Week 10 - ATP 1000 - BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells

ForeverDelayed · Grand Slam Champion

RE: Week 10 - ATP 1000 - BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells

SMC1809 · All-time great

I guess everyone is watching Murray v Sod.

If by any chance you're not, Sod won the first set 6-1. He was then serving at 5-4, leading 30-0 when Murray woke up. Murray now leads 6-5.

SMC1809 · All-time great

Too little, too late.
6-1 7-6(4)

indiana · Tennis legend

Somehow not the hugest of surprises. Not sure how much work Andy has done since the Australian Open, but still almost seems to be feelihg his way again.

Hopefully this serves as a good warm up for Miami and we might see better there.

MiloTheCat · Lower Club Player

I missed the Almagro match - but the 3 matches I've seen have been horrible to watch.

I'd like to think this is part of a cunning plan to work towards "peaking" for the majors.

I'd find it easier to keep the faith if there were signs that he was experimenting e.g. a flatter forehand like he was occasionally using to good effect a while ago.

Soderling played well - apart from his brief near-meltdown. In a curious way Andy seemed to nurse him towards that by playing so casually.

If the old "mix it up" strategy doesnt unhinge a clean striker of the ball on decent form - then it looks like Andy has no answer.

Anyone else begining to lose faith?

Does he need a change of coaching or something else?

indiana · Tennis legend

Not that impressed with last month or think may be connected to lack of training due to niggles, in fact Dubai almost certainly was.

I do have some concerns generally that more and more I begin to feel that many of the really top players now just see the majors as almost all that counts and Andy is maybe moving that way. I am not sure how good this is for tennis overall and maybe not that good for Andy say if he's gets too focussed just on them.

Beginning to lose faith ? Hell, no. We have a great player here, hugely talented, who less than 2 months ago contested the Australian Open final, and has just had a couple of poorer tournaments with probably some extenuating circumstances. I still see him going higher in this game and winning majors.

-- Edited by indiana on Saturday 20th of March 2010 11:47:21 AM

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Well that was just a horrendous end to a miserable day (I slipped and fell backwards, hit my head and scattered what few wits I have left). The headache was not improved by watching that match - it was painful in itself.

I don't know what is the matter with Andy at the moment, but something is. He seems to have lost all his joy in his tennis, and most of his motivation. I can only hope he gets it together soon.

indiana · Tennis legend

I must admit, Mad , there is a bit of a feeling in my mind, that although he gave the thing about niggles etc before Dubai, Andy has thrived on hard work in recent years which has got him largely to where he is, and somehow I detect not the same appetite or, as you suggest, enjoyment.

I had kind of put that more to the back of my mind but now you have given it voice. Mm, don't really know if there is something like this going on and for whatever reason. One can only hope that it is temporary. I think ( and clearly hope ) it will be,

Still, beginning to lose faith ? Hell, no smile

Hope you feeling better today.

-- Edited by indiana on Saturday 20th of March 2010 12:16:45 PM

philwrig · Hall of fame

Trying to follow Federers template I think/hope peaking for the slams.
This is the only explanation. I suspect you will see an increase in the intensity in his training come May to peak for the next two slams. Andy is only really interested in winning that elusive slam and has nothing to prove by winning the other tournaments.

andyjmr · Intermediate Club Player

Did something happen to Andy after the australian open final? he was in tears after the match and was saying he wished he could play like federer. that really surprised me - almost as if he was raising a white flag.

The good thing is he wants to be the best in the world - i hope he gets his belief back. i know that if he goes into a final with confidence he can match federer and beat him.

Shhh · Challenger level

I agree in particular with the last couple of comments (philwrig & andjmr) but its worth remembering that all the top 4 failed to make the final.....none of them appear to have been 100% "Up" for this tournament. I do think the Auusie Open defeat has knocked Andy but, the top 4 in general will be collectively different beasts come the slams.

For the top players, there should be a shorter season, less tournaments overall including less Masters. They cannot "Peak" to many times per season. That dosen't suit most of the players outside the top 4 or 5 though, the TV companies, supporters, let alone the individual countries and tournaments so, is unlikely to change dramaticly anytime soon.