I may not often venture much further than the football stadium to watch live sport, but I do consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur of sport in general. Well, it’s a fancy way of saying fair-weather fan but I’m sticking with it.
So today (yesterday for you readers) marks a particularly significant day of sport. Kicking off is the Australian Open tennis final, where Scotland’s own Andy Murray goes up against Novak Djokovic for the chance to win his third Grand Slam title. Later on we have the historic 400th Old Firm Derby, with Celtic and Rangers going head-to-head for the first time in 3 years. Then late at night we have the spectacle of Superbowl XLIX (49) with the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots in America’s biggest and most favourite sporting occasion.
What this post will be is a chronicle my day of watching sport and the events that take place. A cross between a sporting live blog and a sleep diary, I think it’ll be interesting to see how my attitudes towards the massive sporting events taking place changes across the day.
You can find each different event on it’s own separate page.
2015 Australian Open Final – Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic
8:10 am – Despite being perhaps my earliest Sunday morning since the last time I got up early to watch tennis, I’m up and ready to go.
Andy Murray takes on Novak Djokovic today in search of his third Grand Slam title in the Australian Open final.
Despite having a tough 2014, where coaching changes and injury combined to produce one of his worst seasons since his rise to the top of the game, Andy Murray has kicked off this year in great form. He has lost only two sets on the way to the final, and with Djokovic having played an extra set and done so later on on Friday – he’ll have the edge when it comes to fatigue near the end of what is sure to be a long match this morning.
8:23am – While I’ve followed Murray many times before on his journey through Grand Slam, I must admit to being a general fair-weather fan when it comes to tennis. I’ll keep tabs on the major tournaments but will only start watching matches when it’s clear that Murray is going to do well. Of course I’ll watch a bit more of Wimbledon, but that’s part of my general theory of watching as many major sporting events as I can.
8:30am – Murray is probably still the underdog here, and is playing it up in the pre-match interview. According to the man himself, he has only won once against Djokovic in his last eight matches and has failed to beat him in their three previous encounters in Melbourne.
8:32am – Players taking the court now. Time for some predictions – Murray in 5 sets. I think his form is in and that he’ll be able to hold on a bit more in the later sets, although Djokovic will push him all the way.
8:41am – Still warming up here. Standard Grand Slam fare from the pundits, talking up Djokovic as the favourite but still predicting a long game with both players having their moments. It’s going to be interesting at least.
8:43am – Game On – with Djokovic serving first
8:52am – Both players hold their first service games, although things were tougher for Murray as he was pushed to deuce. Murray is playing aggressively but not all of his shots are quite coming off as of yet.
8:58am – Murray causes Djokovic some trouble with 2 break points to be had, but Djokovic manages to gain control of the game and win it. Djokovic began to get into his rhythm with gaining the upper hand of the exchanges, and has come into the net a little more to play shots that Murray couldn’t cope with.
9:03am – Djokovic breaks the Murray serve. Novak has proven too powerful from the baseline as well with Murray’s serves and takes the 4th game rather comfortably. 3-1 Djokovic.
9:12am – Both players hold their serve again, with Murray playing some great shots in the last point there. Incidentally, Kim Sears is sporting a great look today to hit back after some of her offhand comments were captured during Friday’s match. Well played indeed! https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8vyqTsCIAAqjR6.jpg
9:20am – Murray breaks back, taking the third break point to put the game back on serve. Djokovic doesn’t look as comfortable as he normally does, which is a testament to Murray’s form in the tournament and here again today.
9:27am – Djokovic breaks back though, despite Murray being 30-0 up. This set is firmly within the Serb’s grasp now, even though both players have been mostly even – with some bad breaks for Murray coming from the net cord.
9:29am – Great point there with both players coming into the net at different times, but Murray plays the defensive lob shots much better and takes it. Could be a key one if Murray goes on to break here.
9:31am – And he does! Long rallies in that game but Murray manages to come out on top. Djokovic has a small finger injury and is calling for the trainer. Not exactly ideal given the potential this game has for going the distance.
9:36am – Comfortable hold there from Murray. Djokovic making uncharacteristic mistakes and Murray keeping his cool. A role reversal of sorts from the usual way this contest goes.
