While many men's matches are confrontations of brute force, this one highlights Federer's wile against Murray 's guile. That the 21-year-old Scot was able to upset Rafael Nadal in the semis might have stunned some, but not those who have followed Murray's career closely, as he has all the tools to become a great player, plus a great deal of gumption.
The problems he had cracking the top 5 over the past two years weren't as much strategic and technical but had more to do with his fitness and execution. It's hard to think of one shot that he can't pull off now that he's in terrific shape, and he no longer has to depend on pure smarts to snare big wins. When necessary, he can execute huge blows from the baseline (especially his backhand crosscourt), pull out a big serve, close quickly at the net and put away a crisp volley.
Plus, he thinks -- deeply -- and is able to change his approach to matches in the blink of an eye.
But so can Federer, who is highly motivated to win his fifth straight US Open crown. The Swiss played by far his best match of the year against a quality opponent in running over Novak Djokovic in the semis and rediscovered his unique feel for the ball. His serves were of the highest variety, he rarely missed a negotiable volley and his ground-stroking was smooth.
Unfortunately for Federer, he comes into this match with a 1-2 record against Murray, who really believes he can play with him. What we don't know is how Murray will react to his first visit to a Slam final, especially when he will take the court less than 24 hours after his tough victory over Nadal. He obviously has the fire and the guts to play with the big boys, but his nerves are in question, as are his legs, if this match goes very deep.
The last Briton to reach the final was Greg Rusedski back in 1997, and Patrick Rafter scalded him. But Murray is a different sort -- not only hungry but always self-confident. His forehand isn't as ferocious as Federer's, and his serve is slightly less effective, but his backhand is better. He appears to move just as well, and he isn't afraid to take control of the net cords.
There is no doubt that Murray is playing as well as the 12-time Grand Slam champion is during this tournament, and he doesn't appear to be the type of guy who is going to freeze up when the lights shine on his face during twilight on Monday evening. But Djokovic didn't appear to be the type, either, last year, and Federer still found a way around him at the closing moments.
Murray has called this his favorite tournament, since he won the 2004 US Open boys' title, and, in good health, there is no question he'll raise this trophy sometime in his career. But until Federer fails here, I can't be convinced that he won't find a fifth gear at a critical juncture during a final. Unlike Nadal, he'll know that he'll need to do much more than play steely defense and run forever. He'll come straight at the Scot. Take Federer in five sets, sweating all the way.
