Week 12 - ATP Masters 1000 - Miami, USA (Hard)

indiana · Tennis legend

RE: Week 12 - ATP Masters 1000 - Miami, USA (Hard)

Miriambee · Futures level

Spectator wrote:
Wow. Now that's a result I wouldn't have expected. Amazing for Haas. Wouldn't say it's Mr Murray's yet, though. He's had difficulties with Cilic on hard courts before, hasn't he? And Berdych is looking pretty good.

-- Edited by Spectator on Wednesday 27th of March 2013 08:35:04 AM

berdych nearly lost to Falla - I think he's a touch vulnerable.

paulisi · Tennis legend

There was speculation in the press that Andy had picked up a slight injury during the Seppi game, thus the Cilic game may be a lot tougher. This tournament is wide open.

indiana · Tennis legend

Andy played down the injury speculation afterwards. But only he and his camp will really know the apparent situation.

Hopefully it is indeed nothing much and not going to adversely effect him moving onwards here.

Josh · Challenger level

indiana wrote:
Yes, rather unexpected loss for Djokovic and undoubtedly markedly increases my reasonable optimism here.

But some rather decent players left, so Andy's to lose ? - LOL

Yes it's Andy's to lose. Sure there are decent players left but the fact remains if Andy plays his best tennis he'll win the tournament. Not saying it will be easy, but he has a 7-1 H2H v Cilic and has won the last 3 matches on hard against Berdych.

The bookies seem to agree, already making Andy an odds on favourite for the title even before the quarters have started.

steven · Tennis legend

True, though having said that, Nole was 20-0 against the remaining players in his half of the draw yesterday. It is, as Fed would say (about himself) on his racket though, definitely.

indiana · Tennis legend

I just looked at some betting odds out of interest and Andy is indeed odds on for the title, 5/6 with William Hill and 4/5 with Ladbrokes.

So just odds on and effectively hardly really once you take out the bookies' margin ( on both their sets of odds they cumulatively give slightly more chance of one of the other 7 players winning the title ).

Certainly these bookies are saying that they reckon Andy has roughly as much chance of winning the title as not.

Seems to me reasonable odds in the circumstances. He played rather rustilly in Indian Wells, which was I thought to be expected and I wasn't too optimistic there. I was more optmistic for Miami, especially with Federer and Nadal not here and clearly even moreso now with Djokovic out.

I think Andy steadily seems to be getting into the groove and will have to be playing pretty well to ultimately win the title.

Anyway, I wouldn't personally say that a tournament that the bookies reckon he has a roughly 50/50 chance of winning is Andy's to lose ( I'd more think that of a strong odds on competitor ). If he plays to a pretty good level and loses out I won't personally be too disappointed even though he clearly has a very good opportunity here.

Whatever...I do hope he can go on to win the title.

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

I'd be stoked if he won, but I'll be satisfied if he defends his points.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

7pm again tomorrow. Meh, clashes with hospital visiting.

korriban · Challenger level

I watched the match and it was somewhat hit and miss to be honest. I'm not sure Marin Cilic really believes he can beat Andy, and I think Andy knows that as well.

Because of Andy's athleticism, he was able to run down most of Cilic's best shots, forcing the Croat to go for more and more, and the UEs flowed.....this seemed to be a winning gameplan, although it does seem frustrating to us, perhaps, to see Andy making opponents beat themselves rather than being more aggressive himself. It's a nice position to be in to be able to pick and choose your gamestyle.

I think Andy's second serve HAS improved a little. I think it is generally deeper, better placed and also kicks harder than it used to, but you still wouldn't put it up with the best.

My impression is that his backhand down the line weapon has gone missing in action, which is a real shame, but his forehand has improved out of all recognition.

Berdych's power and belief is greater than Cilic's, and will provide a much sterner test. Assuming he beats Gasquet, which if Richard continues to stay in his comfort zone over 6 feet behind the baseline, he almost certainly will. Or perhaps not.....first set Richard - would love to see RG back to his very best, no better sight in tennis

-- Edited by korriban on Friday 29th of March 2013 12:31:13 AM

Miriambee · Futures level

Just started 1*-2, 2 service breaks to date. AM back on serve now.

RJA · Hall of fame

Down a break again. Absolute rubbish so far.

RJA · Hall of fame

Back on serve now, 3-3*

RJA · Hall of fame

Takes the first set 6-4

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

3-1* in the second (after staving off break points... A particularly problematic 4th game...). Looks as though he's finally steadied the ship! *phew* Clearly not a vintage performance, though! hmm