Andy Murray Vs Alessio di Mauro - 2nd Round - US Open

No start time scheduled yet, so in the meanwhile let's have a look at how my predictions are holding up:

2nd Rnd:
This ones easy. It will be Alessio Di Mauro (88) or Jurgen Melzer (73). Murray has only ever played Di Mauro before and lost in straight sets. However, this was two years ago at the Challenger level.

I couldn't have failed to predict this one as the draw meant it had to be Di Mauro or Melzer. Di Mauro beat Melzer 6-3 6-3 6-4.

3rd Rnd:
Barring a disaster, Murray will be playing the 10th seed, Fernando Gonzalez (11). Their only meeting was in Basel last year. Murray won the second set in a 3-set defeat.

Gonzalez is through to the second round in straight sets and is playing Hajek (another qualifier) next. It looks like a third round match for Murray against Gonzalez is definitely on the cards and should make a great match.

4th Round:
Again, sticking with the seeded players, Kristof Vliegen(36) or Nikolay Davydenko (7) are likely opponents. Murray lost in three sets to Davydenko earlier in the year and has never faced Vliegen before.

Vliegen is out, but Davydenko is through to the 2nd round after a 4-set tussle with Delgado, so a 4th round meeting with Murray is still a possibility.

Qtr-Finals:
This would, of course, be further than Murray has ever gone in a Grand Slam, so the opponent would be pretty much irrelevant at this point. Still...Starts to get tricky here as there are some experienced unseeded players in this section of the draw. The top seed in this section is David Nalbandian (4). Wimbledon - 2005 - Five Sets - Cramp - Sean Connery. What a match this would be.However, Haas (16), Ginepri(21), Safin(104) & Benneteau(51) are all possible opponents at this stage.

Nalbandian and Safin are opponents in the 2nd round, but Safin may be tired after needing 5 sets to overcome Vik. Ginepri is also through to the second round, but Benneteau is out. It' s hard to see Nalbandian failing to get to the Qtr-Finals at this point.

Semi-Finals:
We're starting to get into the realms of fantasy here but, if it happened, it would be Roger Federer (1) looking for revenge.

Federer only lost five games in his 3-set, first round victory. Henman in the 2nd round, or indeed anyone else looks unlikely to really test him on his route to the final.

Final:
Nadal is the second seed and so is one of the expected finalists, but I'll also be keeping an eye out for a rejuvenated Andy Roddick and the dark horse that is Marcos Baghdatis.

Baghdatis, Roddick and Nadal are all through to the second round. Nadal is still favourite to get to the final, but Roddick is looking strong and they are drawn to meet in the semin-finals.

Andy Murray & James Auckland Vs Ashley Fisher & Tripp Phillips - 1st Round - Mens Doubles - US Open

The start time for Andy Murray's 2nd rnd match against Di Mauro is yet to be decided, but Murray will be playing in the doubles today.

Murray & Auckland are third out on court so it could be any time after 10pm - UK time. Good luck, trying to find a tv channel showing it though.

Source:
The US Open 2006 - Grand Slam Tennis - Official Site

Andy Murray Defeats Robert Kendrick - 1st Rnd - US Open

A patchy performance then, but at times it seems Kendrick gave Murray the same problems he gave Nadal at Wimbledon. Murray was a break down in the third set with the match poised at one set all, but then goes on to win 12 of the next sixteen games to wrap the match up 6-2 1-6 6-3 6-3 .

No danger of Murray having peaked to soon, but it will have to play a little better in the next round against Alessio di Mauro (94).

Source:
BBC SPORT Tennis Gamewatch: Murray v Kendrick
BBC SPORT Tennis Murray through opener at US Open

Andy Murray Vs Robert Kendrick - Scheduled Start Time - 1st Rnd US Open

UK time is five hours ahead of New York, so the scheduled start time of 11am, translates as 4pm for us Brits.

Murray & Kendrick are second on court, so 6pm is the earliest they are likely to begin.

