Andy Murray - One Year On - July 31 - August 4 2006

One year ago this week, Andy Murray was playing in a Challenger level tournament in Quebec.

Murray reached the Qtr-Finals, but was knocked out by Gregory Carraz. At the time Murray's world ranking was 153.

Source:
Andy Murray Reaches the Quarter-Finals in Quebec

Andy Murray Receives Bye Through 1st Rnd - Legg Mason, Washington, USA

Andy Murray is seeded 8th in this competition and so receives a bye to the 2nd round.

Murray will play his 2nd round match, most likely on Wednesday and will face either Ramon Delgado (109) or Peter Luczak (149).

Looking at the shape of the draw, Murray has the possibility of meeting Agassi (formerly coached by Brad Gilbert) in the Qtr-Finals.

Source:
Legg Mason Tennis Classic - Website

Draw Made Today For Legg Mason Tennis Classic - Washington, USA

Andy Murray is scheduled to play in this tournament that begins on Monday.

The draw and schedule are due to be made later on today, so keep your eyes open for the next update.

Andy Roddick is the defending champion.

Source:
Legg Mason Tennis Classic

Andy Murray To Become Early Riser?

Brad Gilbert, Andy Murray's new coach, has penned a great introductory article in The Times newspaper.

In it he discusses some of the techniques he will be using but is keen to stress the importance of finding compromises where their opinions differ.

This is an interesting insight into Gilbert's techniques and offers an encouraging glimpse into Murray's potential

Source:
Here's your wake-up call Andy, because hard work starts now - Sport - Times Online

Andy Murray Has Neck Scan - No Serious Damage

Andy Murray's official website confirms that he suffered muscle spasms after the five set doubles defeat to Israel.

Fortunately, there is no significant damage and Murray could be back in action as early as Monday.

Source:
andymurray.com | Scan reveals no significant damage

Murray & Deglado Defeated in Davis Cup Doubles

Last year, GB defeated the Israel pairing of Ram & Erlich, but this time around Israel had their revenge in a five-set thriller.

Murray & Delgado won two of the first three sets and, at one point, led 4-1 in the deciding set. But Ram & Erlich won the next five games in a row to take the match - 3-6 6-3 5-7 6-3 6-4

Sadly, Murray injured his neck and shoulder during the final set whilst making some desperate lunges.

The injury was enough to rule Murray out of the rest of the tie. Delgado, replaced Murray and put up an incredibly brave performance against Okun, winning the 3rd and 4th sets, but Israel wrapped up the victory with one match to spare.

GB will now face a play-off in September against Ukraine to see who will be relegated.

Source:
BBC SPORT Tennis Delgado loss spells woe for Brits
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Davis Cup doubles woe for Britain

Andy Murray & Jamie Delgado Vs Andy Ram & Jonathan Erlich - Davis Cup - GB Vs Israel

This is the first time Murray & Delgado have played together and they will have to gel quickly to beat the experienced doubles partnership of Ram & Erlich.

Ram's fitness, after yesterday's five-setter, could prove crucial.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray set for Cup doubles battle

Andy Murray Defeats Ram in Five Set Epic - Davis Cup - GB Vs Israel

Watching Andy Murray lose the first two sets to Andy Ram 6-2 6-4 was grim viewing and eerily reminiscent of his performance against Baghdatis.

3-4 poor shots for every good one and a multitude of unforced errors, Murray made Ram, a player 600 ranking places the inferior, look like a world-beater. To be fair, the main reason that Ram is ranked so lowly is simply that he doesn't play singles often, in fact only one tournament this year. If Ram played on the regular circuit, his ranking would undoubtedly be a lot higher.

Nonetheless, this does nothing to explain another weird dip in form from Murray.

The break-through came early in the third set. With a break-point against him, Murray dug in to hold serve and gradually improved through the set, eventually breaking Ram in the 12th game.

Incredibly, it had taken some 30 games for Murray to earn his first break points.

The next two sets, Murray kept improving and Ram began to show signs of fatigue, even calling for the trainer in the final set.

The final score 2-6 4-6 7-5 6-2 6-3.

Good news for Murray. Better news for GB after Bogdanovic put in a tepid performance to lose the first rubber. The score stands at 1-1.

