The annual exhibition once again descended upon Madison Square Garden for the official launch of the North American tennis season. BSO was in attendance to cover the night of tennis.
This year’s BNP Paribas Showdown placed Novak Djokovic against Andy Murray, and opened up with a doubles match between the Bryan brothers– Bob and Mike, and the McEnroes–John and Patrick.
The doubles match proved to be a one sided affair, with the younger Bryan brothers easily taking down the McEnroe duo. As for the main match between Djokovic and Murray, Novak took down Murray in 2 sets winning 6-3, 7-6 in 95 minutes of play.
One thing that never gets old in this exhibition is the true joy exuding from the player’s who get to have fun with the sport they love. Monday’s match also coincided with World Tennis Day, and the global celebration transcended onto the court.
Both Murray and Djokovic have high expectations for themselves going into the season, and much will be asked of them. After a disappointing Australian Open for both men the urgency to get back to top playing level is on. Despite the fact this match was just one for fun, I couldn’t help but notice the intensity from both players.
When I asked Novak if he played up in this match because it is in New York, he replied:
“I think I’ve been maybe once to New York during the winter time, so it’s strange to see the snow and to come to New York this time of the year. But, as I said before it was a great occasion and privilege to be out there with Andy and celebrating the Day of Tennis and playing in such a magnificent arena.”
The next time the two hope to see each other in New York is during the U.S Open, where everything will very much be on the line.