9:44am – The first set goes to a tie-break, and Djokovic kicks it off with a double-fault.
9:55am – Djokovic wins the first set 7-5 in the tie-break.
Murray goes from 4-2 up to losing the tie-break, with a range of unforced errors, including a double-fault of his own. An epic set, but those little mistakes have proved crucial.
10:04am – Murray gets out quick in the second set though, breaking Djokovic and taking a 2-0 lead. Djokovic has a fall and seems to be struggling with his ankle, adding to the injury to his thumb earlier in the game. These little niggles might be accounting for the Serb’s rather uncharacteristic lack of focus.
10:10am – Djokovic breaks back with Murray now the one making mistakes. Things are very topsy-turvy so far in this match for sure! Some great tennis rallies here and there, but many of the games have been characterised by mistakes.
10:15am – Almost constant apology for the language of the players here on the BBC coverage. Surely no-one’s expecting it to be family-friendly are they?
10:20am – Djokovic holds and then breaks again to go 3-2 up. He has found his composure in this game while Murray has started to waver a little, with shots into the net and wide. The underdog has been put back in his place for now it seems, the set has turned on its head within the space of ten minutes. Hopefully Murray’s signature dip in these big games is over soon.
10:28am – Both players hold serve again, and that is important for Murray to steady the ship a little.
10:31am – Someone’s ran on to court I think, but the security teams step in quickly and protect the players that were in their chairs by the side of the court. Strange to see this sort of thing at a tennis match, would never happen at Wimbledon!
10:34am – Told the disturbance was actually people unfurling a flag. Didn’t really see it in checking Twitter in between games.
10:38am – Murray breaks back to make it 4-4 after a great game where he made some great reflex shots. His new tactic of being more aggressive and taking the game to Djokovic is paying off. We’re back on serve.
10:47am – Commentators now beginning to fawn over the rallies in the game. Murray having the better of them so far with some deft shots taking Djokovic’s serve to deuce. Murray can win the set here.
10:52am – After saving set point and failing at two game points, Djokovic holds his serve in the end to make it 5-5. Some really good tennis on show, with both players hitting incredible shots under pressure – especially when coming towards the net and being forced into it.
11:02am – Murray’s turn to dig deep now as he saves two break points, once with an ace, to take the lead again 6-5. These are the games that make Grand Slam finals the special occasions they are.
11:06am – Into another tie-break we go as Djokovic holds. Murray takes the lead with an ace but Djokovic tries to claim a let, but umpire holds the point up.
11:10am – Murray changes ends 4-2 up. Some good points and good defensive tennis from him although Djokovic is still pushing.
11:15am – Murray takes the second set 7-4! Great tennis from Murray and the game really comes to life now. Two and a half hours in and both players still need to win two sets more if they want to win. Incredible stuff!
11:21am – Murray once again kicks-off the set with a break, aggravating Djokovic’s injury with some tricky baseline shots and putting enough doubt in his mind to win the game.
11:32am – After two comfortable holds though Djokovic breaks Murray again, showing no signs of any injury. It’s such an unpredictable game.
11:45am – Two more holds but Murray misses out on a break point against Djokovic there as he is outgunned by a short slice over the net making him almost run into the ballboy as he tries to save it. Djokovic 4-3 up and with serve.
11:51am – Murray double-faults to lose another break to Djokovic, who raced to 40-0 up. Signs of frustration getting to Murray now.
11:54am – Djokovic wins the third set 6-3 and goes 2 sets-1 up in the match. From a point where Murray could have broken for the second time to take real control of the third set, Djokovic has come back. Lots of errors from Murray in the last few games have cost him dearly. A less epic set for sure.
12:00pm – Djokovic breaks Murray in the 1st game of the 4th set as exhaustion really sets in for the Scot. Two shots hit into the set from very easy positions show that things are falling away. If he’s got any chance of coming back into this match he has to push Djokovic now.
12:05pm – A good hold from Djokovic there despite a comeback of sorts from Murray. A lovely little exchange at the net with badminton-esque drop shots. This game hasn’t had lots of interesting rallies like that one so far.