If results on Sunday, mirror those of Friday, then today's doubles match (2pm BST) really could be the decider.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray fights back to level tie

Andy Murray Vs Andy Ram - Davis Cup - GB Vs Israel

Alex Bogdanovic will open against Noam Okun today, followed by Andy Murray vs Andy Ram (662).

On paper, Murray's match should be a slam-dunk, but Ram will be playing with nothing to lose and Murray must be careful not to become complacent.

Coverage starts on BBC Interactive from 12:40pm.

Source:
BBC SPORT Tennis Murray to face Ram in Davis Cup
ATPtennis.com - Players - Andy Murray & Andy Ram

Andy Murray is GB #1 for Great Britain Vs Israel - Davis Cup

Andy Murray will be the number one player for Great Britain for the first time in the Davis Cup, when they meet Israel tomorrow at midday.

Israel's highest ranked singles player in their team is Noam Okun (270), so GB should be able to rely on at least two points from Murray's matches. This being the case, Israel may adopt a similar strategy to the one that GB used against Switzerland, sacrificing their weaker singles players against Murray and then play their strongest player against Alex Bogdanovic (148).

If Bogdanovic fails to win his singles matches then the doubles match could prove crucial.

Source:
Davis Cup - Tie Details - GB Vs Israel

Andy Murray - One Year On - July 17-24 2006

One year ago this week, Andy Murray was playing in the RCA Championships in Indianapolis after receiving a wild card entry.

Murray cruised through the first round against Jesse Witten 6-4 6-2, but was then defeated in the 2nd round by Mardy Fish after a tough match 4-6 6-4 4-6.

At the time, Fish was ranked 68, nearly 100 places above Murray.

Source:
Andy Murray Gets to 2nd Round of RCA Championships

Brad Gilbert Confirmed as New Coach for Andy Murray

It's been a noteable week for Andy Murray.

- The first ATP tournament in which Murray has been the number one seed.
- A bizarre 1st round match which Murray should have won comfortably, nearly threw away and yet showed the mental toughness to save five match points.
- Winning a 2nd round match and a qtr-final on the same day, the second of which without losing a game.

Yet with hindsight, the most significant event of this week may prove to be the appointment of Brad Gilbert as Andy Murray's new coach.

Click the link at the bottom of this post to read some interesting background on Brad Gilbert. What stood out to me is the speed of which he has been able to mentally strengthen and motivate his players to step up their game.

When you consider Murray's match against Kendrick with over 70% of first serves in and other notable victories at Wimbledon and San Jose, it's clear that much of the reason for some erratic performances is mental rather than a question of ability.

If Gilbert can have the same effect on Murray as he has previously had with Roddick and Agassi, then it may not be unreasonable to hope for some impressive results, even in the short-term.

Source:
Tennis: Murray will learn to win ugly - Sunday Times - Times Online

Andy Murray Crashes Out in the Semi-Finals - Newport USA

After getting first serve percentages over 70% against Kendrick, it was sadly the serve that let Murray down against Justin Gimelstob.

Murray was broken three times in the first set and, although he made a fight of the second set, eventually lost it on a tie-break. The final score 6-1 7-6 (7-4).

A disappointing exit, but the semi-final appearance was enough to raise Murray's world ranking one place to 35 - just three points away from a seeding at the US Open.


Sources:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray's run halted by Gimelstob
Andy Murray (andymurray.com) » Blog Archive » Andy dishes out bagels in Newport

Andy Murray Vs Justin Gimelstob - Semi-Final - Newport USA

Andy Murray will play Justin Gimelstob (111) in the semi-final in Newport, USA on Saturday.

Gimelstob, along with Murray and Melzer, is one of the only three seeds remaining.

No order of play available yet, but it won't begin before 4pm (GMT).

Source:
ATPtennis.com | Andy Murray & Justin Gimelstob

Andy Murray Cruises Into Semi-Final - Newport USA

Andy Murray took just 59 minutes to defeat Robert Kendrick. Incredibly, he did it without losing a game, taking the victory 6-0 6-0.

I can't see it with 100% certainty, but I'm pretty sure that is a first for Murray since turning pro.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray storms into Newport semis

Andy Murray Vs Robert Kendrick - Qtr-Final - Newport USA

Andy Murray will have the time it takes for Kristian Pless & Justin Gimelstob to finish their match, before returning to Centre Court (W) to play Robert Kendrick (186) in the Quarter-Final.

