The TV media had a lot to say about Federer’s post-match interview after he beat Tsonga in the semi-finals to jump into the finals at the 2010 Australian Open. Going into the finals, Federer said that it was more important for Murray to win the first set than him. Translation: He felt Murray was under more pressure to win the first set than him. Federer said he was just being honest and not trying to pull off any locker room psych outs.Was too much read into his comments? Did he really psych out Murray with his comments? Did Murray play tight in the first set? Based on Murray’s first serve percent in the first set, you can conclude he played tight and controlled the first two sets.
Although Murray would not admit he was nervous the first set…
“Throughout the match, I didn’t feel nervous. It’s obviously against him, he puts a lot of pressure on you with the way that he plays. You need to focus really hard, throughout the match,” Murray said.
Based on my experience, I think the match was more important for Murray. I think he wanted to win badly. Nothing wrong with wanting to win badly, but something this can turn into playing too controlled or tight. When you want to win badly, you sometimes play to NOT screw up or make mistakes.
Federer has won grand slams in the past. He’s not as hungry as Murray to win. This allows him to play more relaxed. “My game is not as taxing as other players’ games. I also think I have a very relaxed mind when it comes to the game of tennis. I’ll definitely try my best on the court. I’m professional the way I’m supposed to be,” said Federer after winning the championship.
Perspective in life can also be helpful in times of adversity. Experienced players have the advantage of great perspective of tennis in the over role in life.
“But off the court, it’s a matter of relaxing and enjoying it, you know, seeing friends and families. There’s more important things than tennis, after all. I think that’s something I’ve always had a clear vision of how my life is, you know. I think that’s also helped me to go through better and tougher phases because I know this is an incredible trip I’m on, said Federer.
Many people questioned Murray’s game plan and strategy. They thought he was being too passive and not playing aggressive enough. When asked about the expectations he felt from his fans in the UK, he said they do not play a role once you step on the court. But does your off-course demeanor transfer to the court?
“You know, once you get on the court, [expectations] are not what you’re thinking about at all. And then obviously after the match, you know, I would have liked to have done it for everyone back home, you know, won the tournament. Obviously for myself and for the people I work with as well.”
Tennis is such a huge mental game. Strategy and tactics aside, I think Federer had the upper hand with his mind game. He did not feel the expectations to win like Murray. Federer knows how to cope with the pressure of a grand slam final. Murray put too much pressure on himself to play the perfect match.
