ROLAND GARROS, R3: Andy sends Santiago packing 6'3, 6'4, 6'4

[Sallydaisy]

Andy has battled into the 3rd round of the French Open but at what cost to his long-term success???

For most of us watching it looked as though he'd have to retire during/after the first set because he was so clearly in severe pain and admitted as much in the oncourt interview afterwards. He says he couldn't put weight properly on his left leg, his back was sore when he woke up and that his team wanted him to stop after that first set which he lost 1'6.

But Muzzah is a fighter and hates to give in ...... so here he is up against Santiago Giraldo.

The H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=G725) is 1-0 in Andy's favour; he beat the Colombian 6'2, 6'1 in the R16 in Barcelona just a few weeks ago. The 24yr old Giraldo is currently ranked #50 in the world and has worked his way up the rankings recently and mostly on his favoured surface which is clay.

The match is on Saturday - time tbc.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy is back out on court putting in some practice.
A couple of tweets from observers .......

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/#%21/NeilHarmanTimes) Andy Murray currently hitting and feelings are that he is "relatively positive" about his chances of playing tomorrow.

Mike Dickson ‏@Mike_Dickson_DM (https://twitter.com/#%21/Mike_Dickson_DM)

Andy Murray has appeared on schedule for his practice on court four and appears in decent spirits.

[Sallydaisy]

Jonathan Overend ‏@5livetennis (https://twitter.com/#%21/5livetennis)
Out on Court 4 with Murray who is hitting with Marcio Torres of Brazil and coach Lendl. Murray not perfect but much better than yesterday.

[traveller7]

Good to hear he is out practicing

[Caro]

That is encouraging news

[Sallydaisy]

:lol:

[/URL] Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST[URL="https://twitter.com/#%21/Barry_FlatmanST"] (https://twitter.com/Barry_FlatmanST/status/208544720740298753)

No drama and no queens out on Ct 4 as Andy Murray shows no ill effects of yesterday's episode as he worked with Ivan Lendl. And there wasn't a cardboard cutout of Virginia Wade to use as target practice for Murray & Lendl

[traveller7]

:laugh: brilliant!

[rouges]

All the commies from all the chanels have been so unkind to Andy, I feel for him after being called "Drama Queen" by Ginie Wade. I thought ITV 4 might have been better, I would escape Bouncy Castle but Jim over the pond is just as bad and never shut up, brainwashed by the British Media. In the past when Novak, Nadal and Del P have needed treatment for knees, cramp or whatever they get sympathy but not Andy, only criticism and made fun of. I just hated it yesterday. Do any of you agree.

[pabbers]

Glad Andy's back out on court. I seem to remember once before that he had a dodgy match after having slept awkwardly - I've a feeling it was his neck that bothered him that time. But he was fine for the next match. Fingers crossed this is the same and will pass fairly soon and that his other back injury is under control.

[traveller7]

I was just saying to my mum about it and if nadal, nole or fed had done the same they would be praised for being such a sport to keep going and shows what a top3 player they are etc andy gets nothing but bad press.
Its obvious to me now reading what andy has said that he knew what injury it was and that it would get better and he could carry on.
he won, he is obviously on the mend why cant they just leave it be?!!!

[rouges]

I wish there was a commentators site where true fans could vent and let them know as fans how we feel having to put up with all their outrageous, shameful, insulting and derogatory remarks, they should get behind the British player or leave the commentary team.

[LC the fan]

All the commies from all the chanels have been so unkind to Andy, I feel for him after being called "Drama Queen" by Ginie Wade. I thought ITV 4 might have been better, I would escape Bouncy Castle but Jim over the pond is just as bad and never shut up, brainwashed by the British Media. In the past when Novak, Nadal and Del P have needed treatment for knees, cramp or whatever they get sympathy but not Andy, only criticism and made fun of. I just hated it yesterday. Do any of you agree.

Actually I thought Jim Courier was OK. He obviously enjoys watching Andy and is very appreciative of his tennis. His comments yesterday weren't derogatory but were - as he felt - in Andy's best interest. An indeed if it had been the original back injury he would probably have been right.

But Andy insists that it was a spasm which can come after back treatment so - let's hope all will be well tomorrow (And let's hope its Petchey commentating !!!)

