So Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will have to come back tomorrow. The match is delicately poised in Djokovic’s favour, the world No1 leading 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 3-3. It could be over quickly, or there could be another set and a half to play. We’ll have to wait and see. For now, savour what has turned into a highly absorbing match, one which Djokovic dominated majestically for two and a half sets, before Murray’s unlikely revival at the end of the third set. Who does the rain delay favour? It’s hard to say with any certainty, but I’d edge towards it working for Djokovic. Murray had the bit between his teeth at the end there, especially after saving those break points and holding for 3-3. Anyway that’s me done for today. Thanks for reading and emailing. Bye!
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Here comes the rain. It’s heavy. These guys really know their stuff!
The covers are on, the players have departed and the fans are being ushered out of the stadium. What a shame that it’s had to end here. Damn you, Mother Nature!
PLAY IS SUSPENDED!
An official walks on to the court. He talks to both players, he talks to the umpire, and he announces that play will not continue this evening. Apparently a huge storm is on the way.
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Fourth set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 7-5, 3-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray has to refocus. He nets a backhand on the first point and immediately starts to beat himself up over that missed overhead. You could fit an entire match into the time it takes to finish the next point. It ends with a brilliant cross-court backhand from Djokovic. Murray is down 0-30. He is in trouble, but Djokovic then nets a backhand, slipping and sliding as he does so. He’s furious. But happier when Murray nets a forehand for 15-40. “SO POOR!” Murray roars. “ROAAAAARRRRR.” I didn’t quite catch the second bit. He channels that anger and turns it into an ace, before Djokovic nets a backhand return. It’s deuce. Murray holds and clenches his fist. Meanwhile officials are hovering at the back of the court. Apparently rain could be with us imminently.
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Fourth set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 7-5, 2-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Murray is 40-15 down. A blistering forehand keeps him alive. Then, at last, he puts a smash away for deuce. If only he could have done that at 15-30 in the previous game, eh? Because Djokovic holds and there is now scoreboard pressure on Murray, who is using Big Boy Language as he marches back to his chair.
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Fourth set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 7-5, 2-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray needs to consolidate the break. The first two points are shared, but Djokovic is on the prowl, overpowering Murray for a 15-30 lead. Murray has chances to win this point. He doesn’t win the point. He dumps a smash into the net to give Djokovic two break points! His smash has been appalling. The first break point is saved. Djokovic hits a backhand that clips the net and goes wide. But Murray can’t wriggle clear this time. He nets a lame forehand and Djokovic breaks back immediately. It was too tentative. Murray needs to forget about that point at 15-30 quickly.
Fourth set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 7-5, 2-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic skitters a backhand wide on the first point and then puts too much oomph on a drop shot. Murray takes full advantage and snatches a 0-30 lead. This is fascinating. Murray then neutralises a massive serve from Djokovic and works himself into a position to hook a backhand down the line. Three break points! The tables have been turned here. Djokovic had three break points in the previous game and he couldn’t take them. But Murray can! Djokovic nets a forehand and Murray breaks. Djokovic is wounded at the moment, although is anyone brave enough to bet against him making a full recovery in the next game? Not me.
Fourth set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 7-5, 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): This is problematic for Murray, who drops the first two points with two errant shots. Another backhand into the net hands Djokovic three break points. This is loose from Murray. That many unforced errors against Djokovic simply won’t wash. Djokovic can’t take the first, though, and it’s followed by a preposterous, hypnotic rally, which ends with Djokovic netting a forehand. He has one more break point, but that evaporates when he nets another forehand! Wow. Once again, I did not see that coming. Murray then belts down an ace and he completes the turnaround when Djokovic batters a forehand long! What fight from Murray! He was under the cosh there. Whatever the cosh is. No one knows what a cosh is.
