Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic H2H

This is my favorite match-up to watch for various reasons.  I like that each player attempts to do similar things strategically, I love that no lead is safe given each man’s return game, and I enjoy seeing the speed each man exhibits.  Also, I like everyone else have rooting interests as a tennis fan.  I am not particularly pulled in either direction as a fan when these two play. Therefore, it is easier for me to just enjoy both men’s level of play and ability.  They put on some superb rallies that tax each man’s stamina, will power, and imagination.

This match could be a payback opportunity to Murray who lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open final earlier this year.  Novak has denied Andy a title in Melbourne on 3 occasions and also won a tense 5 set semifinal in Melbourne over Murray in 2012. Novak is the defending champion at Indian Wells and would love to defend all 1000 computer points.  A win today would ensure Nole of at least 600 points.  So Murray may have an edge in that he is not defending any points in this match.  Still, Novak dominated Murray in 2014 and turned a deadlocked match in Melbourne into a beating over the final 9 games of the Grand Slam final.  Novak seems a bit more mentally and physically dialed in than Murray in their recent encounters.  Until Murray reclaims his 2012 and 2013 mentality, it is a poor idea to pick against Nole in this match-up.

My Prediction: Novak Djokovic d. Andy Murray 7-5, 7-5