[Nina]

Glad he's practicing and will play tomorrow
wish him luck as Gilardo seems tough one

[cazza99]

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes

Murray is second on the Bullring court tomorrow v Giraldo

oop not up yet

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18298156) - French Open 2012: Andy Murray to face Santiago Giraldo

Andy Murray came through practice unscathed on Friday as he prepared for his French Open third-round match against Santiago Giraldo on Saturday.

[Nina]

Roland Garros ‏@rolandgarros
Order of play for Saturday at #RG12 Ct.1 Schiavone v Lepchenko Giraldo v Murray Granollers v Mathieu Rus v Goerges

Twitter

[Jan]

second match on court 1

[cazza99]

Greg Rusedski ‏@GregRusedski1

Murray all set for tomorrow. Good to go no problems. The king of clay is on as well. Nadal playing great. Monaco v Raonic pick of matches

[cazza99]

SkySports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7791060/)- Murray - No backing down


Giraldo said: "I will be prepared for a very tough match. I don't know the situation with Andy's back but he won so he can play.

"I can compete with him on any surface, especially on clay, I know that I have more chance. I'm playing so good and I'm feeling very well, so if he has problems it will be tough for him to play five sets."

The 24-year-old, who is good friends with Murray's Venezuelan hitting partner Dani Vallverdu, is also confident he can give the fourth seed much more of a match than in Barcelona.

"I didn't play a good match, I lost easily in the third round," he said. "But this is another match and I can play much better. It's different conditions here. I'm happy with my results and I'm feeling good."

[Bardot]

Having watched Andy's practice Mark Petchey and Jim Courier gave a more cautious appraisal of his fitness when they spoke at the end of coverage on ITV4. He was hitting balls but did no running and was obviously feeling discomfort although they said his serve looked about 80%. Mark Petchy also said he'd spoken to Andy about the "drama queen" comments and that Andy was surprised and extremely disappointed by them. Petchey went on to say that anyone who believed he was not injured was wrong and you'd think they'd realise that everyone reacts differently to an injury. Surprisingly in all he had to say about it, he never mentioned Virginia Wade by name but spoke about "people on sofas". Inverdale said Andy looked jovial during practice although he had to get in the snide comment "or as jovial as Murray gets"

[traveller7]

Roll on tomorrow!

[lynne]

The Very, Very Best of Luck Andy!!!!:thumbup:

[david1610]

I think the most important piece of advice is
"Sleep Well!!" :)

[Fina]

Good luck, Andy. Am concentrating on sending positive vibes to you today. x

[Sallydaisy]

From Jonathan Overend

Jonathan Overend ‏@5livetennis (https://twitter.com/#!/5livetennis) Murray serving superbly out here in practice. Think we can safely say he slept less awkwardly last night.


Murray thumping the ball in practice. Looks fine.

[pabbers]

Yayyyy!!!!

[Jan]

hope to see the match - and hope Andy is OK.
:cheer: all the best Andy!

[SamP]

Sam Smith has been phenomenally complimentary (say that one out loud) this morning about Andy's performances this week on itv4.

He sounded decent in the interview with petchey today, heres hoping he can manage the injuries now into the second week.

[Alis]

I didn't hear what VW said on Eurosport this morning but seemingly it was very derogatory - along the lines of 'I hope he has put the nervousness behind him because that's what it was'. If she did say that she must finally have taken leave of what senses she has. That is an absolutely ludiocrous comment to make. No hint of an apology, of course.

In contrast, Sam Smith on ITV, said that she could only applaud Andy for what he did on Thursday. She went on to say that when she was playing she was always told to get to the end of the match if she possibly could because tomorrow was another day. She also mentioned that it is difficult to know how others are feeling because people feel pain at different levels; Andy knows his body better than anyone else; people should appreciate how much work he has put into preparing for this tournament and much the easier option would have been for him to quit. I like this lady!