Fourth set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 7-5, 0-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): It’s worth noting that Djokovic has only lost once from two sets up - to Jurgen Melzer in the quarter-finals of the French Open five years ago. Murray still has a mountain to climb and his momentum is checked by a comfortable hold to 15 for Djokovic. I still wouldn’t put too much money on Murray winning this. Still, though, he’s become the first man to take a set off Djokovic in the past fortnight.
Djokovic is back. He’s being whistled as he walks back on to the court.
The word is that a storm is heading towards Roland Garros in an hour or so. Apparently there it’s raining all over Paris. This little pocket of the city has escaped for now, but if the forecast is right, a shower is on the way. At the moment, we’re waiting for Djokovic to return from the locker room. Murray is on his feet.
Andy Murray wins the third set 7-5! Novak Djokovic leads 6-3, 6-3, 5-7
Before Murray serves, a Mexican wave in the stands. Eject them all. Eject them now. Eventually the fans fall silent. A lengthy rally ensues and Djokovic dabs a backhand long for 15-0. He’s not the same player he was 20 minutes ago. Murray is on top. Djokovic plants a volley into the net and Murray is two points away. Murray then pounds down an ace to bring up three set points. It only takes one, Djokovic drifting a backhand return long. Well! You have to admire Murray’s stubborngittery. “Check the index to the script, heading “It’s not the despair, Laura. I can take the despair....”,” says Marie Meyer.
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Third set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 6-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic effortlessly whistles a backhand down the line for 15-0. Then comes another drop shot. Murray gets there, Djokovic lobs him, Murray races back, spins and cracks a superb forehand pass past Djokovic. Djokovic applauds as Murray gees himself up. Is something happening here? Murray has suddenly burst into life and he rattles a forehand down the line for 15-30. Djokovic then nets a forehand and Murray has his first break points of the match at 15-40! He only needs one! Djokovic attempts another drop shot and Murray speeds to the net and skelps a forehand away! He’ll serve for the third set. Allow me to hold up my hands and say that I did not see this coming. I’m checking the script and I can’t see this twist anywhere.
Third set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 5-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray holds to love, a couple of aces whizzing past Djokovic. He couldn’t, could he? Probably not. But he couldn’t, could he?
Third set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 4-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): There’s never even the hint of a break point here. Djokovic is in complete control and Murray will serve to stay in the match.
Third set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 4-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): We’re treated to what I assume is Naughty Language in Serbian when Djokovic nets a forehand return on the first point. I have no idea what he said, but it sounded saucy. But this is sublime from Djokovic. From 30-0 down, he clambers back to 30-all with some delicious play at the net. Murray then does his very best to lose the next point, letting Djokovic back in with a shoddy overhead, but he just about holds him off for a 40-30 lead. Yet Djokovic is relentless and the game goes to deuce after he zaps a forehand past Murray. It’s a stubborn hold from Murray, though, and he’s now gone past the Nadal marker! It’s Murray 10-9 Nadal in games won against Djokovic this week.
Third set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 3-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): The crowd’s interest is piqued when Murray wins the first point with a backhand winner, before Djokovic sends a low slice into the net for 15-30. There’s an inkling of a chance for Murray, but he’s furious with himself after knocking a backhand return long, banging the turf in frustration with his racquet. Djokovic holds. If there’s one consolation for Murray, maybe it’s that he’s taken as many games off Djokovic as Nadal managed on Wednesday. And Nadal is pretty good on clay.
Third set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 3-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): “Run!” Murray shouts. “Run!” It’s as though his legs have turned to concrete. Two loose shots give Djokovic a 0-30 lead. At 15-30, Murray wallops a huge serve out wide. Djokovic returns it with interest and Murray nets a backhand to make it 15-40. These are effectively match points, but Djokovic surprises everyone, probably even Murray, by failing to make two backhands. It’s deuce. Murray holds when Djokovic balloons a forehand into the sky. Maybe he was trying to blast the clouds away.
Third set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 2-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): At 15-all, Djokovic repels a Murray forehand pass down the line with an utterly absurd backhand volley. The angle on that. Although judging by the sheepish expression on his face, he might not have meant that. Still, it was rather good. At some point he’s going to jump over the other side of the net and pull Murray’s shorts down. He holds thanks to a stunning forehand.
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Third set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 2-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray holds to 15. That’s two straight holds, a step in the right direction at least, although you fancy that Djokovic is going to trip him up sooner rather than later.
Third set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 1-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): The umpire might be on Murray’s side. At 15-all, he gives Djokovic a time violation as he bounces the ball repeatedly, waiting for the blustery conditions to die down a little before serving. Djokovic is unflustered. He wins the point. I’m not sure if the warning even registered with him. He holds to 15. “If it rains and Murray is “rescued”, he still has to come out and play Novak afterwards,” says Mark Turner. “And Joker is living breathing awesome this week.” Not if it never stops raining. Murray will be on easy street if he spots a man building a wooden ship nearby.
Third set: Murray* 3-6, 3-6, 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): The wind is picking up. The storm is approaching. Is the rain going to rescue Murray? He holds to love here, ensuring that he won’t be on the wrong end of a bagel.
Third set: Murray 3-6, 3-6, 0-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Murray, his shoulders slumped and his face a picture of pure misery, slopes to the baseline. He looks demoralised. Djokovic holds to 30. He’ll want to get this finished quickly. The skies are darkening above the court. Murray should start doing a rain dance. Although rain delays haven’t really worked for British players in the past.
Novak Djokovic wins the second set 6-3; he leads 6-3, 6-3
Murray looks devoid of energy. This is what Djokovic does to you. He’s sucking the life out of Murray, tap-dancing all over his efforts to remain positive, and two miserable shots give Djokovic a 0-30 lead. A stinging cross-court backhand from Djokovic brings up two set points. Murray collapses. This is ugly. This is horrible. Djokovic makes him play one more shot and Murray should save the first break point with a smash. He waits. Djokovic has given up. And Murray blasts the ball into orbit! Dearie me, that was abysmal. The crowd winces. Djokovic has him physically and mentally beaten. That was the shot of a man who has checked out. The third set could be hard to watch. I wouldn’t be surprised if Murray doesn’t win another game. That’s not an exaggeration.
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Second set: Murray 3-6, 3-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Nope. Djokovic is too strong, holding thanks to two precise aces down the middle. Murray will serve to keep this flatlining second set alive.
Second set: Murray* 3-6, 3-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Djokovic is stretching his left hip out between points. My suspicion is that it’s not a fatal ailment. He fights back to deuce from 40-15 down. Sirens are blaring, red lights flashing in front of Murray’s eyes, and a gritty rally ends him with flapping a backhand into the net. He looks spent. Djokovic has another break point - but he can’t take it, a backhand going long. “Come on!” Murray barks. He then splurts a backhand wide to give Djokovic a second break point, before going dangerously close to missing a tight backhand volley. It was just on the line. Somehow Murray holds. “Come on!” he barks. He’s still in the set. But can he break Djokovic?
Second set: Murray 3-6, 2-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Murray has been aiming sarcastic digs at himself for a while now. It must be music to Djokovic’s ears. The errors are piling up from Murray. This is a drama-free zone. Murray’s head is in danger of taking leave of his body. Djokovic holds to 30. Murray shouts at himself when he nets at a backhand on the final point.
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Second set: Murray* 3-6, 2-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Djokovic misses a forehand by an inch on the first point. Just wide. The umpire confirms it was out. But it was so close to being a winner and Djokovic dominated the majority of that rally and he wins the next two points. Murray is beginning to wobble. Djokovic is jabbing away, nibbling at Murray’s confidence. Murray is agitated. He’s holding crunch talks with himself now, which is never a good sign, and Djokovic has two break points when Murray belts an easy volley into the net. Djokovic misses a backhand on the first one. But he doesn’t have to wait long for the break, Murray netting a backhand down the line. You know, I think Djokovic might be coping with the weather. “Why yes, Simon McMahon, it must be terrifying for Murray to see Djokovic in the colours of the world famous Dundee United FC,” says Mac Millings. “Let’s hope, for Andy’s sake, that this is 1984, the only year The Terrors ever lost in a major semi-final on foreign soil.”
