Murray v Stakhovsky

Sheddie · administrator

Murray v Stakhovsky

Sheddie · administrator

At 30-30 M goes long with a backhand to give S bp but then in the next point, S goes long with a bh in a long rally. At deuce S has M on the run but nets a backhand, Andy misses game point when he goes just wide with an attempted forehand winner. S then slams a winner down the line to get another bp but wastes it with a forehand long. Andy gets another game point but nets a backhand. He then comes up with a big serve and an ace to take the game

6-3, 2-2

Sheddie · administrator

M misses a fh and is not happy but then slams a fh cross-court winner on the run. S then misses two backhands, one wide and one into the net - after some superb defence from M. M sends a return long on the first bp but then S errs again on the 2nd bp and Andy has the break.

6-3, 3-2

fh = forehand, bh = backhand

Sheddie · administrator

S mashes a return on the 1st pt and M nets a fh. S then whips a bh down the line and puts a volley away into the open court for 0-30. M then smashes an unreturnable fh down the line for 15-30. M then double-faults to give S two bps. M saves both, the 1st one with some big-forehands, wrong-footing S and then the 2nd when S goes for a silly outright winner on the 2nd serve return. M gets a gp when S sends a drop shot wide but S saves it with a drop shot, forehand down the line combination. M gets a 2nd gp when S nets a bh and then M hits a service winner to hold.

6-3, 4-2

Sheddie · administrator

M wins the 1st pt when S sends a fh wide, M nets for 15-15. Missed next few pts and returned to see M with bp. S then netted a fh going down the line.

6-3, 5-2

Sheddie · administrator

15-0 then M mis-hits an easy fh cross-court bunt after a dropshot. He hits bh winner down the line then S hits a fh long and misses a dropshot.

6-3, 6-2

Sheddie · administrator

BBC:

Murray 6-3 5-2 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky appears to have given up the ghost as he's broken again after drilling Murray's return into the net. It's a painful blow for the Ukrainian, who goes down to the first and only break point of the game. Murray is left serving for the match.

Murray 6-3 4-2 Stakhovsky
It's three games in a row and Murray is completely in charge of this match, but Stakhovsky will be rueing a missed opportunity after failing to convert two break points. A sloppy forehand by Murray saw Stakhovsky twice claim advantage from deuce but Murray serves out to consolidate his lead.

Murray 6-3 3-2 Stakhovsky
Murray makes his move, grabbing two break points 40-15. Stakhovsky saves one with an ace but can't stop his Scottish opponent converting the second. Murray appears to be moving inevitably closer to wrapping up this entire Davis Cup tie. Or have I spoken too soon?

Murray 6-3 2-2 Stakhovsky
Murray hits wide during a long baseline rally to hand Stakhovsky a break point at 30-40 but the Ukrainian sends his backhand into the net to force deuce. Stakhovsky earns another break point but yet again fails to push home his advantage with more unforced errors. Murray finally comes through a tough game, converting his third game point.

Murray 6-3 1-2 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky seals another love service game with a rare foray into the net, blasting Murray's flustered return to the other side of the court.

Murray 6-3 1-1 Stakhovsky
Murray goes 15-30 down but pulls Stakhovsky off the baseline with yet another drop shot and then sends a forehand crosscourt winner to the far corner. Stakhovsky returns wide on the next point and Murray serves out to level the scores.

Murray 6-3 0-1 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky gets a good foothold in the second set with a solid opening service game, dropping just one point on his way to a 1-0 lead.

FIRST SET:

Murray 6-3 Stakhovsky
The British number one comfortably serves out for the set. Just two sets stand between Britain and Davis Cup victory. On the other hand, just three sets and another match stand between Ukraine and overall success. When Murray concentrates on business, he breezes through, but the young Scot does get ****y and sometimes lets himself down with his shot selection. At 30-15, a poorly executed drop-shot sets up Stakhovsky with a winner. But Murray soon turns his mind back to the task at hand and seals the game.

Murray 5-3 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky makes sure it's not too easy for Murray by saving a couple of break points. However, it's clear that Murray has the upper hand as his opponent shows some poor judgement, which includes letting a Murray lob go despite it landing solidly inside the baseline.

