RG R3: Andy Murray (GBR) [10] vs Nicolás Almagro (ESP) [19]

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

RE: RG R3: Andy Murray (GBR) [10] vs Nicolás Almagro (ESP) [19]

Salmon · Tennis legend

Thanks!

ltbobby · Social player

The thing is do you really think the result would've been that much different on grass or hard-court? I'm not sure you know. Almagro has a good CONSISTENT serve that would work well on any surface. I think the "clay" excuse is being used too much at the moment after Andy's performances and behind it is the reality is that his level has dropped and other players have worked out how to play /frustrate him on a court.

Sorry to rant on about it, but he is sooooo frustrating, and he constantly makes me believe in him, only to shatter my optimism a round later!!! I think I should start supporting someone more consistent, Andy is tough on my nerves! Henman was easier and that's saying something!!

Happycynic · Pro player

Well, overall for the clay season, my report would be 'not too bad'-but not great. The mitigating factor is, when he got beaten it tended to be by people in very good form.

Almagro-one of the best this clay court season
Nadal (nuff said)
Wawrinka (who is on a hot streak and went onto the final of that tournie)
Djoko (nuff said)

The only bad one was Ancic in Barcelona, where I don't think he should have played anyhow.

Now, of course, if Andy were on hot Andy form, he would have won one or two of those four games. But he hasn't been losing to many people he should be beating all the time.

indiana · Tennis legend

Actually ever since Andy joined the tour and as he has progressed up the rankings I actually do think he has a comparatively very good record of not losing to players he should be beating most of the time.

I get frustrated too, but I think if you look at some players out there, there are many that would drive folk at least as nuts, if not more, than Andy.

My main frustration remains whether he has the total commitment to succeed.

If he can really work on the basics, his service and consistently strong forehand and backhand ( the forehand is the one that really needs improvement ) then he has such other almost inborn qualities and tennis brain that I would then be confident of him beating consistently all but the world' top 3 or 4. But he is some way off that yet.

Almagro is a case in point, good consistent service, strong off both sides, but there is no doubt that Andy has the more instinctive tennis gifts.

He has such talent. He needs to put in the work and focus, oh and perhaps get a full-time top coach rather than basically the current cheerleading crowd.