Second set: Murray 3-6, 2-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic races into a 30-0 lead. Murray charges forward to nab the next point with a volley, before Djokovic’s first double-fault of the match makes it 30-all. That’s only his third double of the tournament, but Murray is kept at arm’s length by a swerving, vicious forehand into the corner. Djokovic holds. Murray hasn’t had a break point yet.
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Second set: Murray* 3-6, 2-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): A telling stat: Djokovic has seen only 62 winners whizz past him in his run to the last four. Murray? 118. And Murray is one of the game’s outstanding defenders, for goodness sake. It must gnaw away at your self-belief. Murray is 30-up here, but a double-fault makes it 30-all. He steadies himself with an ace, though, and Djokovic then cracks a backhand return long.
Second set: Murray 3-6, 1-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Does anyone see a single weakness in Djokovic’s game? At least one that can seriously be exposed? He just looks impenetrable. He holds to 15. “As you know I’m normally Andy’s biggest cheerleader but even I have my reservations about today,” says Simon McMahon. “And not just because of the man across the net from the Scot. Andy’s wearing white. White is not a winning colour at Roland Garros. The sooner he changes into his black / grey combo the better. And to make matters worse, Djokovic is wearing tangerine and black, the colours of the world famous Dundee United FC!!”
Second set: Murray* 3-6, 1-0 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray needs to hold here. He does hold here. Even Djokovic can’t reach a backhand volley at 40-15.
The court is getting a good watering. Djokovic has a towel wrapped around him.
Novak Djokovic wins the first set 6-3!
Djokovic sends out an emphatic message by drilling two identical forehand winners down the line for 30-0. He’s won eight straight points! Murray responds by slapping a forehand return from right to left away for 30-15, but he’s still got a lot to do from this position. Even more when Djokovic pings a forehand out of reach for two set points. An ace down the middle seals the deal. Murray has a quick look to check if it was in, but he’s soon walking back to his chair. The first set is Djokovic’s and without wishing to get ahead of myself, the match may well be his too. Murray has never beaten Djokovic after losing the first set. He’ll be furious with himself. That break to love was dreadful. A gift. He totally lost concentration. Did Djokovic’s blinking frenzy get to him? There didn’t appear to be much wrong with the world No1 roughly two minutes after his apparent dizzy spell.
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First set: Murray* 3-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray is in trouble when he knocks a poor forehand long to make it 0-30. He needs a Djokovician response here. A first serve would be most welcome. He gets one. Djokovic’s return is plonked into the open court - and Murray somehow spanks an easy forehand miles wide! Distracted? That was awful and Djokovic has three break points. He only needs one, Murray dragging an appalling backhand wide. Djokovic breaks and will serve for the opening set. Ho hum.
It seems that Djokovic called for the doctor during the changeover, before sending him away. He settles for an ice towel instead.
First set: Murray 3-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Murray ups the aggression and seizes the first point with a measured forehand, before Djokovic nets a backhand to make it 0-30. It’s Djokovic’s turn to come under pressure now. How will he handle it? Not so badly. He wins the next four points. And here’s something to keep an eye on. At 0-30, Djokovic was blinking furiously and motioning to his box as if the heat is making him feel dizzy. Murray probably doesn’t want to fool for that. He’ll have to focus all his energy on not letting that 0-30 squirm out of his grasp.
