Andy Murray Leads Scotland to Victory - Aberdeen Cup 2006

I'm surprised how unexcited I am about the Aberdeen Cup.

Maybe it's because there are no ranking points at stake. Maybe it's because I'm conflicted over whether to support England or Murray. Or perhaps I'm just disappointed that I can't be there to watch it.

Anyway, credit to Murray for winning the first match 6-4 3-6 6-4. Scotland led 3-1 after the first day.

On day two, Scotland pulled off a whitewash with Andy & Jamie beating Rusedski and Auckland in the doubles and Murray defeating Rusedski again, this time in straight sets 6-3 6-4.

The final score: Scotland 6.5 England 1

Roll on the new season.

Murray Defeated By Hrbaty - 3rd Rnd - Paris Masters 2006

Hrbaty started strongly with solid ground strokes and agressive on the return of serve, quickly racing to a 3-0 lead. Murray by contrast looked tired and this was reflected by a first serve percentage that dipped below 30%.

Murray raised his game and his first serve to level things at 4-4. After another trade of breaks, a tie-break was needed to seperate the two players.

The key point came at 5-5. An incredibly long rally with both players showing their range, Hrbaty came out on top and, although Murray saved one set point, he couldn't save the second.

After that, the fight seemed to go out of Murray. The first serve percentage dipped again and the ball started to find the wrong side of the baseline. Hrbaty raced through the second set and the final score read 7-6 (8-6) 6-0.

Not the most thrilling way to end the season, but credit to Murray for helping to make a thoroughly entertaining first set, depsite obviously feeling below par.

The memory of this match will quickly fade but, when we think back to 2006 and Andy Murray, we'll remember Federer, Ljubicic, Roddick, Gonzalez and Hewitt.

My wishlist for Murray's 2007 is some improved stamina, a more consistent first serve, breaking into the top ten, winning a Masters tournament and reaching the semi-final of a Grand Slam.

That might sound anbitious, but I'd bet good money that Murray's own ambitions for the next year are even loftier.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Hrbaty win ends Murray's season

Murray Defeats Chela - 2nd Rnd - Paris Masters 2006

I've had some internet problems over the last few days so I've got a bit of catching up to do.

The quick version is that Murray has recovered (just about) from his virus and by virtue of his seeding received a bye into the 2nd rnd.

Chela (who knocked Murray out of the Australian Open in straight sets earlier in the year) was a break up in the first set, but Murray broke back and broke again to take the first set 7-5. In the second set, Murray served up a bagel to make the final score 7-5 6-0 .

Murray had to call for the doctor after the first set, complaining of breathing difficulties. This is seemingly a result of insufficient practice over the last week due to illness.

Next up is Dominik Hrbaty (27). This will be their first meeting and should make for an interesting match. The scheduled start is no earlier than 4:30 (UK Time).

The draw has an interesting look to it with many top players withdrawing - most notably Federer and Nadal. No looking ahead this time though. Suffice to say, Murray has a good chance to gain some more ranking points before heading into the close season.

Source:
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Impressive Murray defeats Chela
Stylish Win in Paris... AndyMurray.com