If you have Sky Sports Extra, their coverage begins from 4pm.
Sky Sports Extra - Murray Vs Kendrick

Eurosport are also showing live tennis, although whether they will be showing Murray Vs Kendrick I wasn't able to find out.
Eurosport GB - Murray Vs Kendrick?

Failing that, you can follow the match via Live Scores. Just click the link below and then select "Launch Scoreboard" from the menu on the left-hand side.
US Open Live Scoreboard - Murray Vs Kendrick

Andy Murray Vs Robert Kendrick - 1st Rnd - US Open

How does a player push Nadal to five sets at Wimbledon and then lose 6-0 6-0 to Murray only a month later?

Well, the BBC is reporting that Kendrick had a sore shoulder during the match. Still, should Murray be concerned about his first round match against Robert Kendrick (143)?

After all, this is only the second time Kendrick has qualified for the US Open, the first being three years ago when he was promptly despatched in the first round.

As far as I'm concerned the biggest threat to Murray will come from his own mental attitude. Over the last year, Murray has frequently stunned the big players and then struggled against players in the lower rankings.

But, with Gilbert in his corner, surely those days are behind him. If Murray approaches the match with a positive attitude, then surely a straight sets victory is the likely outcome.

The tournament starts today, but Murray is not scheduled to play until tomorrow. I'll post the exact time of play and details of what TV channels the match is being shown on tomorrow morning.

I've been trying to assess why I'm more excited about this tournament than I was during Wimbledon. I can only conclude that Murray's form coming into this tournament has raised expectations again. Could this be the Grand Slam when, just as in the last two Master Series, Murray steals the headlines?

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray to face Kendrick challenge

The Truth About Andy Murray

Often when trying to explain why I enjoy following Andy Murray's career so much, I find myself having to try and convince people that Murray is not either:

a) a racist
b) boring
c) a combination of the two

Sady, too many people take everything they read in the newspapers as gospel.

The official Andy Murray website has posted a series of interviews with Murray, the last of which answers these baseless criticisms very nicely:

PodCast: Andy answers YOUR questions

Have a listen and then forget the media junk and try watching Murray play a few tennis matches. Maybe then you can see what all the fuss is about.

Andy Murray Vs ??? - 1st Round - 2006 US Open

So the draw for the US Open has been made, but Murray's opponent cannot yet be revealed. This is because his seeded status (17) has drawn him against a Qualifier and it will be the end of today or tomorrow before the qualfiers are finished and entered into the draw.

So, in theory, Murray should have at least a couple of easier matches to ease him into the tournament.

With 128 players in the tournament, predicting future opponents is pretty futile, but I'll give it a try anyway. Assuming Murray keeps winning, the opponents should be as follows.

2nd Rnd:
This ones easy. It will be Alessio Di Mauro (88) or Jurgen Melzer (73). Murray has only ever played Di Mauro before and lost in straight sets. However, this was two years ago at the Challenger level.

3rd Rnd:
Barring a disaster, Murray will be playing the 10th seed, Fernando Gonzalez (11). Their only meeting was in Basel last year. Murray won the second set in a 3-set defeat.

4th Round:
Again, sticking with the seeded players, Kristof Vliegen(36) or Nikolay Davydenko (7) are likely opponents. Murray lost in three sets to Davydenko earlier in the year and has never faced Vliegen before.

Qtr-Finals:
This would, of course, be further than Murray has ever gone in a Grand Slam, so the opponent would be pretty much irrelevant at this point. Still...

Starts to get tricky here as there are some experienced unseeded players in this section of the draw. The top seed in this section is David Nalbandian (4). Wimbledon - 2005 - Five Sets - Cramp - Sean Connery. What a match this would be.

However, Haas (16), Ginepri(21), Safin(104) & Benneteau(51) are all possible opponents at this stage.

Semi-Finals:
We're starting to get into the realms of fantasy here but, if it happened, it would be Roger Federer (1) looking for revenge.

