There was something all to familiar about the Australian Open final.
For the third time in five years Murray and Djokovic faced off in the Final and for the third time it was Djokovic was victorious.
After a highly competitive first two sets Murray was eventually beaten 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-0. However there was controversy this year after Djokovic was accused by some of faking injury as he appeared to be struggling before taking the third set and then steam rolling Murray in the fourth. There is no question in my mind that the 'gamesmanship' of Djokovic certainly affected Murray as he appeared to lose his concentration handing Djokovic the fourth set and with it the match.
It was clear that some in the crowd also thought Djokovic's behaviour was unsporting however we didn't see scenes like in last years final after Nadal called for the trainer against Wawrinka .
However this interruption and Murray reaction to it showed again the metal weakness Murray has in his game at the moment, especially when facing Djokovic. Mentally there is no question the Serb has the edge over Murray (as he does over most in the tennis world) and in these key matches that is what gets him over the line. Murray capitulation in the fourth set was tough to see and made for an unfitting end to what had been a terrific first two sets.
With regards to the rest of the year, there are plenty of positives for Murray - back in a Grand Slam final for the first time since Wimbledon 2013 and he looks as if he is going to be in the later stages of all the Grand Slams this year. Now given his tough 2014, this is a great sign for Murray, his fans and Great Britain's Davis Cup hopes. I expect Murray to have a solid year finishing in back in the top 3 in the rankings.
As for Djokovic the Calendar Slam is very much on. There is no doubt that at this moment in time he is dominant in the five-set format against any opponent. Looking ahead to Roland Garros, even though Nadal has won it a staggering 9 times and is the current Champion there is no doubt in my mind that he will falter this year. Djokovic will beat Rafa Nadal if they meet I am sure of that. Looking at who could beat him on that surface, I can only see someone like Wawrinka (who beat him in AUS 2013) being able to do it and even then he is going to have to have the game of his life.
With regards to Wimbledon and the US Open, Murray and Roger Federer present the realistic challenges. Federer bowed out early in Australia but expect he to be back and these are two of his most successful tournaments however the biggest problem for Federer against Djokovic is the 5 set format.
As a result I think at 3/1 Djokovic is a very good bet to achieve the Calendar Slam this year. He is consistently performing and expect to see him in at least the semi-finals, if not the finals, at all three remaining slams.
My prediction for the remainder of the year that Djokovic will win both Roland Garros and the US Open but Federer will win Wimbledon.
It promises to be a very exciting year and one that as a huge tennis fan I cannot wait to watch unfold.
