One of the best kisses of death ive seen in a while!
Still...Kuznetsov is not to be overlooked, he was hitting the ball fabulously against Verdasco and will be pressure free & full of confidence. Certainly prefer him to Nando though!
I agree there, 2k9. I saw Ferrer v Kuznetsov in the flesh at Wimbledon and Kuznetsov was fantastic... he'll be top 30 at the very least eventually by my reckoning. A devilish serve coupled with a destructive backhand could cause Murray some problems if he is firing.
That said, Andy SHOULD beat him comfortably if he plays well.
Do wish there weren't two A. Kutzentsov s - I know it's hardly rocket science but I spent a good 15 mins being WELL confused about them at Wimbledon - saw A. Kutzensov win in qualifying and then he lost to Fognini in the main draw - and then, hey presto, there he was again on telly in the main draw playing Dan Evans . . .
Good heavens, I read CD's post and never noticed, but knew exactly who he meant. It must be because I do well in those tests where you have to make sense of writing that just has a few letters of each word, by letting your brain run free.
This match typified where Andy is, at the moment, lots of encouraging play, intermixed with some less desirable stuff. But still much better than Monday, which was played in hot conditions on a court he doesn't like. Kuznetsov will be much tougher, but if played on Ashe should come through in straights/ maybe 4, if on LA could be another rollercoaster.
And he is on Armstrong again, tomorrow . Second match, so about 5.30 - 6pm; very inconvenient for me, but having missed the last match I'm determined to find a way to watch somehow.
Armstrong looks slow this year but Andy can have no excuses unless Kuznetsov plays a hurricane game. He has the faculties, and if he can put them in motion then he will win. It's actually been quite a kind early draw, especially taking into account the removal of Stepanek and Verdasco. I'm sure Andy would rather play Bachinger and Kuznetsov than say...Goffin or Thiem.