Andy Murray Through to 2nd Round in Newport
Once again, Andy Murray saves his best tennis for when he's most expected to lose.
It only took 20 minutes to win the first set 6-1 against Brazil's Ricardo Mello, but after going a break down in the second set, Andy became increasingly frustrated.
Mello took the second set 6-1 and took a 5-2 lead in the deciding set. Murray raised his game, breaking Mello twice to square things up at 5-5. He then lost his service game again and Mello had a chance to serve the match out.
Unbelievably, the game lasted nine deuce points and Murray had to save no less than 5 match points, before breaking Mello again to take the match into a final tie-break.
Murray took a 3-0 lead before losing 5 points in a row to give Mello hope. Murray then won the next four points to win the match 6-1 1-6 7-6 (7-5).
What was the reason for the erratic performance?
The Guardian said Murray "seemed to be both physically and emotionally drained after this match".
Murray said "There were difficult conditions. It was windy today and the balls were heavy. The courts were soft. It was a tough day to play today." And, "He came up with some drop volleys that I really wasn't expecting from a Brazilian."
I say this is another example of Murray struggling in a game he was expected to win comfortably. Take Wimbledon as an example. 1st and 3rd rounds, Murray was the underdog and won in straight sets. In the 2nd and 4th rounds, Murray was the favourite and blew hot and cold.
By that standard, this tournament could prove to be a nightmare for Murray. He is the number one seed so will be favourite in every round. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th seeds have already crashed out of the tournament. Murray may never have an easier chance to win an ATP title, which is probably why he will crash out disappointingly in the qtr-finals and then go on to win the US Open...
Now you might think that I'm being unduly harsh, but look at it this way. The more it gets round that Murray doesn't have a chance of winning in Newport, the greater the likelihood that he will crank his game up a few notches.
So pass it around. Andy Murray doesn't have a prayer in Newport, especially when you consider that the number one seed in Newport has NEVER won the tournament. Ever!
Andy would have to break new ground and surprise everyone to win this particular title ;-)
Sources:
Guardian Unlimited Sport | Tennis | Murray stress as Mello takes some beating
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray labours to Newport victory
It only took 20 minutes to win the first set 6-1 against Brazil's Ricardo Mello, but after going a break down in the second set, Andy became increasingly frustrated.
Mello took the second set 6-1 and took a 5-2 lead in the deciding set. Murray raised his game, breaking Mello twice to square things up at 5-5. He then lost his service game again and Mello had a chance to serve the match out.
Unbelievably, the game lasted nine deuce points and Murray had to save no less than 5 match points, before breaking Mello again to take the match into a final tie-break.
Murray took a 3-0 lead before losing 5 points in a row to give Mello hope. Murray then won the next four points to win the match 6-1 1-6 7-6 (7-5).
What was the reason for the erratic performance?
The Guardian said Murray "seemed to be both physically and emotionally drained after this match".
Murray said "There were difficult conditions. It was windy today and the balls were heavy. The courts were soft. It was a tough day to play today." And, "He came up with some drop volleys that I really wasn't expecting from a Brazilian."
I say this is another example of Murray struggling in a game he was expected to win comfortably. Take Wimbledon as an example. 1st and 3rd rounds, Murray was the underdog and won in straight sets. In the 2nd and 4th rounds, Murray was the favourite and blew hot and cold.
By that standard, this tournament could prove to be a nightmare for Murray. He is the number one seed so will be favourite in every round. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th seeds have already crashed out of the tournament. Murray may never have an easier chance to win an ATP title, which is probably why he will crash out disappointingly in the qtr-finals and then go on to win the US Open...
Now you might think that I'm being unduly harsh, but look at it this way. The more it gets round that Murray doesn't have a chance of winning in Newport, the greater the likelihood that he will crank his game up a few notches.
So pass it around. Andy Murray doesn't have a prayer in Newport, especially when you consider that the number one seed in Newport has NEVER won the tournament. Ever!
Andy would have to break new ground and surprise everyone to win this particular title ;-)
Sources:
Guardian Unlimited Sport | Tennis | Murray stress as Mello takes some beating
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray labours to Newport victory
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