12:08pm – Another break from Djokovic and it seems as though it’s time to get the engraver ready. Murray’s looking exhausted and starting to show the old signs of his frustration that self-perpetuates.
12:15pm – Djokovic holds and although Murray is still fighting he is out on his feet.
12:18pm – Djokovic breaks Murray again to go 5-0 up, Murray’s confidence and ability has collapsed since the middle of the third set and now it’s almost over. A sad end to the game, but Djokovic has managed to keep going despite his injury troubles.
12:22pm – Djokovic wins the Australian Open 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-0. A tremendous display from Djokovic at the end there as he powers through an increasingly exhausted Murray to take another Australian Open title.
12:28pm – Time for a break now. For the 4th time Andy Murray falls at the final hurdle, but still a tremendous credit to Scottish sport. Hopefully the next big event of the day is just as much as of a credit. It’s Celtic v Rangers in the Scottish League Cup Semi-Final.
Scottish League Cup Semi-Final – Celtic v Rangers
1.15pm – Excitement is certainly hitting me now. The first Old Firm derby in three years and all for a place in the League Cup final. Of course Celtic are heavy favourites, but I think that the occasion might just stunt them a little and make the final score a little closer than could be expected.
1.27pm – Teams are in the tunnel now. Predicting a 2-0 win for Celtic, comfortable but not a really big score.
1.30pm – Rangers kick off the 400th Old Firm derby. It’s underway.
1.35pm – Start you might expect, a little cautious but Celtic with the ball and the possession so far.
1.38pm – Scott Brown concedes a free kick just outside the box which Stephen Smith whips in for Rangers, but Craig Gordon claims in comfortably.
1.39pm – GOAL for Celtic as Leigh Griffiths rises above the Rangers defence and heads in a Johanson cross to start the scoring 9 minutes in.
1.42pm – Life has been sparked into the game here and the Celtic fans are in full voice. Ominous start to the game from a Rangers perspective.
1.47pm – Rangers have a spell on the ball but can’t do anything with it. Celtic go forward again through Johanson and Izaguirre and look dangerous. This isn’t the classic Old Firm derby with both sides threatening, at least so far.
1.49pm – Corner to Rangers as Smith and Miller link up well on the left-wing. Aird swings it in but it goes far over the penalty box. A chance wasted.
1.53pm – Celtic passing the ball well, at least as well as you can on the torn up Hampden pitch. Comfortably in control of the match. Rangers aren’t able to do anything with the ball when they have it.
1.57pm – Anthony Stokes fires a shot over the bar as he gets some space on the left hand side of the pitch after another Rangers attack breaks down early.
1.58pm – Celtic corner but Hutton heads it clear first before Simonsen punches the ball to safety.
2.01pm – GOAL from Kris Commons as he fires a great shot into the top-left corner of the net as it breaks to him. 2-0 Celtic and surely game over already.
2.04pm – Griffiths through on goal but game is pulled back for a foul on Scott Brown. Celtic are furious.
2.09pm – Celtic go close again as Van Dijk heads over from inside the six-yard box from Stokes’ cross. All Celtic at the moment.
2.10pm – Great save from Rangers keeper Simonsen as a Johansen is clear in front of goal after a great move but can only fire at the stoppers’ legs.
2.12pm – After 42 minutes we have our first proper Old Firm challenge as Michael Lustig slides in studs-up. Booking for him.
2.15pm – Half-time and it’s Celtic 2-0 Rangers. Comfortable so far for the Hoops as they show they are a class above.
2.22pm – Going to take something special from Rangers or something calamitous from Celtic to change the way this tie is going at the moment. Simonsen perhaps could have done better for both goals so far but Rangers are lucky not to be further behind.
2.32pm – Back underway early as Celtic kick off the 2nd half. Aird off for Rangers with Daly replacing him.
2.34pm – Commons gets an early shot at goal in that Simonson stops and scrambles to keep under control.
2.38pm – Celtic knocking at the door with a few balls through the Rangers defence almost resulting in chances. Kenny Miller almost feeds through Jon Daly at the other end but the balls runs too long.