[Sallydaisy]

This L'Equipe journalist, who WAS watching Andy's match, is very perplexed:

Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard (https://twitter.com/#%21/carole_bouchard) What was wrong with Virginia Wade saying crowd here was mad at Murray at the end ?! People kept cheering for the guy... So Ridic.
I'm still quite ??? about Wade... Unbelievable... And lying about the crowd being mad at him is terrible

[DaveArneRiise]

Blimey you should have seen Wade's face this morning. I've never seen an expression contain so much anger and bitterness in my life. Seriously you could light a matchstick on her forehead!

[Jan]

ITV have just said that they'll be showing Andy's match on ITV1 - currently showing Ferru on ITV4.

[DaveArneRiise]

Schiavone struggling to close out the first set against Lepchenko. 5-3 serving for set but at deuce. If she manages to close out that set than I'd estimate Andy will be on around 12:15.

She finally takes it 6-3.

[-J-]

any guesses on an ETA for Andy

[DaveArneRiise]

any guesses on an ETA for Andy

If Schiavone wins in straight sets (Currently a set up and 3-3 in the 2nd) then I'd guess a 12:30pm start. (UK time that is.)

[MurrayAOne]

12.15pm

[-J-]

ta David, on the tablet to much hassle to play with loads of windows

[DaveArneRiise]

Lepchenko seems determined to prolong the wait though. Just saved 4 break points and held for 4-3 in the 2nd set. Threatening to turn into a marathon 3 setter this. In which case you are looking at a 1:30PM start for Andy.

Lepchenko just took the 2nd set 6-3. So into a decider they go, Andy won't be on court just yet unfortunately.

[Sallydaisy]

1-1 in the ladies match. Into a 3rd set.
Andy Murray on hold for about another 3/4 of an hour at this rate.
I reckon about 1pm UK time.
Shower and brunch for me.

[traveller7]

Yep no easy two setter as predicted

[Jane]

All the very best of luck, Andy:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::):)

[Jan]

I had to go out and was worried I might miss the start of Andy's match - needn't have been!!

[DaveArneRiise]

Didn't envision this. Schiavone down 3-5 in the deciding set. Serving to stay in the match.

[traveller7]

The American playing well could be over soon....

[-J-]

itv1 coverage started yet?

[traveller7]

Yes it started at 11.15am :)

[DaveArneRiise]

Gutsy hold from Shiavone. Lepchenko to come out now and serve for the match at 5-4. Can she do it?

[DaveArneRiise]

If she wins this match she'll also make the American olympic tennis team. No pressure then.

[DaveArneRiise]

Schiavone turning up the heat! 15-30 she's a fighter.

[-J-]

Yes it started at 11.15am :):doh:been watching li na on itv4

[DaveArneRiise]

Lepchenko goes long to hand Shiavone 2 break back points. She then double faults, pressure clearly got to her there. 5-5 now. Credit to Schiavone for fighting back from the brink there.

Shiavone holds for a 6-5 lead, so from serving for the match moment ago Lepchenko now serving to stay in the match!

Kudos to the American she duly holds and levels at 6-6.

[traveller7]

Lep is now 40-15 on her serve
40-30
game Lepchenko
6 -6

sighhhh hurry up!

[Linda]

Hope this doesn't go to something like 18-16 :rolleyes:

[DaveArneRiise]

Courier is a world class commentator it has to be said.

[Linda]

Yes, Courier displays more knowledge and intelligence than most of them. Although he did drool over Fed too much.

[traveller7]

Lep serving for match again see if she holds her nerve this time

[Alis]

Courier is a world class commentator it has to be said.

I agree - he is really interesting to listen to. He does make some rather ambiguous comments sometimes though. This morning - commenting onAndy's performance on Thursday - he first said that he couldn't understand the British press but then went onto say that some players (e.g. Sampras) need the crutch of an injury to lean on. I don't think he meant it to be levelled at Andy but in that particular context it could have been mis-interpreted.

[DaveArneRiise]

Love his comment about ball machine tennis on the womens side of the game. Hit the nail on the head with that. Just too much of that these days, for me it's predictable and boring. Which is why it's so refreshing to have someone like Watson coming up who isn't just a ran of the mill side to side slasher like most are. Same can be said on Mens side of the game too. Thank god for Andy!

[JAMES4578]

Lepchenko breaks again, but of course it may not be over!