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First set: Murray* 3-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray leaves a backhand short and Djokovic charges forward to crunch a forehand away for 0-15. Djokovic might just be stirring. But midway through a see-sawing rally, he seems to lose his focus after a shout from someone in the crowd and he pulls a fairly straightforward forehand wide. Djokovic is livid and flings his arms up into the air. Murray moves to 30-15, but Djokovic is turning the screw a tad here, and outlasts Murray at 30-all to earn his first break point, Murray slicing into the net. This is tense. Djokovic is so unpredictable in the rallies. You’re never quite sure what’s coming next. I certainly didn’t expect him to splutter a backhand long on break point. But that’s what he does here. Deuce, a let-off for Murray. He survives. He olds thanks to an ace down the middle. Oof. Djokovic was closing in there. He was standing over Murray armed with a giant net, poised to chuck it over him, and he missed. That doesn’t happen much.
First set: Murray 2-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic batters an ace down the middle to start the game. His serve has also improved massively in the past couple of years. Two errants from Djokovic, though, make it 30-all. Djokovic chunters. He’s annoyed with those misses. This has the feeling of an Important Moment. Murray has chances to carve out the first break point of the match. He produces a backhand drop shot that skews awkwardly off the dirt. It’s a fine shot. It would be enough against most players. But Djokovic is there in a flash and he surprises Murray with a sumptuous slash of his forehand. Blimey. 40-30. Djokovic holds when Murray knocks a backhand wide. This is very tight.
First set: Murray* 2-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Murray hits shots that would get past most opponents. Djokovic is a different proposition and he has this eerie ability to turn defence into attack with a single shot. He is so solid. But Murray is serving well at the moment. Three straight points and it’s 40-0. But here’s a warning sign. Djokovic pounces on a weak second serve and pounds a forehand down the line for 40-15. A sliced ace out wide allows Murray to hold, though. “Re your question at 4.17pm, I was in South Africa in February working on a lion sanctuary (I know, get me),” says Nick Williamson. “On one occasion we had to go to a neighbouring ranch to fetch the carcass of a cow that had died of natural causes overnight. Based upon that experience, I can tell you that a cow left in the sun for half a day does not cook; it rapidly “turns”.”
First set: Murray 1-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): There are a few cries of support for Murray before the start of this game. Djokovic ignores them and wins the first point, thrashing a forehand volley back behind Murray, who was scampering off in the opposite direction. Soon it’s 40-0, a canny scooped backhand lob from Djokovic, a feathery touch, doing the job. He holds to love. A simpler hold than his opening service game. It’s been an even start, but it’s becoming obvious that Murray is going to have to be inspired to win three sets today.
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First set: Murray* 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): There are plenty of empty seats about, supporters still milling around outside, perhaps dealing with the disappointment of seeing Tsonga lose to Wawrinka. Those who are present are there to see the first four points shared. It’s 30-all. Murray could do with a first serve here. He manages better than that. An ace down the middle makes it 40-30, but the game goes to deuce, Murray clipping a forehand into the net after a spinning, deceptive drop shot from Djokovic. The level is high. Murray earns a game point with a rasping backhand and holds when Djokovic is forced to hook a forehand long.
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First set: Murray 0-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): It’s time. Novak Djokovic, in wearing a red polo shirt to match the clay, begins the second semi-final of the day. The first rally is typically attritional and it ends with Djokovic sending a backhand wide. Djokovic then wafts a backhand long. It’s 0-30! This is going to be a walk in the park for Murray. Or maybe not. Djokovic wins the next three points. Oh. The next point takes an age to settle. Then Murray pulls the trigger with a cross-court forehand from right to left. Deuce. This is one long first game. Djokovic wipes his face with a towel in between points. He holds Murray off, though, holding thanks to a backhand winner.
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Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re knocking up. Djokovic leads their overall head-to-head 18-8 and has a 5-2 winning record over Murray in grand slams. The last time Murray beat Djokovic? 7 July 2013.
Murray has won his past 15 matches! But Djokovic has won his past 27 matches. Twenty-seven! 27. 27!
