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Wimbledon – Day 13 – LIVE

Britwatch Team
Tennis

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By Thomas Dodd

  • Wimbledon Men’s Final Day
  • Andy Murray [2] v Milos Raonic [6]
  • Also Heather Watson (Mixed Doubles), Gordon Reif (Wheelchair Singles) & Jordanne Whiley (Wheelchare Doubles)

WIMBLEDON, UK – The conclusion of 14 days (yes count them) of Wimbledon comes as 2013 champion Andy Murray faces Milos Raonic in the Gentlemen’s Singles final.

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 Men’s Final Preview

The biggest mistake that anyone can make is to assume that Murray will simply walk his way to a second Wimbledon title and his third Grand Slam.

The Brit had to come from a set and a break down against Raonic at Queen’s to clinch a record fifth title there.

And do not forget that it was Raonic who had Murray in his sights at the Australian Open before his body let him down. A new improved Raonic, with John McEnroe (himself a three-time Wimbledon champion) in his corner has added that edge to his game that made him a danger in the semi-final.

Murray can’t hope for Raonic to go away mentally, rather like Berdych on Friday. Instead he will need to be dialled in to his return game, and be ready to come in, and find genius in those passing shots of his.

Raonic’s three wins against Murray have come on hard courts, with small margins – often a single break deficit in sets. The danger for Murray is that Raonic knows if he gets off to a quick start on grass, a set can pass by very quickly.

The Brit did not really have to step a gear against Berdych, and after that five setter to reach the semi-final, the recover and short time on court should be of more benefit.

Lendl had the better of the playing relationship over John McEnroe, but can the super-coach effect bring about the same result for their charges?

Murray is in his 11th Grand Slam final and for the first time faces someone different to Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic.

Raonic does not come across as the kind of person who will be over-awed by occasion, but Murray will need to get the crowd on his side quickly. He will have spent less time on court than the Canadian but has to be switched on from the word go.

Raonic may have to pull himself through another five-setter if he wants to get his hands on his first Grand Slam title.