[traveller7]

He certainly is more interesting to listen to than some thats for sure

[DaveArneRiise]

I agree - he is really interesting to listen to. He does make some rather ambiguous comments sometimes though. This morning - commenting onAndy's performance on Thursday - he first said that he couldn't understand the British press but then went onto say that some players (e.g. Sampras) need the crutch of an injury to lean on. I don't think he meant it to be levelled at Andy but in that particular context it could have been mis-interpreted.

Maybe but then you might just be overanalysing everything.

[traveller7]

Hurrah all over Lep finally won 8-6 in 3rd set

[ljs]

Andy looks ok warming up

[JennieF]

:cheer::cheer::cheer:GO GO GO ANDY!! Wishing you all the luck in the world.

[traveller7]

lets go andy lets go come on!!!

[traveller7]

weather looks better there than it is here

[Jan]

We're off!

[Linda]

Andy seems fine today - hitting the ball hard, serve speed up to normal :thumbup:

[ljs]

Andy holds serve 1-0

[Sallydaisy]

Apparently Giraldo doesn't run/move well so he often tries to end the point with a power shot.

Game Andy, 1-0.
I hope he's decided to just go for it today and get off court as quickly as possible (or as soon as any painkillers wear off).

[traveller7]

safe hold for Giraldo

[davech]

Maybe a touch of pain there for Andy?

[DaveArneRiise]

Giraldo is no mug on this surface. On his best a match for anyone on clay. Disposed of Tomic relatively comfortably in the previous round. Even if Andy wasn't carrying an injury this would still be a tough match.

[ljs]

so far so good

[Sallydaisy]

Maybe a touch of pain there for Andy?
Courier commented on that too; says it's the first time Andy has really moved properly since he finished the match against Nieminen.

2-1 to Andy. Hope he can keep the points fairly short tbh.

[-J-]

from what I seen Andy seems to be moving ok
now lets look for them chances
cmonnnnn

[Sallydaisy]

Nice backhand return there from Andy.

2-2.

[davech]

Pretty comfortable hold there for a 3-2 lead. More inroads into Giraldo's serve now, please...

[Sallydaisy]

Andy 3-2, fairly easy hold there.

[traveller7]

All ok so far, needs to get more points on the giraldo serve though

[davech]

Nice point from Andy - defend, defend, bang.

[JennieF]

"jeu Murray". Lovely words

[davech]

More like it! Deuce.

[davech]

bp!

[Jan]

kitkat!

[davech]

And there's the break. 4-2

[Sallydaisy]

ANdy breaks to serve at *4-2

[JennieF]

Looking good! Big smile!

[ljs]

:cheer::cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Giraldo serving to stay in the 1st set at *2-5

[KnightOwl]

30-0 - two more points - looking good!

[Sallydaisy]

Jeu Murray!!! 6'3.
:dance:

[Jane]

Great stuff, Andy 6-3:cheer::cheer::cheer::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[JennieF]

Première manche Murray. Lovely words!

[davech]

First set Andy - easy! :yahoo: :dance: :clap: :cheer:

[KnightOwl]

First set Andy - pretty straight-forward! :dance:

[-J-]

gettttttiiinnnn

[traveller7]

And he takes the 1st set 6-3 well done andy!

[ljs]

is everyone breathing a sigh of relief ??

[JAMES4578]

Very solid tennis from Andy to take it 6-3 and he really stepped it up from the middle of the set, let's hope he can keep it going!

[NorthernLights]

Fabulous first set, Andy, well done! :cheer:

(Hi everyone! Long time no speakie! All work and no tennis makes NL a dull girl :sad:)

[-J-]

covering for a mate at the recycle center today beeb quite all day....till Andy comes on court now been ran of ma feet seen about 2 games of that set

[traveller7]

is everyone breathing a sigh of relief ??
Almost- but this is andy until he gets the 2nd set well in his grasp I wont be too confident!

[pabbers]

Great first set and played with intent. Let's hope it continues that way and he can get off court quickly. Must admit Courier is beginning to grate a little - he talks over the play too much for my liking.

[Sallydaisy]

Giraldo holds for 1-0 in the 2nd set.

