So there we were again – those of us with access to Sky Sports, that is – sitting on the edge of our sofas, willing the improbable to pass, and willing indeed to stay up very late to watch it happen.
But it was not to be. Few on this earth – with the possible exception of Rafael Nadal – could have beat Roger Federer in the ‘grapple in the Apple’ on the Arthur Ashe court last night. Andy Murray clearly could not – this time.
And yet, and yet! There were glimpses of the Murray that has, and I’m sure will again, beat Federer. Murray loves Flushing Meadows – its vastness, its buzz, its NYC setting; and hard court seems to be his favourite surface. So expect him to compete well here again next year.
But what of last night? We could grumble, petulantly, that Murray was a victim of tropical storm Hanna and the US networks, and was simply worn out after his epic win over Nadal, played over two long days.
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