The 1st Thread/2012 US Open/S-Thread For 9/10/12: The Tactics For the Men's Final (Murray/Djokovic)

The last time they have played in this friendly rivalry (and I emphasize friendly rivalry) between the two gentlemen that has lasted for more than a decade was of course at The Olympics: 
Now the key things in that match that lead to Murray's great victory 5 weeks ago were more pace on his forehand, and just playing the bigger points with the placidity he lacked consistently in big matches versus his more accomplished Big 4 brethren (Big 4 consisting of course Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic with Murray, though many will only include Murray in with the rest of the Big 3 only when he wins a Grand Slam, Olympic results be damned).

OVERALL KEY:
The serve and the calm of Andy Murray is everything in this match. If he hits his spots and his serve, and has the calm on his forehand and movement, then he wins this match. He has a little bit more versatility in his game than Djokovic and has found that needed baseline strength required to beat him in the most pivotal of encounters.

The tactics for both men, and what they need to do for victory right below. Both players obviously need to serve well against their rivals' great return abilities, so that is already understood. It is when the point is neutral is where the match will definitely be decided.

For Djokovic:
1. At times, take some pace off and hit some short balls to test Murray on the forehand side.
2. Come to the net, as you have been volleying well, though on clever approach shots.
3. Get your big matches dominance against the Top 4 today. Be determined and not distracted by the little things.
4. Accept the fact that the crowd will be against you from point one unless you go down 2-0 in sets.

For Murray:
1. Calm, calm, and calm, enjoy the moment and have fun out there. Show your Olympic mentality.
2. Establishing the flame pace serving (130 MPH and more) early and mix it up there after.
3. Your forehand is everything.
4. Get Djokovic off the baseline as well with smart drop shots.

Prediction:
Both men need to stay ahead in the rallies and use the drop shots in auspicious positions in the court. It's about putting the other player on edge, something both men can easily exhibit in their expressive frustrations on the court when times go rough for them.

In the end however, this is Murray's time if he is at his best today like he was at the Olympics. He showed at the Olympics he is tired of being everyone's laughingstock and easy joke (at least in the minds of American sports columnists who are casual viewers of tennis like Dan LeBatard).  And he will take this match in four sets today. Let the Big 4 exist for a while.