He's got a nice pair of legs on him.
:p

[JennieF]

covering for a mate at the recycle center today beeb quite all day....till Andy comes on court now been ran of ma feet seen about 2 games of that set
Poor J. :-( tell them to go home and watch tv.

[KnightOwl]

Must admit Courier is beginning to grate a little - he talks over the play too much for my liking.

True, that's a bit irritating, but I'll put up with it because I think he makes a lot of sense - most of the time, anyway!

[JennieF]

Cracking.

[Sallydaisy]

Blink and you'll miss it; Andy holds to love and chucks in a couple of Aces.
Fair to say the service action is fully functioning today!!!

[KnightOwl]

Fair to say the service action is fully functioning today!!!

Certainly looks like it - although 87% first serves in for that first set makes me think he's still taking a bit off it...

[davech]

Fabulous first set, Andy, well done! :cheer:

(Hi everyone! Long time no speakie! All work and no tennis makes NL a dull girl :sad:)

:wave:

[Sallydaisy]

Certainly looks like it - although 87% first serves in for that first set makes me think he's still taking a bit off it...
Stats say av 1st serve speed is 186mph. Fastest so far was 212mph.
Not shabby but I'm not sure what the stas were for the first round which would give good comparison?

[KnightOwl]

Ummm...kph I think, otherwise that's quite a world record ;)

[Sallydaisy]

2-2 2nd set, Giraldo to serve.

[ljs]

Beautiful Andy !!! :cheer::cheer:

my commie said " real flair from the British #1 there " :cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Ummm...kph I think, otherwise that's quite a world record ;)
Oh yeah!
:lol:

[KnightOwl]

Stats say av 1st serve speed is 186mph. Fastest so far was 212mph.
Not shabby but I'm not sure what the stas were for the first round which would give good comparison?

Well that's an average of 115mph and max of 132mph, so very far from shabby! Quite amazing to get such a high FS% then - I'm usually fairly happy if he gets into the mid-fifties!

[traveller7]

And a nice kitkat yum

[Sallydaisy]

Le KITKAT
:pierre:

[davech]

There's the break again - 3-2!

[david1610]

Well done Andy! Now consolidate please.
C'mon Andy!

[jamie&andy's fan]

Can't relax !

[ljs]

wow Andys really firing some nice forehands

[traveller7]

4-2 lovely jubbly

[JAMES4578]

Some impressive shotmaking from Andy, certainly encouraging!

[davech]

wow Andys really firing some nice forehands

Yeah - they seem to be working especially well today. I'd still like to see him take more down the line though.

[Sallydaisy]

Giraldo holds; Andy serving next, still with the break, at *4-3

[JennieF]

Cup of tea now........Could just do with a KitKat myself!

[traveller7]

5-3 excellent

[davech]

Little glimmer...

[davech]

Deuce - still a chance for the second break.

[davech]

Not any more. Andy only needs to serve it out for the set though.

[traveller7]

Easy peasy come on Murray

[ljs]

wow good effort to get to that dropper

[ljs]

eeekkk cmon Andy !!!!

[KnightOwl]

Fabulous rifled shot from Giraldo for his first BP - concentration needed!

[Sallydaisy]

Phew, Giraldo really let that forehand fly and it earns him a break point as Andy is serving for the set.

[davech]

Set point Andy!

[Jane]

6-3, 6-4 - well done, Andy:cheer::cheer::cheer::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Sallydaisy]

Jeu Murray!

[traveller7]

And he gets it! 2 sets up lovely

[davech]

:dance: :yahoo: :clap: :cheer:

[Linda]

Going great so far :)

[Sallydaisy]

2 sets down, 1 more to go.
:dance:

[KnightOwl]

:phew: a little bit of danger in that last game, but well recovered to take the second set :clap:

[ljs]

:bravo:

[JennieF]

:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[traveller7]

After such a long wait, this match is going to be over too soon!

[jamie&andy's fan]

wooooo go Andy :yahoo:

[ljs]

After such a long wait, this match is going to be over too soon!

the sooner the better for Andys sake !!

[davech]

Much more aggressive from Andy now.

[Sallydaisy]

Giraldo was *40-0 but Andy has pegged it back to deuce.
Ad Giraldo.
Deuce. Andy pushing for an early break methinks.