Murray 5-2 Stakhovsky
Murray is a different player from his last service game, racing to a 40-0 lead before drilling two shots into the net in a lapse of concentration. Stakhovsky hits long during the next rally to help Murray consolidate his lead.

Murray 4-2 Stakhovsky
Murray shows off what he does best, soaking up the pressure and redirecting it back at his opponent. After a couple of nervous moments in the previous game, Murray turns the pressure back on Stakhovsky, earning break point and swiftly converting. After two love service games, Stakhovsky is left shocked by his sudden slump.

Murray 3-2 Stakhovsky
A couple of sweaty-palm moments as Murray is forced to save two break points. The 19-year-old slumps to 30-40 but battles back to deuce with a winning forehand down the line. Stakhovsky earns another break point but Murray holds his nerve, serving out with a wide kicker and hitting Stakhovsky's return to the other corner.

Murray 2-2 Stakhovsky
Well, Murray's putting in cheeky drop shots and slices but cannot stop the Ukrainian claiming another love service game.

Murray 2-1 Stakhovsky
Murray shows no ill signs of his earlier ankle twinge as he comfortably holds serve.

Murray 1-1 Stakhovsky
It's a blistering start for Stakhovsky, who opens with an ace on his way to a love-service game. Could this match be closer than we thought? Murray does little to reassure the British fans when he lands awkwardly on his right ankle. He limps briefly but seems to shake the injury off.

Murray 1-0 Stakhovsky
Well the fourth rubber, and probably deciding match of this Davis Cup tie, is under way. On paper this should be a breeze for Murray, who betters the Ukrainian in every department of his game.

But anything can happen in this sort of tennis and, if Stakhovsky is completely on top of his game, he could ensure the result is decided in the fifth match.

Murray has little problem with his opening service game, dropping one of only two points after a lacklustre drop-shot but still comfortably holds service.

mkkreuk · Admin:Moderator + ATP qualifying

Andy Murray beats Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-3 6-2 7-5 to give GB unassailable 3-1 lead in Davis Cup tie v Ukraine.

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Murray wins 6-3 6-2 7-5.

GB avoid relegation!

Sheddie · administrator

I wasn't able to post here during set 3 but I watched it and have made point by point commentary notes, I'll post them here shortly so that those who didn't get to watch it, can follow what happened.

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Here's the BBC updates:

THIRD SET:

Murray 6-3 6-2 7-5 Stakhovsky
That's it - Murray serves out for the match and ensures Britain stave off Davis Cup relegation in this fourth rubber. After saving two break points, the Scot earns match point. He then puts Stakhovsky under pressure with a trademark drop-shot, the Ukrainian gets it back over the net but can't get Murray next shot inside the court.

Murray 6-3 6-2 6-5 Stakhovsky
Well five minutes is a long time in tennis - no sooner than Stakhovsky appeared to be on the comeback trail, Murray is back on top. The fiesty Scot earns a break at 30-40 and then converts it in dramatic style, outduelling Stakhovsky at the net with quick hands and a quick eye. All h e has to do is serve out for the match and the whole Davis Cup tie.

Murray 6-3 6-2 5-5 Stakhovsky
Murray is under a lot a pressure on his serve and slumps to 30-30 but Stakhovsky fails to capitalise on half-chances, knocking two balls into the net and sealing the game for Murray.

Murray 6-3 6-2 4-5 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky comfortably holds serve and, at the moment, looks like he will take this match to a fourth set.

Murray 6-3 6-2 4-4 Stakhovsky
Murray manages to level the scores but there's still a feeling on court that the momentum is with Stakhovsky, who is clawing his way back into this match.

Murray 6-3 6-2 3-4 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky makes it eight points in a row with a love service game.

Murray 6-3 6-2 3-3 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky is still hanging in there as he earns an unprecedented three break points at 40-0. The Ukrainian has no trouble converting the first. It's a massive blow for Murray - he's blown a golden opportunity to wrap up this match.

