L32: (2) Andy Murray WR 2 defeated (27) Ivo Karlovic (CRO) WR 28 by 6-1 6-4 7-6(3) in a minute or two shy of two hours
It would seem that the 4+ hours Big Ivo spent on court in his match against "Jordanie" Thompson took more out of him than Andy's 7¼ combined against Ugly Mug & Bourgue took out of him - that plus, conceivably, the thought at the back of his mind that he needed to put rather more effort into placing his services against arguably the best returner of service in the game at the moment (when he's on song, that is! )...
Isner is 1 set all against Gabashvili. Gabashvili actually had 2 SPs in the opening set TB but couldn't convert, but has just won the 2nd set 6-4
Andy's biggest test in this half of the draw (in my opinion) is Nishikori and he is into a 5th set against Verdasco having earlier been two sets up. Would love to see Verdasco complete the comeback.
Nadal has withdrawn, considerably easing Aljaz's projected path to the final
Out for up to 3 months apparently.... wrist injury although he had no trouble winning his last match(awaiting a French politician to make accusations again)
Isner stops the rot and forces a deciding 5th set against Tim Gabashvilli. Not sure who I prefer for Andy, Isner ranked higher but never seems to trouble Andy whilst Tim beat Andy at the Citi Open last year and is certainly at his best on the dirt. Silver lining regardless of outcome is that its a tough 5 setter today for whoever wins.
L16: (15) John Isner (USA) WR 17 (CH = 9 in April 2012) vs (2) Andy Murray WR 2
Isner's another player who's never been Andy (in five attempts so far, though none on clay). They last met in the last 16 of the Shanghai Master last year, when Andy won by 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4.
Nadal has withdrawn, considerably easing Aljaz's projected path to the final
Out for up to 3 months apparently.... wrist injury although he had no trouble winning his last match(awaiting a French politician to make accusations again)
I'm not a huge Rafa fan, but in his defence, a quote from the press conference hastily called to announce the withdrawal:
"Yesterday I played with an injection," the 29-year-old told a news conference on Friday. "Yesterday evening I started to feel more and more pain and today I felt I could not move my wrist."
Nadal said he risked further injury - and a likely break in his wrist - if he continued to play.
Nadal has withdrawn, considerably easing Aljaz's projected path to the final
Out for up to 3 months apparently.... wrist injury although he had no trouble winning his last match(awaiting a French politician to make accusations again)
I'm not a huge Rafa fan, but in his defence, a quote from the press conference hastily called to announce the withdrawal:
"Yesterday I played with an injection," the 29-year-old told a news conference on Friday. "Yesterday evening I started to feel more and more pain and today I felt I could not move my wrist."
Nadal said he risked further injury - and a likely break in his wrist - if he continued to play.
Same, Nadal represents all that is wrong with what tennis has become. A power hitting game, who can out out hit who etc. In another era Nadal would not even be top 100, his game so is reliant on racket technology and slow courts. That stupid looping forehand....dear me.