[Sallydaisy]

Good play from Giraldo to gain Ad again. But he hits a FHDTL wide.
Emmanuel Joseph is out of the chair and rules it out.
Deuce again.

[JennieF]

Wow!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Classy defence from Andy; such skill and he gets it back to deuce.

[davech]

Lots of entertaining tennis in this game. Good fun.

[Sallydaisy]

Avantage Giraldo. The Colombian is really having to play well to hang onto his serve here.
Deuce.
:shades:

[Sallydaisy]

Avantage jGiraldo. Great defence again from Andy.
Deuce.

How long has this game been going on?

[davech]

bp!

[Sallydaisy]

Perseverance pays; avantage Murray.

[Sallydaisy]

Great shot from Giraldo to save breakpoint.
Deuce.

And Avantage Giraldo on account of that flying forehand.

[Sallydaisy]

Giraldo finally holds serve. Very long game and shame Andy didn't get the break but he's certainly given the Colombian notice that he's gunning for a break.

[davech]

Shame. 1-0 Giraldo.

[KnightOwl]

Speaking of flying forehands - not too shabby from Andy either :clap:

[davech]

Beautiful disguise on the dropper!

[JennieF]

Giraldo plays so close to the line they look out!!

[Sallydaisy]

2-2. Come on Andy! Ou sont les KITKAT's????
:pierre:

[KnightOwl]

2-2. Come on Andy! Ou sont les KITKAT's????
:pierre:

Oui! J'ai faim - un petit kit-kat s'il vous plait!!

[Sallydaisy]

Will settle for an easy hold right now 'cos I'm a bit worried SG has sharpened up his game a bit in this set.
Actually, hold, break, hold and break would be lovely.
:roland:

[traveller7]

Murray holds to love very nice

[Mandiemoo]

Fully absorbed in the pleasure of watching Andy on the TV - ITV I love you!

[JennieF]

Some nifty play by Giraldo.

[JennieF]

Go go Andy.....break!!

[davech]

bp!

[traveller7]

Advantage Murray sounds so much better in French!

[Sallydaisy]

First bp saved but Andy has another chance now after SG hits long.

[davech]

Andy's being a tiny bit more passive again.

[Sallydaisy]

Avantage Murray.
:shades:

[Sallydaisy]

Le KITKAT.
:pierre:

[traveller7]

its a break yay!

[JennieF]

There it is. Nice!!

[KnightOwl]

Voila le kit-kat :clap:

[davech]

There's the break. Lots of defending was enough for Andy this time.

[JennieF]

I think I'd like to go to Roland Garros next year. It looks fabulous!

[tom]

What's the score in third set?

Was happily watching Andy's match on Philippines TV - on an Australian channel.

Then they decide to switch to Sharapova's match! Unbelievable.

[traveller7]

I think I'd like to go to Roland Garros next year. It looks fabulous!

Likewise especially before they bulldoze the bullring court he is playing on now with a groundpass you can get in there apparently!

[traveller7]

What's the score in third set?

Was happily watching Andy's match on Philippines TV - on an Australian channel.

Then they decide to switch to Sharapova's match! Unbelievable.

5-3 to andy

[Sallydaisy]

Andy: 6'3, 6'4 and 5'3 in the 3rd. Giraldo to serve to stay in the match.

[JennieF]

Likewise especially before they bulldoze the bullring court he is playing on now with a groundpass you can get in there apparently!
It looks a lovely court. John Inverdale said it's easier to get tickets than you'd think. Start applying in March. It's in my calendar now!

[traveller7]

Andy serving for the match to be in 4th round

[Sallydaisy]

Giraldo holds; Andy to serve for the match after the change of ends.

Come on Muzzah!!!!!
:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[KnightOwl]

3 MPs, but the first one has gone - two more...

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Jane]

Brilliant!!! Well done, Andy 6-3 6-4 6 -4:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::):)

[JennieF]

:cheer::cheer::cheer: Bravo Andy!!!.

[davech]

GSM Andy! :yahoo: :swingin: :clap: :dance: :cheer:

[Linda]

Well done Andy! :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo:

[KnightOwl]

That's the one! Fabulous match given how he looked a couple of days ago :yahoo:

[traveller7]

And he does it 6-3 6-4 6-4
well done andy get some rest for a tougher week ahead!

