Doha:- A Murray v N Davydenko

wolf · Tennis legend

Doha:- A Murray v N Davydenko

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

I'm out all evening, anybody else up for it?

afe · Social player

Not a report but just a few comments on Andy's performances this week as compared with last year. His first serve and volleying seem more penetrative and his second serve is not as weak as sometimes it has been previously. He's even more consistent on his groundshots, as in his ability to force Davydenko to go for difficult shots to win the points to escape the power and placement of his forehans and backhands. It was a delight to see him force Davydenko to bend low to return shots which he almost invariably hit in to the net. He also seems more assured at critical stages, such as in the tie break with Johansson which he controlled, and closing out sets rather than previously when he would get in to a winning position, lose his serve, and then have to rely on brilliant play to win back the initiative. He has also virtually eliminated the risky dropshot, thankfully he hasn't had to resort to desperate shots thus far.

Clearly it's very early to make judgments, but he seems to have added greater consistency and penetration to his already formidable talents.

DUSTY DICK · Club Coach

Great one Andy. Now for the title tomorrow.

Pugsley · Junior player

That's a great start to you the year from Andy. biggrin

As Andy has the majority of his points to defend in the first 3 months of the year, I think that it's important he at least matches his results (or in this case betters them) from last year. Given that for the following 6 months he didn't get any further than the last 32 of a tournament an injury free Spring and Summer should (maybe getting ahead of myself here) see him push into the top 4.

Anyway, here's looking forward to a great 2008 from Muzza

RJA · Hall of fame

It wasn't really one of Andy's more eye catching performances but against a player like Davydenko it was never likely to be pretty. After a nervy start he was very solid and always looked like the better player.

john · Top national player

If anyone would like a DVD of this match, let me know by PM. £5 including delivery.

Andrew · Junior player

Well overall that was a kind of confusing match. Andy didn't play any where near the level he did yesterday, but then he didn't need to at all. Davydenko seriously needs to get over his insecurities, tactically it was like watching an 8 year old play. Oooh i won a point at the net, i'll do that a bit more.... no that didn't work... i won a point with a slice, i'll try that a few more times.... nope. He really ran out of ideas.

The encouraging thing is Murray made him feel that way without really breaking sweat. I doubt Davydenko will be number four in the world for long.

Looking forward to the match tomorrow. It's one that, despite a losing head to head record, will see Andy being a huge favourite for the title. It'll be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure being the favourite in a final.

Drew · Jan 4, 2008

Andy has DD in the bag mentally....i hope he draws him often

johnnylad · Tennis legend

like in the AO QF's!

john · Top national player

Ha ha, that would be a dream draw indeed Johnny. I honestly think only the Big 3 or maybe even just the Big 2 have a chance of stopping Andy in this slam. If he could draw Davy in quarters, I reckon the semis is a massive possibility and then who knows. Semis would be great anyway, considering he's never made a quarters before.