2.40pm – Leigh Griffiths curls a free-kick a foot wide of Simonsen’s right-hand post. Almost all Celtic still, with the Rangers midfield barely in the game at all.
2.42pm – Kenny Miller breaks free on the right-wing and puts in a dangerous cross into the box but it comes to nothing. Miller’s down after Van Dijk’s follow through, but should be alright to continue. Sadly the Rangers fans are starting to find their voice through unacceptable songs.
2.44pm – Griffiths goes down in the box after controlling a long ball under a challenge from Lee Wallace & Ian Black, but nothing given.
2.47pm – Tackles are flying in now as the blood and thunder aspect of the game comes into it. Neither team are really asserting themselves and creating chances.
2.51pm – Rangers have a good spell but their drilled crosses into the box from Smith and Foster don’t find men in blue shirts. Celtic break forward and play a slower passing game, trying to find their rhythm again.
2.54pm – Rangers still throwing balls forward, but don’t have enough players far enough forward to do anything with it. Celtic are obviously dangerous on the break and the threat of a third goal is slowing them down.
2.56pm – Leigh Griffiths off for John Guidetti, as Celtic try to get back into their first half rhythm.
3.03pm – Scrappy game at the moment with no real chancs for either team. Rangers could get back in this with a goal but still no shots on goal
3.05pm – James Forrest balloons a shot over the bar. Celtic back in some control, with just over 10 minutes to go.
3.08pm – Forrest has a mazy run through the box and tries to chip it towards the back post but again puts it over. Kenny Millers comes off for Kenny Clark for Rangers.
3.11pm – Mikael Lustig is replaced by Adama Matthews for Celtic. The excitement in the game has gone completely.
3.13pm – Guidetti fouled by McCulloch on the edge of the box but free kick goes the other way, strange decision.
3.15pm – Guidetti goes close with an attempted overhead kick, but is called offside anyway.
3.16pm – Black wins a free kcik for Rangers on the edge of the Celtic box as he’s brought down by Johanson. He takes the kick himself but again fails to get it past the first Celtic defenders. Rangers’ set-pieces have been very poor this afternoon.
3.20pm – Scott Brown puts in a strong challenge on Ian Black and is yellow carded for it. Players of both teams come together but there is no altercations. Brown has been good, controlling the Celtic team and keeping things ticking.
3.22pm – Full time as Celtic win 2-0 against Rangers to go through to the League Cup Final. Celtic were the better team for most of the game, but the second half was scrappy and stopped the Hoops from finding the first half form that threatened a demolition job.
3.26pm – As I predicted, a simple win for Celtic but not the drubbing that many had envisioned. That’s it from me until later tonight, with Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks!
Superbowl XLIX – New England Patriots v Seattle Seahawks
11.05pm – It’s late at night now here in Britain, but it’s Superbowl time! Tonight the Seahawks take on the Patriots in the biggest event in the American sports calendar.
11.17pm – No-one does the over-wraught pomp and ceremony like the Americans, not for any military or state event, it’s the Superbowl where the proper
11.25pm – I’m in no way an American Football expert, but I think it’s a fun sport and although it’s broken up way too much by America’s insatiable love of advertising it’s still worth watching when it’s tense. The chance of the last-minute hail-Mary action is what makes it.
11.27pm – What I’m hoping for is a Seahawks win. They had such an incredible victory last year, and with the Patriots’ somewhat controversial reputation with Bellichick I think it’s perhaps what the neutral should want. Also the Patriots are favourites, and it’s fun to root for the underdog!
11.31pm – The Seahawks kick-off SuperBowl XLIX
11.41pm – Both teams trade plays without making up much grounds on the pitch, close game so far.
11.50pm – Patriots with a good play here, inside the Seahawks’ 30. Not making big gains so far, but making their way up the pitch nicely.
11.53pm – Brady throws an interception to the Seahawks! With a great opportunity to throw a touchdown within the Seahawks’ 20, Brady throws it into empty space and it’s picked up. Great spell of pressure from Patriots comes to an end with 2 minutes left in the first quarter.
1.58pm – First quarter ends scoreless. Tight game so far with the Patriots having the best spell of pressure so far.