[Sallydaisy]

Awwww, Andy looks soooooooooooo relieved to have got thru' that match.
Think he was starting to feel his back a little bit at the very end there.

Job done though and he's into the 2nd week.
Book your seats on Monday folks.
:thumbup:

[-J-]

gettttttiiiinnnn

[traveller7]

So pleased for him it didnt look too much of an ordeal and didnt have to work too hard on and off quickly exactly what he needed.

[ljs]

Good Job Andy !!!

thanks for finishing it in 3 sets , now I can concentrate on Milos :)

[lynne]

Solid win Andy..........:bravo:

[tom]

Well done, Andy!

Thanks for keeping me informed, everyone, after the Australian TV channel left Andy and went to Sharapova.

[NorthernLights]

Hurrah! Very well done Andy Murray!:cheer::clap::swingin: Phew, back on track! No pun intended.





thanks for finishing it in 3 sets , now I can concentrate on Milos :)

:shocked: Vamos mi Pico! :swingin:

[Linda]

Vamos Pico! :swingin:

Eek :sofa:

[Bardot]

An amazing performance after the agony of Thursday. :cheer: Never in doubt.

Ginnie Wades teeth have been wired together to give maximum grittedness when saying "it's a step in the right direction" :grrr: Greg on the other hand has Andy in the semi-finals already.

[Hawkeye]

So comfortable that I dozed off during the third set...

[NorthernLights]

Vamos Pico! :swingin:

Eek :sofa:

Move up, Linda...!

[LC the fan]

Well done Andy :cheer: His celebrations of a win are never very demonstrative but you could see how much that one meant to him. Second week, last sixteen, serve going well :clap:

Revenge on Gasquet....or perhaps a tired Haase ???

[patmoren]

Great win by Andy today, some of his down the line shots were fabulous.Keep it up Andy>

[JAMES4578]

Overall a fabulous performance from Andy, wasn't expected him to be so much on song-well done!! :cheer::cheer::cheer: Of course tougher challenges lie ahead but Murray giving himself a chance to reach the latter stages. After Thursday very encouraging, even if he may not be at optimum fitness yet.

[SamP]

Absolutely belting performance, great serve, barely any errors.

Giraldo was certainly no mug either.

Fancy Haas in the next round thanks.

[Alis]

Andy's stats were brilliant - great stuff!

[Fina]

Yay. So happy he's made it into the second week. Well done, Andy :clap:

[Jan]

I really enjoyed watching that - well done Andy! :yahoo::yahoo:

It will be interesting to see what he says about his back, if anything..

itv commies were great too!

[JAMES4578]

Andy will be in the studio shortly on ITV4,should be interesting!

[WimbledonAce]

Well done Andy! Loving ITV coverage - no Castle or Lloyd, bliss!

[WimbledonAce]

I think I'd like to go to Roland Garros next year. It looks fabulous!

I agree, I am pencilling it in!

[traveller7]

Mmm shame petchy and courier are such nadal lovers borrrring

[WimbledonAce]

Not really, i love rafa! Better that than fed worship!

[WimbledonAce]

Andys on!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy is on ITV4 right now

[traveller7]

Not really, i love rafa! Better that than fed worship!

I like him a lot more if he didnt spend half an hour serving plucking and tucking it drives me nuts

[KnightOwl]

Lovely interview with Andy on ITV4 at the moment - if you're not already watching, tune in quick...!

[traveller7]

Loved him blushing when he had to sign the paper lol

[Sallydaisy]

Awww, lovely interview of Andy with his 'idol' (Santoro) but his 'idol' getting Andy's autograph!!!
No wonder he blushed.

He sounds very relaxed about the back spasm problem of 2 days ago and explained why he'd defended himself so strenuously the other day. As he says, he and Federer are the ones with some of the fewest incidences of needing the trainer on court and he's only withdrawn once from a match when he couldn't hold his racquet.

[HoopGirl]

Well done andy. Looked good to me.

[Bardot]

Andy is so courteous, apologising to Santoro before saying he didn't have the biggest game and such an eloquent explanation and response (not that Wade deserves one) to the "Drama Queen" nonsense. Journalists don't appreciate how lucky they are as Andy always gives as honest an answer as he can.

