RG R1 : Andy Murray (GBR)[10] vs. Jonathan Eysseric (FRA)

Salmon · Tennis legend

RE: RG R1 : Andy Murray (GBR)[10] vs. Jonathan Eysseric (FRA)

mjd · Challenger qualifying

From Telegraph -

"......Murray looked to be in real danger of taking that early Eurostar home, as he was playing some peculiar, poor and decidedly ineffective tennis, including looking every bit like a drop-shot junkie....."

"....Murray, though, explained afterwards that he had been forced to go for the drop-shots, in an attempt to cut the rallies short, as his preparations had been affected by a throat infection. "My style of play sometimes isn't great on clay. Sometimes it's very good. But I haven't had much practice in the last five days, as I've been on antibiotics since Tuesday as I haven't been that well. .."

Sheddie · administrator

maybe, its hard to tell.....however, what about the win against Youzhny in St Petersburg last Nov, when he was match point down at 5-3 in the final set and came through in a deciding tiebreak....and then the Karlovic win in Indian Wells

You've definately got a point though, there seem to have been less of those close wins than before......the losses to Haas and Ancic in particular. However, both those could have gone his way and there's a lot of luck in it as well as mental strength....the dice didn't roll in his favour those times

Sheddie · administrator

mjd wrote:

From Telegraph -

"......Murray looked to be in real danger of taking that early Eurostar home, as he was playing some peculiar, poor and decidedly ineffective tennis, including looking every bit like a drop-shot junkie....."

"....Murray, though, explained afterwards that he had been forced to go for the drop-shots, in an attempt to cut the rallies short, as his preparations had been affected by a throat infection. "My style of play sometimes isn't great on clay. Sometimes it's very good. But I haven't had much practice in the last five days, as I've been on antibiotics since Tuesday as I haven't been that well. .."

Could be same thing which struck Kiefer down and caused his withdrawal

Anyone else feel some similarities with RG 2004 ?? A below par Henman, weakened after illness just before the tournament, came into the event after an average clay season - not getting further than rd3 in any tournaments. He played terribly in rd1, was on the brink of going out against an average opponent but hit back to win in 5.

The similarities are almost freakish.....I can see Andy striding out onto Phillip Chatrier on the second Friday to face Djokovic.....having disposed of Rafa 3 days earlier with his unorthodox clay skills

mkkreuk · Admin:Moderator + ATP qualifying

Sky Sports are also reporting that he has an infection and is hoping that a rest day will help him shake it off. I know some people will say that it's just an excuse but after seeing that performance yesterday, to be honest, it does make sense. There's also a fair bit of rain forecasted for the next few days, so that could delay his match further, helping him a little bit.

imoen · Admin: Moderator+Tennis Legend

That does make sense, I don't think it can explain away everything as the problems haven't just been this match. However, it would explain why he seemed to see it as a practise rather than a match at times, ie the intensity wasn't there. So that makes me feel much better, hope he gets well soon.