Final:
Nadal is the second seed and so is one of the expected finalists, but I'll also be keeping an eye out for a rejuvenated Andy Roddick and the dark horse that is Marcos Baghdatis.

Ok. Now it's your turn. Post your comment and pull my predictions to pieces.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray eyes best Grand Slam shot
US Open 2006 - Official Website

Andy Murray Loses to Roddick, But World Ranking is Now 19

14 matches in 17 days was a step too far for Murray in the Qtr-Finals in the Cincinnati Masters.

Murray admitted that, "I considered pulling out when I woke up in the morning and about a half an hour before I went on."

That's not to say that Murray capitulated in his two-set defeat to Roddick. Murray had break points in the first set, but Roddick broke Murray three times to claim victory 6-3 6-4.

Roddick then went on to win the tournament, defeating Ferrero in the final.

Murray now has a little over a week to prepare for the US Open. His new ranking of 19, his first entry into the top 20, will ensure a seeding when the draw is made.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Roddick defeats exhausted Murray

Murray Fatigued, But Battles Through Against Ginepri

The emotional rollercoaster of the previous days victory against Federer combined with the sweltering heat meant a tired Andy Murray facing off against Robby Ginepri.

Nonetheless, Murray started well, breaking Ginepri early. Ginepri broke back, but Murray held on to the win the first set on a tie break.

The match started to swing back Ginepri's way as he broke Murray twice in the second set and again in the third. At 2-4 down in the final set, Murray looked beaten.

But, once again, Murray showed the fighting spirit that has drawn in so many admirers from fans and players alike. Murray won the next four games in a row to win the match 7-6 (7-3) 2-6 6-4

The Qtr-Final will be against Andy Roddick (12). Murray is two for two aginst Roddick, but he will need to rest well before this match if he is going to have a chance of coming through.

The match is due to start at 1am Saturday morning - UK time. Good news for Murray as an evening match will be cooler and allow for greater recovery time. Not such good news for Murray's fans who will need to be up till about 3am to follow the match.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Tired Murray battles past Ginepri

Andy Murray Vs Robby Ginepri - 3rd Rnd - Cincinnati Masters, USA

The number 15 seed Robby Ginepri (18) is Murray's next opponent. The pair are due to start after the match between Haas and Nadal which begins at 6pm - UK time. 8pm, then, is the earliest this match is likely to begin.

Murray has played Ginepri once before on his way to a final against Federer in Thailand and had to come back from a set down to do so.

Murray's biggest challenge today will putting yesterday's victory out of his mind and concentrating on the next opponent. On the other hand, you'd imagine Ginepri will be a little anxious at the prospect of playing a world beater ;-)

Source:
Cincinnati Tennis Masters Series - Official Website

Andy Murray Ends Federer's 55 North-American Winning Streak

And I was one out. Murray broke Federer's serve seven times in total. Here are some of the media highlights.

Murray Shakes Federer's Confidence

Murray relaxed after beating Federer

Murray scores greatest triumph yet with straight-sets win over Federer

Murray delighted with Federer win

Brad Gilbert - Interview

Andy Murray Defeats The World Number One!

In straight sets no less - 7-5 6-4

By my count, Murray broke Federer's serve no less than six times. Murray, again, was a little shakey on his own serve, but did enough to frustrate Federer and claim a famous win.

There will be a myriad of stats coming out of this game. For example, first defeat for Federer from someone other than Nadal for nine months. First defeat for Federer in the 2nd round for two years. First defeat on hard court for, well, I don't know how many games.

This will take Murray inside the top 20 for the first time.

This result merits more than one post so I'll write again tomorrow morning with some more information. Right now, I'm going to do my best to take in the fact that Murray has just completed the biggest win of his career so far. Victory in San Jose, Defeating Roddick in straight sets at Wimbledon, cruising past Moya, all of these moments have been eclipsed tonight.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Live: Murray v Federer

Andy Murray Defeats Henman in Close Encounter - 1st Rnd - Cincinnatti Masters, USA

Andy Murray had to come from a set down and a break down in the third set to condemn Henman to his second tournament exit at his hands in the space of a week.

Plenty of errors on both sides in what was a very even match. The final score: 4-6 6-4 7-5

Next up, as predicted, is Roger Federer (1). The match begins at about 7pm tonight.

Source:
BBC SPORT Tennis Gamewatch: Henman v Murray
BBC SPORT Tennis Murray relishing Federer match-up

Andy Murray Vs Tim Henman - 1st Rnd - Cincinnati Masters Series, USA

Andy Murray and Tim Henman are first out on centre court today in Cincinnatti. That's about 4pm UK time.

This is their third meeting and Murray is currently two victories to the good.

The match is being shown on Sky Sports Extra but, if you don't have satellite, you'll have to resort to watching Live Scores at http://www.cincytennis.com/en/default.asp .

You could also keep an eye on http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/default.stm as they sometimes do a game-by-game description.

Andy Murray - One Year On - August 14 - August 20 2006

This time last year Murray was, of course, playing in the Cincinnati Masters.

An impressive first round performance, that seemed somewhat overlooked by the media, saw Murray defeat the then world number 22, Taylor Dent, 7-6, 7-6.

The 2nd round was against the then world number 4, Marat Safin. Safin won 6-4 1-6 6-1.

This years tournament looks to be harder still (possibly Federer in the 2nd round) so it will be difficult to see Murray improve on last years performance.

Source:
The Nettle Blog - Andy Murray - 2nd Rd Exit To Safin

Andy Murray Beaten by Richard Gasquet - Semi-Final - Masters Series, Toronto, Canada

Andy Murray's weakness on his own serve found him out on Saturday as he lost in straight sets: 6-2, 7-5

Although Murray's serve has been a problem for some time, I find it immensely encouraging. If Murray can bowl over experienced opponents, day after day, with a low-percentage serve, imagine what a formidable player he will be when his serve finds some real consistency.

Some interesting stats at the link below, notably it took Federer 18 attempts and and Henman 13 attempts to reach the semi-final of a Masters Series tournament (only the Grand Slams are bigger).

Murray's fantastic run in this tournament raises his world ranking a massive 10 places and will almost certainly give him his first seeding at a Grand Slam when the US Open begins at the end of the month.

Before that, however, comes another Master Series tournament, this time in Cincinnati. Murray is unseeded in this tournament and has pulled the toughest of draws. Tim Henman in the first round and then, if Murray comes through that, most likely Federer in the 2nd round.

Murray and Henman are due out on court on Tuesday.

Source:
Final one step too far for Murray - [Sunday Herald]

Murray Defeats Henman... Again - 2nd Rnd - Toronto Canada

Henman blew a set point in the second set, and Murray took advantage to win on a tie break.

After winning the first set comfortably 6-2, Henman fought back well from 5-2 down to force a nervy finish to the match. The final score 6-2 7-6 (7-3) . (The BBC website is reporting two different results for the tie-break, but Andy Murray's official website confirms the above score)

Next up is Carlos Moya (49). This is their first meeting and they are due to start at approximately 6pm - UK Time.

--------------------------

Some problems with Blogger meant a couple of my posts went missing. To sum up, Murray beat Carlos Moya 6-2 6-4 in the third round and Jarkko Nieminen 6-4 6-7 (0-7) 6-3 in the Qtr-Finals.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray too good for fading Henman

Murray Through to 2nd Rnd - Toronto Masters - Canada

Murray avenged his defeat to David Ferrer in Barcelona earlier in the year, by beating the world number 13 in straight sets 6-2 7-6 (8-6).

After cruising through the first set and going 5-0 up in the second set, Murray threw his advantage away and required a tough tie-break to take the second set.

