Having watched the Haas match last night, I have to say that was the most disappointing performance Ive seen from Andy in years. When he was 18 we were all saying he wont reach his peak until he's 21. Now he's not far off and I really dont see that much of an improvement in his game since 2005. His serve is no better if not worse than before. Its certainly no more consistent. He's less aggressive than he was in 2006/2007! Remember the Aus OPen V Nadal. I thought he turned a corner then and realised something in his game but now Im not sure.
Im a huge Andy fan, but Im starting to think that he may not be a Grand Slam champion now. Ok he has the talent but then so does Nalbandian/Blake/Berdych etc. They havent won yet either. Novak D has really made improvements to his game and its working. Players like Tsonga seem to be moving up so quickly and effortlessly.
Novak D does not waste energy in early rounds, which is why he can win big tournaments. Andy needs to really think about hiring a proper serve coach. With a good 1st serve % he is a top five player. With his serving last night he is top 50. It all comes down to serving. But why is this taking 3 years to sort out? Its been a problem since 2005!
I suspect that is the role that Louis Cayer is taking. Officially he is Jamie's coach but I think he is involved in adjusting Andy's serve so it is more effective. They have made changes but so far it is still as erratic as ever.
He certainly hasn't made the progress that I expected and as you mentioned, hopes seemed high after his performance against Nadal but he just hasn't been willing to move to a more expansive approach against other opponents.
Despite winning two tournaments this season, I haven't seem anything to suggest he will be a threat at the slams this year. The best I can hope for is that he gets a good draw at Wimbledon and perhaps makes it to the semis before coming across, and losing to, a top opponent and maybe gets his act together by the time of the US Open; again with a favourable draw semis is a possibility.
However, being realistic I think it more likely that he comes up with a few big victories, such as the recent one over Federer, in a season of frustrating displays and disappointing losses against modest opponents. A brain dead display against Tsonga and now a repeat against Haas, tells you a lot about Andy 2008.
While he has the weapons to be a top player, his current defensive mindset and strategic blindness, prevents him from challenging for Slams and indeed, Masters events.
This is such a shame though. Surely he looks back at the Ausopen 2007 and must think or ask himself why he hasnt joined Djoko in the big time. Is he too stubborn? Im starting to think that his attitude/temperament may just stop him having a Grand Slam career. Its a shame and very depressing especially after Henman who's attitude is great but game too old fashioned for todays tennis.
Its bizarre to watch Andy play and then see Djoko thrash Canas convincingly. It must all be in the head because shot wise they are equal. I think Andy has 2 things to do
1. Get 1st serve in. This will make him more aggressive automatically 2. Sort his head out and stop being stubborn.
Mark Petchy said on Sky that Andy should never really change his game as he is a counterpuncher, but why not? Why not himself to attack on every point. He will not lose the natural defensive play he has. I would rather see Andy lose every match this year if he loses playing aggressively because at least he will be trying to improve. This old formula of slugging out matches in early rounds and sitting through rollercoaster matches is not good!
Agree with everything you say bobby. Except the ludicrous suggestion the Berdych has the talent to win a grand slam LOL.
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Of all tyrannies a tyranny exercised for the good of its victim may be the most oppressive.... those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience
