2012 US OPEN: Men's Final Preview

Andy Murray GBR (3) vs  Novak Djokovic SRB (2)

Andy Murray of Great Britain will be playing in his 5th major final, having lost the first  four against Roger Federer (2007 US Open, 2010 Australian Open and 2012 Wimbledon) and one against Novak Djokovic (2011 Australian Open). Djokovic already has 5 majors and has won the last three hard courts majors played.

The two played what would have been the best match of the year in the 2012 Australian Open semifinal if it were not eclipsed by the insane 6-hour final played between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Since then Murray has won the Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympics and I think that he really feels that he can win this match. He is playing someone he has known since he was 11 years old. The two are 1 week apart in age and are god friends off the court (who used to practice together, until Murray's coach Ivan Lendl prohibited such fraternization).

Murray has had an extra day to rest, which should serve him well. To me, the match will not be decided by tactics and strategy but by the mental toughness of the person who wants it the most. Head-to-head Djokovic has a slight 8-6 edge, but this Murray is a different player now.

MadProfessah's pick: Murray.