When Andy Murray won the gold medal at the London Olympics after a virtuoso performance against Roger Federer, the question on everyone's mind was this help him in finally breaking his Grand Slam drought.
The answer to that question will be given when Murray faces a resurgent Novak Djokovic in the finals of the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows.
Murray got the better of Djokovic in the Olympics semi-final, but on a different surface and with a different mentality, it remains to be seen how the Brit steps up against an opponent who has constantly beaten him in Grand Slam finals.
Going 0-4 in the finals of Majors is not a great statistic to have, and that record will be put to the fullest test against the Serbian world number two.
"We are big rivals and we have been in top of the men's game for a long time, so we know each other really well," Djokovic said. "The last match he has won in Olympic Games. Also close one.
"But it's a different surface, obviously. With the different surface different tactics apply. So we'll see. Tomorrow I guess there is no clear favorite."
As much as Djokovic might want to play down the favorites tag, the defending champion will start the favorite. He has already done it all before, and except for the French Open, which is almost impossible to win if you have a certain Rafael Nadal in the draw, Djokovic has won all the other three Grand Slams.
Djokovic lives for the huge occasions and always seems to bring out his best tennis in the big games. Big-match play has become Djokovic's forte and Murray will not just need to come out with all-guns-blazing, but will need to sustain the momentum throughout the match.
"I handled a big match against him well in Australia this year," Murray said of the Australian Open semi-final defeat. "It was a great match. I think both of us played very well. It came down to a couple of points.
"I know how much the Olympics meant to all of the players, and winning against him in the Olympic semi-final, you know, was a big win for me. I know how tough it is to beat the top, top players in big matches.
"I have had some tough losses against him, but also had some big highs against him, as well. So obviously will be an unbelievably tough match. He moves very well on the hard courts.
"He's a top, top player, one of the best players that's played. The year he had last year is incredible. I know it's going to be very, very, very, very tough match."
Djokovic will favored to win, but Murray will be hoping it is fifth-time lucky for him in a Grand Slam final.