0.03pm – Another turnover, Seahawks lose their small spell of possession cheaply. Cue the adverts!
0.09pm – New England almost have a touchdown but pass is incomplete, closest to scoring yet. Big 50 yard gain there as well so Patriots are just 14 yards from the end zone.
0.11pm – Touchdown Patriots! First blood to New England as Lavell picks up the ball and hops into the end zone. Kick is good as well, 7-0 Patriots.
0.25pm – Seahawks force a turnover and set up another run to equalise, if that’s the right turn for it.
0.31pm – Massive catch from Russell Wilson of the Seahawks to gain 50 yards up the pitch. 20 yards from the end zone!
0.33pm – Marshawn Lynch scores a touchdown for the Seahawks! Kick is good and it’s levelled up
0.38pm – 2 minute warning ‘til half-time. Still quite a tight game, with only small gains for either team really.
0.47pm – Patriots doing their best here to get a score before the half-time curtain falls.
0.48pm – Touchdown Patriots! Grondowski gets on the end of Brady’s throw and puts the Patriots at an advantage into half-time. 14-7 Patriots.
0.52pm – Seahawks making good progress, inside Patriots half. 20 seconds to go on the game clock.
0.58pm – Last second touchdown from the Seahawks! Matthews catches it on the bell to go in at the break 14-14.
1:00am – Half-time and time for the Katy Perry half-time show. What we’ve all been waiting for.
1.13am – She comes in on a big, twenty foot tall lion operated from below. And it roars and bucks and everything!
1.17am – Typical colourful stuff from Katy here, medley of hits as well. What you’d expect, but perhaps better than her normal live performances.
1.24am – And it finishes with Firework of course! Great half-time show I think.
1.33am – Game gets back underway with Patriots kicking-off.
1.35am – Great catch from Matthews there as the Seahawks make a 50-yard play to get inside the Patriots 20.
1.37am – Seahawks take a punt to take the lead for the first time, 17-14 Seahawks.
1.47am – Patriots struggling to make the gains they need.
1.48am – Seahawks interception to gain possession again on the Patriots 45. Could be a game-changer.
1.51am – Seahawks get two penalties in a row in their favour, helping them towards the Patriots’ end zone.
1.53am – Doug Baldwin is wide open and catches it for a touchdown! Seahawks pull further ahead, 24-14 now.
1.57am – Seahawks kick it off and Patriots return to their 40 yard line. 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
2.06am – Seahawks get it back and immediately take 40 yards. Play is with them at the moment. Brady’s throwing arm isn’t finding his usual rhythm.
2.09am – Nothing comes of it and the ball’s back with the Patriots.
2.12am – End of third quarter and Seahawks up by 10.
2.18am – Patriots have it with 60 yards to go.
2.21am – Brady sacked! Sums up his night at the moment.
2.27am – Patriots touchdown. From a 2nd & 18 Patriots drive it home into the end zone. Just under 8 minutes left too, Seahawks 24-21 ahead.
2.31am – Patriots back in it now, very exciting game at hand.
2.39am – Seahawks don’t do much with their effort and give the Patriots a back door into the game as they advance slowly again.
2.47am – Patriots back in the lead with another touchdown! Patriots 28-24 ahead now. 2 minutes for a Seahawks revival.
2.51am – 2 minute warning and Patriots have opened up a 4 point gap. Seahawks need a touchdown now to take it.
2.57am – Unbelievable 50 yard pass there as the ball is dropped by the receiver onto himself and then he runs to within a few yards of the end zone.
3.00am – Amazing drama as a Seahawks touchdown pass is intercepted on the goal line to give Patriots the play, and with 20 seconds to go – a Patriots win
3.04am – Bit of shine taken off the win as a bit of a scrap breaks out. Patriots just need to run down the clock with a play here, but Seahawks are frustrated.
3.06am – There’s the end of the game – Patriots win the Superbowl 28-24! A thrilling finish to what was a tremendously close game, the Patriots stuttered through the game but Tom Brady came good in the last quarter to seal the win.
3.08am – It’s been a long day, and I have to admit I’m feeling very tired now. That was my long day of sport, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it.