Can Murray defend his US Open ?

[Kai]

Fed fell last night in whats looking like beginning of his swansong , but all the top 3 seeds are still in it with chance for Murray to retain his title and possibly face Nadal who will almost certainly make the final.

In Murrays way stands Djoker in semis ( assuming both make it ) meaning the winner will prob have a tough task ahead of him ( given their typical matches are 5 sets )

Djokers done it before but Murray has never beaten 2 of the top 3 ( what used to be 4 with Fed ) back 2 back to win a GS. nor Nadal at a GS , and he will have to both in theory if he wants to have a chance.

Can he do it ?

Well, its big ask , but if he can you could argue this would be his most impressive win of all - esp if he can beat his proverbial bogeyman in Nadal ( Nadals leads 13 -5 in overall H2H )

[kopite]

He`s come on leaps and bounds in the past year and I think he has a really good chance to do it.

He`s Probably in the best form atm and won the last slam so why now

[PK71]

Its a yes from me.. Belief is everything.

[nyoron]

Suprising loss from Fed to Robredo (who he was 10-0 prior to the game) but i dont think he would have got past Nadal in the next round anyway. Sad to see age catching up to Fed but that's life.

As to whether Murray can defend his title, I think he can but it will be tough.

I'd put Nadal as slight fav for the the title going on current form though.

[Kai]

Suprising loss from Fed to Robredo (who he was 10-0 prior to the game) but i dont think he would have got past Nadal in the next round anyway. Sad to see age catching up to Fed but that's life.

As to whether Murray can defend his title, I think he can but it will be tough.

I'd put Nadal as slight fav for the the title going on current form though.

Yes I think it will be a lot tougher too , Novak & Nadal both look hungry ( esp Nadal ) ,so Id prob favor Nadal too a this point .

I see Hewitt just lost another close 5 setter after being 4 - 1 up in the final set - pity

Novaks on just now and leading easily and Murray will be later . The match of the night however for me will be Wawrinka & Berdych which should at least go to 4 .

Wawrinka's one of those players def capable of taking out a top seed or two ,and also happens to travel around with a Gnome ( which is pretty cool if you ask me )

[Kai]

Two quaters worth watching today..

Djoker vs Youzhny and Murray vs Wawarinka..

Both should in win straight forward enough though Murrays form has me a bit worried given how well Djoker and Nadal are playing, and Stan is no walk in the park when hes on either..

I predict Djoker in 3 and Murray in 5

[kopite]

Rafa is in scary form! he totally destroyed Robredo!

[nyoron]

Yep Nadal was scary good last night, strong fav for the title now imo.

Wawarinka up next for Murray, should be the first real test for him.

[Kai]

Here's what Tricky Nicky says..

[nyoron]

Murray in big trouble against Wawrinka!

2 sets and a break down....

[Kai]

Murray in big trouble against Wawrinka!

2 sets and a break down....

3-2 30-15

It doesnt look like hes going to even win a set never mind pull out 3 and win the match , unless something happens Warwinka looks set to win. ( not pun intend )

I do like Stan , but hes not the sort of guy whose going to trouble Djoker or Rafa unless hes bIasically hitting outright winners all the time ( which he can do in patches )

Im not even sure he even beaten Djoker, other than maybe once .

[nyoron]

6-4 6-3 6-2

Stan-the-man too good today, had all the answers, dont think he even faced one break point.

[Kai]

6-4 6-3 6-2

Stan-the-man too good today, had all the answers, dont think he even faced one break point.

If he can beat Djoker & Rafa he will definitely be the man .. but I dont see it - mainly because he usually tends to choke in the big moments and ends up over hitting , but he got the balance right today and is pretty useful at net - so who knows ?

I hope Djoker wins though because hes more likely to give Rafa a run for his money .

[nyoron]

Tbh I'd like to see someone new win a slam but that seems unlikely given how well Nadal and Djoker is playing right now.

[Kai]

Tbh I'd like to see someone new win a slam but that seems unlikely given how well Nadal and Djoker is playing right now.

The only other guy I can see doing that used to be Del Porto , but hes never been the same since his wrist injury - only in patches.

Tsonga has the game but not the head , and Gasquet ... well hes got Rafa next so good luck hes usually the most mentally weak of all the French IMO..just another flashy player with no grit or spine...

[Kai]

So Novak won and will be in the final - good
Nadal is on now but Im not sure I'll watch unless Gasquet can put him in serious trouble..or Nadals knees go bad