Kendrick may have a low ranking, but he took Nadal to five sets in this years Wimbledon. You can expect to see Murray & Kendrick out on court some time after 7pm (GMT)

Source:
ATPtennis.com | Murray & Kendrick

Andy Murray Through to Qtr-Finals in Newport After Beating Querrey

Andy Murray was immediately broken back after restarting the match at 5-3 up, but eventually finished the job winning 7-5, 6-2.

The "Live Score" facility on the official website for the tournament was pretty useless so thank you to the rabid fans at MurraysWorld for keeping me up to date with the latest score.

Andy Murray Leads Sam Querrey 5-3 - 2nd Rnd - Newport USA - Rain Delayed

Andy Murray only managed eight games against the young american before the match was halted for rain.

The good news is that, before the match was delayed, Murray was a break up in the first set and leading 5-3.

The bad news is that the tournament finishes on Sunday and there are still two matches after this one in the route to the final. The chances are good that there will be a lot of tennis crammed into the weekend.

Source:
Scotsman.com Sport - Tennis - Murray holds 5-3 lead as matches pile up at rainy Rhode Island

Andy Murray Vs Sam Querrey - 2nd Rnd - Newport USA - Rain Delayed

Andy Murray's 2nd round match against Sam Querrey (207) has been delayed by rain but should start today around 7pm (GMT).

Querrey may be ranked a long way down but he is five months younger than Murray and could turn out to be a lot better than his ranking suggests.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Rain at Newport makes Murray wait
ATPtennis.com - Player Profiles - Andy Murray & Sam Querrey

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

Andy Murray - One Year On - July 11 2006

This is the first post in a new series that will cast an eye back on where Andy Murray was twelve months ago.

This week, last year, Andy was playing in Newport for the first time. At this point in his career, Andy Murray was mainly playing in Challenger tournaments, so his progress to the second round was a pleasing one.

Andy Murray beat Gregory Carraz in the first round: 6-4, 7-5 and then was beaten by Antony Dupuis (97) in the second round: 4-6, 1-6.

The tournament was eventually won by Greg Rusedski who is unable to play this year through injury.

Source:
The Nettle Blog - Andy Murray - 2nd Round defeat at Newport, USA

Murray Is Number One Seed in Newport

Andy Murray is due on court at 7pm (BST) to face Ricardo Mello (139) in the first round in Newport.

Murray's new world ranking makes him the top seed in an ATP tournament for the first time, representing an excellent chance to add a second career title.

Source:
BBC Sport | Tennis | Murray to open Newport Campaign

Andy Murray & Jamie Murray Defeated by Igor Kunitsyn & Danai Udomchoke

Murray & Murray teamed up again in Newport yesterday in the mens doubles and narrowly missed reaching the second round.

Both teams took a set 6-3 before playing a champions tie-break to 10 which Kunitsyn & Udomchoke won 10-7.

Source:
Newport - Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships

Andy Murray Moves Up World Rankings

Andy Murray's 4th rnd appearance at Wimbledon, has gained him 9 places, taking him to 36 in the world rankings.

Just four more places before the draw for the US Open (Aug 28) would ensure Murray a seeding and, hopefully, a better chance of progressing to the later stages of the tournament.

Sources:
Guardian Unlimited - Murray seeded No1 for first time
ATP Tennis - Andy Murray - Player Profile

Brad Gilbert to be Confirmed as Andy Murray's New Coach

John McEnroe has asked Andy Murray to play doubles with him in some of the US tournaments over the next few months.

Andy Murray sees this as an honour and can no doubt learn a lot from the experience.

As an added bonus McEnroe revealed that, from what he'd heard, an arrangement for Brad Gilbert to coach Andy Murray was "a done deal".

Source:
McEnroe: Murray coach ‘done deal’ - The Herald

Andy Murray to Play in Rhode Island Tournament

With Andy Murray's ranking expected to move into the 30's after Wimbledon finishes, he will enter this grass court tournament as one of the top seeds.

Last year Murray reached the 2nd round of this tournament, after receiving a wildcard, but will be expected to go even further this year.