Next up is Tim Henman (60). Depending on earlier matches, the two players should be out on court at approximately 7pm - UK time.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Henman match is '50/50' - Murray
Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Murray sets up Henman showdown

Murray Finishes Runner-Up in Washington Final

I'm overdue for blogging this result, but a combination of holiday and depression over Murray not claiming his 2nd ATP title has led to me procrastinating somewhat.

Murray graciously refused to attribute his defeat by Clement to a troublesome blister on his hand, but after a very close first set, there is no doubt in my mind that it threw Murray out of the match for at least four games.

By the time Murray started to regain his composure, the match was all but over.

The final score was 7-6 (7-3) 6-2. A disappointing end to the tournament to Murray, but credit must go to Clement for a very composed performance granting him his first ATP tournament title outside of France.

This performance moves Murray's world ranking to 31 and this may well be enough to earn Murray a seeding in the upcoming US Open.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray loses in Washington final

Andy Murray Through to Final in Washingon - Legg Mason Classic USA

Andy Murray powered through the first set against Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, but found himself a break down in the second set. At 5-3, Tursunov had the chance to serve for the second set but, incredibly, Murray broke back and won the next three games in a row to take the second set 7-5.

Arnaud Clement (57) will be Murray's opponent in the final that starts at 8pm, UK time. The last time these two players met was in a very exciting match in the 2nd round of the 2005 US Open, ( Andy Murray & The US Open ) so let's hope for another classic with Murray finishing victorious.

The match is being shown in the UK on Europort 2. Not the easiest channel to find, but if you have NTL, this is channel 811.

Sources:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray confident ahead of final
andymurray.com | Blog Archive | Andy into his second final of the year

Andy Murray Eases Into Semi-Finals - Legg Mason Classic - Washington USA

Brad Gilbert was reportedly a little disappointed that Murray didn't serve the match out when he was 6-2 5-2 up.

Murray was broken for the first time at this point, but held his next serve to complete the victory 6-2 6-4.

Next up is Dmitry Tursunov (29), who beat Henman in the Qtr-Finals. Murray beat Tursunov in Nottingham earlier in the year in straight sets so will go into this match with a lot of confidence.

The match is due to be played no earlier than 7pm, local time. That's midnight, UK time :-(

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Henman beaten, Murray into semis
Legg Mason Tennis Classic - Website

Andy Murray Cruises Into Qtr-Finals - Legg Mason Classic, Washington, USA

Andy Murray Vs Feliciano Lopez (63) went by serve for the first nine games before a rain delay.

When the players came back out, Murray broke the Lopez service in the 12th game to take the first set 7-5.

The second set was won 6-2, the full match lasting just one hour and fifteen minutes.

Murray will face Mardy Fish (70) in the Qtr-Finals. The match is due to start today, Friday, at approximately 5pm, UK time. The last time these players met, Murray won 6-2 6-2 on the way to winning his first ATP title.

Source:
MURRAY THROUGH TO LAST EIGHT: Sporting Life - Tennis | Legg Mason Classic

Andy Murray Through to 3rd Rnd - Legg Mason Classic, Washington USA

Andy Murray defeated Ramon Delgado in straight sets 6-4 6-3, which doesn't tell the full story, but will still be remembered as a relatively solid performance by Murray and, of course, his first with Brad Gilbert watching on as coach.

The link to the Guardian below has a pretty good synopsis of the match that lasted just an hour and a half. There are also some interesting statistics included in the Scotsman article.

For example, did you know that Murray is ranked 10th in the number of return games won, breaking his opponents at the rate of almost one in three?

Less impressive is the 71% of service games won, something that Murray and Gilbert will, no doubt, be quick to begin work on.

Any hope of a match against Agassi dissolved as he lost 6-4, 6-3 to Andrea Stoppini.


Sources:
Guardian Unlimited Sport | Tennis | Tennis: Murray and Gilbert get off to a winning start
Scotsman.com Sport - Tennis - Gilbert gets to grips with Murray