Murray 6-3 6-2 3-2 Stakhovsky
Plenty of drama in this game. Murray fans are once again given an anxious moment when Murray jars his knee after crossing over feet on the baseline. After a couple of twinges, the Scot is back to his fiery self and wins a crucial point at 15-30 down. Murray pulls in Stakhovsky with a drop-shot but the Ukrainian replies with an acutely-angled forehand. Murray trips the net with his return and Stakhovsky squanders a chance with a mi****. It's a bad sign as Murray goes on to earn and convert a break point.

Murray 6-3 6-2 2-2 Stakhovsky
A surprisingly comfortable service game for Murray, who moves ever closer to victory.

Murray 6-3 6-2 1-2 Stakhovsky
A love service game for the Ukrainian, who is holding on for dear life in this set.

Murray 6-3 6-2 1-1 Stakhovsky
Murray gets through his service game. One can't help feeling the Scot in only in second gear, pulling out the big shot all too briefly. Nevertheless he's firmly in control in this fourth rubber. It's the story of Stakhovsky's day as the Ukrainian misses yet another chance to convert a break point.

Murray 6-3 6-2 0-1 Stakhovsky
Stakhovsky manages to show this clash is not over yet. Murray pulls level at 30-30 but the Ukrainian comes into the net on the next point and his opponent's passing shot goes wide. He then pushes home the advantage with a deft lob while Murray looks over his shoulder with a wry smile.

SECOND SET:

Murray 6-3 6-2 Stakhovsky
Murray makes short work of serving out for the set, converting the second of two set points at 40-15 when Stakhovsky drives yet another forehand into the net. The struggling Stakhovsky now has a mountain to climb if he is to rescue this match, and the whole tie, but is that mountain of Carpathians stature or just a small foothill on the edge of Odessa?

Sheddie · administrator

3rd set:

Stakhovsky serving first:

15-0: Big forehand cross-court, Murray gets it and puts up defensive jobc and S hits a smash winner

15-15: Murray smokes a down the line backhand winner, his trademark shot

15-30: S serve-volleys, good return from Andy, right at his feet, giving Andy a short ball which he hits cross-court for a winner

30-30: Backhand long from Andy

40-30: long rally, S attacks the net and Andy sends his passing shot just wide

Game: Great return from Murray, S gets it back but it's short. Andy goes for a deep topspin approach but doesn't put enough on it and the backhand topspin lob from S is perfect

6-3, 6-2, 0-1

Sheddie · administrator

Murray serving:

15-0: Great return from S, he attacks the resulting short ball with a backhand but Murray hits a superb cross-court pass right down at his feet and S puts the half-volley long.

15-15: Andy mis-hits a forehand and it goes wide

30-15: Andy attacks the net and S's pass is just wide

30-30: Long rally, Andy goes for a backhand down the line and it's just wide. He's not found the mark with this short particularly often in the match

30-40: S pressurizing Murray from the baseline, he pushes him wide into his backhand corner, Andy goes for a backhand winner down the line but misses

Deuce: Big serve and S puts the return into the net

Ad M: Service winner

Deuce: Murray dropshot, S gets it. Andy attempts a lob but it isn't deep or high enough and S puts away the smash

Ad M: S sends a backhand long

Game: S sends a backhand wide after another long rally

6-3, 6-2, 1-1

Sheddie · administrator

Stakhovsky serving:

15-0: S hits a backhand winner down the line

30-0: Dropshot winner from S, a rarity in this match. He's made plenty of dropshot attempts but usually they haven't come off

40-0: S serve-volleys, hits a dropvolley. Murray gets there and goes for a bunt up the line but nets

Game: Netted backhand from M

6-3, 6-2, 1-2

Sheddie · administrator

Murray serving:

15-0: Andy attacks the net and a down the line pass attempt from S is wide

30-0: Murray dropshot is too good, S gets there but by then the ball is too low to get it over the net

30-15: Murray forehand goes just wide, would have been a clean winner

40-15: Another dropshot from Murray and again it's too good, he put lots of spin on that and it just died on the court

Game: Big cross-court forehand from M who follows it into the net, S puts up a lob which Murray smashes but S retrieves it and Murray's back on the baseline. He sliced an angled drop shot, S gets there and attempts an angled cross-court flick with his backhand but it floats into the tramlines.