemed to know it too. He called for the court doctor at 0-1, 15-all in the third set. Nadal told the doctor that the right knee pain started in the previous set, though there were no clear signs of an injury or limp. After the brief respite, Nadal the warrior decided to enter the fray once again, to try to work his magic and turn the tables as he has so many times in his extraordinary career. There would be one last, desperate surge to save his status as the defending champ and world #2.

But it was not to be. Murray won the next two games and on the way to sit at the changeover at 3-0, Nadal decided to inform his conqueror that he was retiring from the battle. Murray contained his reaction and moments later told interviewer Jim Courier that “Nadal is my favorite player to watch on the tour, the energy he brings to the court.”

Looking like a champion who fully understands that he has unfinished business to take care of on this court, the stoic Murray added, “I got through a few tough moments in the beginning. I played really well tonight.” Next it will be the Croatian Marin Cilic who upset him in New York last September. “He beat me at the U.S. Open. I’m looking for some revenge there,” he said with a smile.

The defending champion is now out of the tournament and there are still two more matches to be contested. But in the psychological aspect of the tournament, where many historic battles are won before the physical, the title might have actually changed hands. In every way, Murray looked like a man who is ready to win his first Grand Slam major win. He handled the pressure and nerves with elegant maturity and pugilistic spirit. It was a performance so impressive that the vanquished former champion would not discredit it in any way.

“Well, I think for sure he has a big chance. I think is a very good chance for him,” the always classy Nadal said. “First thing, he’s playing really well. And second thing, he’s already in semifinals. So (he)is only two matches away. Every Grand Slam is special and every Grand Slam is important to win. For Andy, I think he deserve to win his first Grand Slam, and he gonna do it.”

Photo Credit:  Andy Chung

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