While this edition of Wimbledon has been a barrage of upsets and surprising outcomes, including Rafael Nadal getting ousted on the first day, followed by Roger Federer in Round 2, the last two standing are as predictable as possible. No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Andy Murray will face off at 9:00 a.m. for the Wimbledon title. Live stream Djokovic vs. Murray here.
Djokovic is coming off what is likely the best match of Wimbledon 2013 on Friday, a marathon semifinal win over No. 8 Juan Martin Del Potro, a match that lasted five sets and took four hours and 43 minutes to complete. At the end, Djokovic had won 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (6), 6-3.
When asked to describe his lengthy battle Djokovic said, "Draining. One of the most exciting matches I've ever played in my life."
The five set win marked his tenth victory out of his last 12 five-set matches, proving his mental strength as matches drag along. That record in close, long matches means Murray's best bet is to leap out in front of Djokovic, and put his foot down on him if he can get ahead.
Murray overcame a small bit of adversity in his semifinal match against No. 24 Jerry Janowicz, falling a set behind before winning the next three sets for a 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win.
"I was very relieved after the semis last year, whereas this year ... I was a bit happier," said Murray. "I'll be probably in a better place mentally. I would hope so, just because I've been there before."
The crowd will likely be in Murray's pocket; British fans have waited 77 years for a British player to come away with a Wimbledon crown. The last Brit to win at Wimbledon was Fred Perry, who took down the prestigious Grand Slam in 1936.
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