Tim Henman v Andy Murray

timmoore46 · Admin:moderator + Club Coach

Tim Henman v Andy Murray

kundalini · Specialist Reporter + Intermediate Club Player

This is a difficult match to call. After watching 3 matches under the new Gilbert regime there's not really that much different to the old Petchey style. The Tursunov match suggested Andy might be far more aggressive on his initial groundstroke after the serve but the subsequent matches against Clement and now Ferrer didn't support that idea. Serving has perhaps been slightly more aggressive than before but with no sign of any rhythm on his first serve; at times the service motion looks horrible with the ball missing its target by yards.

If Andy's level is similar to the Clement/Ferrer matches then Tim won't have to do anything special to win. There'll be plenty of chances to chip and charge second serves, putting Murray under intense pressure to find a decent pass; for all his talent Andy's passing shots too often end up in the net and with Tim's sliced approaches making it all the more difficult, Andy could be in deep trouble. The match could well be decided by this battle; Murray would be well advised to vary the pace and direction of his second serves to reduce the effectiveness of Henman's tactic - slow, predictable, second serves to Tim's backhand will be the opportunity Henman desires.

On the ground Murray has the bigger shots if he is prepared to use them. Against Tursunov the forehand looked a fair weapon, against Clement it was just awful. On form Tim's forehand can do some damage and may be good enough to create opportunities for him to finish points at the net so Andy will want to avoid handing the initiative to Henman. This is not a match for using the drop shot.

It is unclear how often Henman will choose to serve and volley or even whether that would be a percentage play for him. Tim's chances increase if he can restrict the time Andy has to find a pass so it seems sensible that he should come in behind his first serve much of the time. Trying this tactic on second serve may be too optimistic.

Montana Doug · Futures qualifying

I am going for Tim in three (although that could be my heart talking as he is my fav player). I think Andy has had a number of matches, I wonder if that blister will bother him playing in the heat of the day and it can be humid there too.

I also feel unless Tim is playing someone in the 100s or Tursunov he is playing well this year. Andy has had a great ten days or so days, but must be tired and Tim could be the player to take advantage.

But if I am wrong I won't be broken hearted. I wish they were meeting in the Semi Final or the Final....I hope they can have sweet draws at the US Open and not be in each other's bracket.

mkkreuk · Admin:Moderator + ATP qualifying

I think Andy is getting better slowly and see a comfotable victory. something like 6-2 6-3

aria81 · Club Coach

I think Andy will win in 3 - but I think it will be a tough match with a lot of breaks in it. I think Tim will be into net on pretty much everything and Andy will have to be on his game if he's going to keep coming up with passes.

Andy_Murray_Fan · Junior player

what time does it start

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Andy_Murray_Fan wrote:

what time does it start

Impossible to tell, it is third match on court, so it depends on the length of the other two matches before it. Malisse/Srichaphan is 2-2 in the second set, seems to be taking forever, then there is Ljubicic/Clement before Andy.

Whenever it is, I am likely to miss it because I have to go to a stupid committee meeting!

Probably just as well, I can't bring myself to stick pins in Tim, but I do hope Andy wins.

Michael · Pro player

About 7:30 GMT. Tim in 3 for me. Andy was awful yesterday IMO and once Ferrer turned up he showed that soft little shots short into the middle of the court isn't enough and once Ferrer started taking advantage, had it not been for Andy's big lead it would have been a short match. Tim is also playing well at the moment, i still feel Andy's blister is huirting him as he was taking pretty much all shots on the back hand when he had a chance and there was no power at all on the forehand.

Montana Doug · Futures qualifying

Not only does Andy pass well....he hit some amazing lobs against Fish/Tursunov. I was totally amazed at his control and feel from the back of the court.

timmoore46 · Admin:moderator + Club Coach

With a Tie break for the first set of the Clement match taking an hour, if it goes to 3 sets, Andy's match will start at 9.00pm + BST!!! Aaahhhhh,,,,,,,, *LOL*

british4524 · Intermediate Club Player

Do get the match on TV?Can you do some brief live commentary just let our poor ones to know what is really going on in the match?

Andy_Murray_Fan · Junior player

british4524 wrote:

Do get the match on TV?Can you do some brief live commentary just let our poor ones to know what is really going on in the match?

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

4-4 in the second set of the Clement match. A lot of games are going to deuce, and then taking a while before either player wins it. Hopefully, Ljubicic will win this set. 5-4, Ljubicic breaks, and is now serving for the match!

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Game, set and match, Ljubicic. Next up on Grandstand, Henman v Murray.

Montana Doug · Futures qualifying

With Henman and Andy about to hit the building...maybe we should all head over to the chatroom here....lol

I don't have it on TV...breaks my heart....anyone have it?