Source:
Scotsman.com Sport - Murray excited as 'best part of the season' looms in US

Andy Murray & Kirsten Flipkens Lose to 16th Seeds - Mixed Doubles 2nd Rnd - Wimbledon

Andy Murray & Kirsten Flipkens lost in straight sets to Frantisek Cermak & Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-4 6-2.

Click the link below for the match statistics.

Source:
Andy Murray & Kirsten Flipkens Vs Frantisek Cermak & Anna-Lena Groenefeld - Match statistics

Murray Beaten in Straight Sets by Baghdatis

Watching Andy Murray capitulate to Baghdatis in three straight sets has to be on the most frustrating experiences in a while.

Although being a fan of Andy Murray does not preclude me being critical, I am reluctant to do so when it is so evident that the experience was even more frustrating for the player.

Murray struggled to find reasons for his disappointing performance, but the video interview in the link below is well worth watching to understand his current frame of mind.

Looking at the positives then:

- 4th Round progress for the first time in a Grand Slam
- Straight sets victory against Andy Roddick; arguably his finest performance to date.
- Respectful attitude toward the players he defeated and to his fans. It's worth noting that Murray took the time to sign autographs even after his defeat.

There should be a short break now before Murray cracks on with the hard court season. Hopefully a coach will be sorted out soon and the next year will see further progress.

In the meanwhile, over the next few days, I'll be posting some of my observations on Andy's progress over the last year and picking out some of the highlights.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Beaten Murray looks for guidance

Andy Murray & Kirsten Flipkins Vs Robert Lindstedt & Sofia Arvidsson - 1st Rnd Mixed Doubles - Wimbledon

Like me, you may have blinked and missed the fact that Murray is playing mixed doubles this year. I'd understood that Murray had elected not to play in the Mens Doubles to concentrate on his Singles progress, but that evidently doesn't apply to the mixed doubles.

Murray & Flipkens beat Lindstedt & Arvidsson 6-3 6-4 in the first round.

Belgium's, Kirsten Flipkins is 20 years old and a former Wimbledon Juniors Champion.

Murray & Flipkens are scheduled 4th on Court No. 2 today, against the 16th seeds Frantisek Cermak & Anna-Lena Groenefeld. Although I would guess that Murray's appearance will depend on his earliermatch with Baghdtis.

Source:
The Championships, Wimbledon 2006 - Mixed Doubles Statistics
The Championships, Wimbledon 2006 - Kirsten Flipkins

Andy Murray Vs Marcos Baghdatis - 4th Rnd - Wimbledon

As I type this, Henin-Hardenne is one set up against Hantuchova. This means, we're potentially just one set away from Andy Murray beginning his 4th round match against Marcos Baghdatis (16).

It's hard to tell if this will be an easier or trickier match than the one against Roddick, but my instincts say this will be a tougher test. If for no other reason than that the crowd's expectations will be higher.

Baghdatis may have yet to win an ATP title, but he was runner-up in the Australian Open and already has one GB scalp when he knocked Alan Mackin out in the first round.

I still fancy Murray to win, but I'd be surprised if the match is over in just three sets.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray ready for Baghdatis test
Andy Murray Vs Marcos Baghdatis - ATP Stats

Andy Murray Blows Andy Roddick Away - 3rd Rnd - Wimbledon

It seems that even the english weather was a little upset about the England football team's, tame exit from the World Cup. A brief, but violent storm knocked out our internet connection so I'm more than a little delayed in posting the news of Murray's fantastic victory over Roddick.

But, it's not just the fact that Murray beat Roddick, it's the straight sets victory over last years runner-up that really defies belief.

7-6 (7-4) 6-4 6-4 was the final score. Roddick may be off-colour at the moment, but this can't dull the effect of a victory that Murray described as his best yet.

It was also nice to see Murray showing great respect for his opponent, both in his post-match reaction and his comment in an interview "I feel bad for Andy, he's such a great guy and a really good champion, and it's a shame I had to win against him."

The result takes Murray into the 4th round, already one better than last year and his best in a Grand Slam so far.

Murray's performance at Wimbledon so far is a long way from the recent erratic performaces. If there was any doubt that Murray enjoys playing at Wimbledon, this result surely puts them to rest.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Brilliant Murray shocks Roddick