Tennis

[Facecloth]

Was that before or after she lost to Kerber?

I see it was after, I did say she puts in the odd weird performances in Slams nowadays. Honestly that loss to Vinci was a shock but I'm sure many thought it would be a blip, then that loss to Kerber came and because of the year she had last year I didn't think a full decline was on the cards, she's lost Grand Slam Finals before and played far worse than she did in the Kerber match.

Now though I admit these performances are way more frequent, beaten by Azarenka & Kuznetsova as well this season. This French Open, Mladenovic, Putintseva & Bertens all had chances against her, Muguruza ended up being the one to capitalise on her chances.

Let's see how she does at Wimbledon, another title to defend; however with your statement in January I'm starting to agree with you.

Of course she's lost in the past, she's not unbeatable, if she was she'd have 60 plus major now

But yeah there's been a significant down turn in her since Wimbledon last year, in fact even at times during Wimbledon. She doesn't always move well. Her movement even in the Watson match was terrible. Like you say she's giving players chances now even when she beats them. Not as many 6-1 6-1's anymore. I'm pretty sure she's only won one event since August last year, and that's just not the signs that she's going to stay dominant much at the top much longer.

Like I said back in January though she's coming from a level so far above the others that Serena dropping a level won't mean she'll start losing in first rounds. I mean she's made the last two slam finals and we're talking about her dropping off, she clearly still going to compete, just not obliterate everyone she faces.

[kingfox]

Of course she's lost in the past, she's not unbeatable, if she was she'd have 60 plus major now

But yeah there's been a significant down turn in her since Wimbledon last year, in fact even at times during Wimbledon. She doesn't always move well. Her movement even in the Watson match was terrible. Like you say she's giving players chances now even when she beats them. Not as many 6-1 6-1's anymore. I'm pretty sure she's only won one event since August last year, and that's just not the signs that she's going to stay dominant much at the top much longer.

Like I said back in January though she's coming from a level so far above the others that Serena dropping a level won't mean she'll start losing in first rounds. I mean she's made the last two slam finals and we're talking about her dropping off, she clearly still going to compete, just not obliterate everyone she faces.

In my opinion she's less intimidating nowadays, her serve is the only thing intimidating about her, the likes of Muguruza can easily match her in terms of power especially. Her forehand has been pretty bad as well, miss timing it to extremes. She's giving players more chances nowadays, just depends how well they handle those situations mentally, Muguruza on that score nailed it today.

Like I said back in January it was a bit too early to consider a possible decline, despite losing at the US she still had a very good 2015. Now though these performances are definitely far more frequent, imagine if she fails to win a Slam this year, definitely cause for concern if that happens.

[Facecloth]

Great start on the serve lads

[DJ Barry Hammond]

Some excellent points in both games.

[DJ Barry Hammond]

Murray's ripping it to Djokovic now - some stunning stuff!

[foxes_rule1978]

This is impressive from Murray...

[IOWFOX]

Wow! Feared for him abit after the first game but what a reaction from murray.

[Facecloth]

Wow! Never seen a tennis crowd react like they did to the umpire calling that second serve of Murray's good.

[Facecloth]

First set Murray.

[foxes_rule1978]

Great first set from Murray... almost perfect tennis

[leicsmac]

Highly impressive stuff from Murray. First set!

Clearly the French not above ripping it out of one of their own then.

[DJ Barry Hammond]

Andy seems to have got into Novak's head quite a bit?

[leicsmac]

Andy seems to have got into Novak's head quite a bit?

Considering Novak has been in Andy's head for much too long, it would be a welcome change.

I think the occasion has a lot to do with it too...like last year, Novak knows he's one match away from the Career Slam, and it's messing with his head.

[DJ Barry Hammond]

Considering Novak has been in Andy's head for much too long, it would be a welcome change.

I think the occasion has a lot to do with it too...like last year, Novak knows he's one match away from the Career Slam, and it's messing with his head.

Never seen Novak like this against Murray - as you say, it's normally Murray doing the spoils teenager act.

[DJ Barry Hammond]

Sorry Andy, I seem to have jinxed you!

[foxes_rule1978]

Not the best from Murray, Djokovic has stepped it up and Murray struggling now

[Facecloth]

Djokovic has pulled Murray apart in this second set. Murray needs a big swing back in his favour in the next set or I can see Djokovic running away with it.

[foxes_rule1978]

Too many errors in this set, needs to find that range again and quick.

[leicsmac]

One set all.

Rather ominous in that all their grand slam meetings, when it's been 1-1 after the first two sets Novak has always won.

Andy needs a bulletproof start to the third set.

[Facecloth]

Final only going one way now sadly.

[foxes_rule1978]

Not much you can do about that I'm afraid... Murray needs Djokovics level to drop otherwise it is over

[leicsmac]

Yep, seems to be the case.

[foxes_rule1978]

A bit more fight but 6-2 tells you all... unless Murray can miraculously come alive this will be over shortly

[The Horse's Mouth]

c'mon murray

[Facecloth]

Just when you thought it was all over........

It probably still is, but some fight from Murray at least.