This is only the third time that Murray and Djokovic have met on clay. Djokovic won 6-0, 6-4 in Monte Carlo in 2008 - yikes! - and 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 in Rome in 2011. “If John Inverdale cooks his chickens at 34 degrees he will most likely end up in hospital,” says David Penney. What if you cook it at that temperature all day?
Andy Murray is out first, Novak Djokovic a few paces behind him. Battle will commence shortly!
The point is being made that the length of the first semi-final means that the stadium might be half-empty for the start of this one, while supporters head off in search of some refreshment. The atmosphere could be a bit flat.
It’s 34 degrees. “It’s like being a chicken in the oven,” John Inverdale says.
Rain was forecast to disrupt the entire day’s play, but it’s still looking hot and sunny in Paris. They’ve got very slick weather guys in France.
Novak Djokovic The winner of this match will play Stanislas Wawrinka in Sunday’s final. He’s just beaten Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, France’s long hope for a home champion no closer to ending. Over to you, Novak and Andy.
Preamble
Oh how wonderfully, quintessentially British. We’re talking about the weather. The weather is our greatest hope, the weather is Andy Murray’s secret weapon, his closest ally. We’re counting on the weather here. It’s hot in Paris, see, and Novak Djokovic doesn’t always respond well to the heat. They’re saying that the temperature could hit – and you might want to sit down for this – 31 degrees. Scorchio! How will Djokovic, world No1 and fitness freak, cope in these sweltering conditions, under the incessant beating rays of the Parisian sun? You know, I fancy he might just find a way. It’s not like they’re playing this in a Qatari summer. That would be mad! You’d never catch someone trying to pull that one on us.
It’s the hope that kills you. There is every chance that Djokovic could falter in the heat. It has happened before. He didn’t much like it when he lost to Murray in the Wimbledon final in 2013, it got to him a bit in his victory in his semi-final over Ernests Gulbis at Roland Garros last year and was a contributory factor in his defeat to Rafael Nadal in the final. If everyone agrees to worship to the sun Gods all afternoon, then this could be Murray’s to lose.
Another theory is that Djokovic could be on an emotional downer after finally getting that Nadal-shaped monkey off his shoulder. The idea is that he will have placed so much focus on beating Nadal for the first time in seven attempts on the French Open that he will take his eye off the ball against Murray. It’s a theory. It probably doesn’t hold much water. But it’s definitely a theory. You can’t say it’s not a theory.
On the whole, then, it’s hard to see anything but a Djokovic victory today. He’s on a mission. He’s a machine. He is the best player in the world, he beat Murray in the Australian Open final, he wants his first French Open title badly and he could be about to complete the second part of what could turn out to be the first calendar slam since Rod Laver managed it 46 years ago. The man is a phenomenon. Sure, he did not face a vintage Rafael Nadal on Wednesday. But it was still Rafael Nadal, the nine-time champion, the king of clay. Djokovic had to be good. He was brilliant. He’s yet to drop a set. He’s yet to even toy with the idea of dropping a set. The crown is there for the taking.
Unless Murray can end a seven-match losing streak against Djokovic and stop him today. Let’s not totally rule it out. He’s done it before. He’s playing the finest clay-court tennis of his career and is 15-0 on the dirt this year. He’s looking impressive too. He beat Ferrer for the first time on clay on Wednesday, which is no mean feat, and he has the armoury to trouble Djokovic. Beating him, however, requires perfection. Murray needs to serve well, he needs to be positive, he needs to attack and go for his shots. He has the skill and the ability. Sometimes it is about mentality. Djokovic has astonishing levels of self-belief. Murray cannot let himself become distracted if Djokovic starts to play-act, as he did in Melbourne in January. Above all, he cannot afford to experience the kind of dip that saw him hand the third set to Ferrer. And if all that’s still not enough, maybe Murray should just coat the balls in gluten.
Play begins: soon.
