Performance of the Week

Well this weeks performance of the week would have been the winner of what is now today's US Open men's final. With so many potential stories behind this years winner it seemed like an obvious choice. Now hurricane Hannah has got in the way and I now have to look elsewhere, however I don't have to go very far.

After a superb second week at the tournament beating Stanlis Wawrinka, Juan Martin Del Potro and finally Rafael Nadal my performance of the week goes to Andy Murray for his stunning four set victory over Nadal last night.

All the ingredients were there for what was set to be a classic encounter Nadal was aiming for his third successive Slam victory, while Murray in his first Grand Slam semi-final was hoping to beat the Spainard for the first time in his career.

Murray got off to the perfect start breaking Nadal in the third game to take a 3-1 lead. He broke the world number one again in the seventh game and eventually took the set 6-2.

The second set, with Nadal again not able to live with Murray's constant baseline domination went the Scot's way. In truth he should have won the set before he eventually did in a tie-break. An incredible 7 break points fell his way without taking any of them before he took his 2 set lead.

Nadal seeked to turn the match around as he took the opening game of the set to open up his own 3-1 lead. Murray created only one chance to get back into the set in the final game before Nadal took it 6-4.

The fourth set started the same way as the third with Nadal taking another break. Murray's resilience that he showed against Del Potro shone through as he saved a double-break point to keep himself in contention. Murray then missed out on 8 break points in the next game as Nadal seemed to be closing out the set.

Murray then sensationally broke back to level the game at 4-4 and send the home crowd into raptures. He severed his own faultless service game out before unleashing upon Nadal, and he finally secured the victory with a backhand after chasing a Ndal drop shot.

This victory is amazing for so many reason, maybe most notable for the man that he beat. Nadal is a man mountain in this sport right now and a victory from anyone against him is notable in itself, in a Grand Slam semi-final is just brilliant.

It is now left to be seen whether he can push on and defeat Roger Federer in tonight's final and secure his first Grand Slam victory.