[traveller7]

Jim Courier just expressed that Andy gave a great interview and explained himself (not that he should have too) and his injuries.

[Jan]

really good interview from Andy - put his case very well - very matter of fact. I thought he came across very well. Also loved the way Fabrice Santoro asked him to autograph his newspaper piece!

[JAMES4578]

Very good interview and Andy made his feelings known on some of the "critics" in a diplomsatic manner. Seen in a article Henri Leconte also joined in Andy bashing unfortunately.

[rouges]

Well done Andy! Loving ITV coverage - no Castle or Lloyd, bliss!
I'll second that. yippie

[rouges]

I did not see interview, hope it's repeated later.

[Linda]

Neither did I, but I'm sure it will be repeated.

[Caro]

Great to see Andy looking more comfortable on the court .... and in the studio interview. Having Santoro there helped. Also John Inverdale is good at what he does. ITV tennis covrage is a breath of fresh air!!

[Sallydaisy]

I did not see interview, hope it's repeated later.


Neither did I, but I'm sure it will be repeated.

Try watching ITV4+1 at 6.29pm - they run one hour behind ITV4.

[Sallydaisy]

I'm warching Andy's interview again.

[KnightOwl]

For any who may have missed it:

Andy's interview on ITV4 with John Inverdale & Fabrice Santoro

JI: And here in the studio is someone who's already through to the 2nd week. Congratulations to Andy Murray.
AM: Thank you
JI: And I suppose, you know, if somebody could have given you, given all that's happened over this past week, if somebody could have said a straight sets win in two hours flat, without undue exertion, you'd have said I'll take that, and so it happened.
AM: Yeah. It was important for me to get off to a good start today, and I served really well for the first set and a half, and and that really helped, but the last few days have been pretty long, I spent lot of time with my physio and doctor, getting treatment and taking all the right medication so, err yeah glad to come through quickly.
JI: We are all doctors now, watching you, you know that? We're not watching forehands & backhands, we're looking at the back, we're looking at the leg, we're looking at the calf, we're saying...so give us your current medical report...
AM: Well, I feel a lot better than I did a couple of days ago, you know it's been really a tough few weeks for me. Obviously I had a few issues before Rome, didn't feel that great going in to Rome, but I've done a lot of hard work trying to get myself in the best possible physical shape, and did a good job today.
JI: Everybody who's watching this this afternoon, everybody's played sport and they've had something wrong with them, and you go into a match saying I'll get through it somehow, but it's different if you're playing park football or in a club tennis match, it's slightly different to playing a Grand Slam tennis tournament. So how, for you, how hard is it if you're feeling even 95%, how hard is it to banish that from your mind, and just concentrate on the game?
AM: I think the older you get it becomes easier, I think when you're younger, a bit of inexperience, you might not, you know...I know my body a lot better now than I used to, but the other day was certainly not 95%, it was way way worse than that. I just managed to find a way to come through, and did all the right things the last few days to make myself feel better.
JI: You've spoken at length about the fact...it's almost sheer bloody-mindedness, I'm going to carry on playing whatever in the last round. But was there not a point in that first set where you thought, this is hurting so much, I must stop.
AM: Yeah, well I couldn't put much weight on my left leg, so serving was becoming quite a big issue, and then yeah I was definitely thinking of err stopping the match, I was probably a few points away from stopping, if I'd gone a second break down in the second set, err probably would have thought about stopping, but you know for all that's sort of been said, I think I've only I think withdrawn from one match since I've been on the tour in over 400-500 matches I've played, and that was when I couldn't hold the raquet because of my wrist, so I've always tried to complete the matches that I've started.
JI: That was a pretty good excuse as well, wasn't it, be honest?
AM: Which one?
JI: Not being able to hold the raquet.
AM: Yeah, I could have tried playing left-handed, he could <indicates Fabrice Santoro> have probably done it.
JI: Well you mentioned this man, you see the reason, well (a) because he's an integral member of our team, but part of the reason Fabrice is here is because <lifts a newspaper> when was this? Lundi? Monday. Monday's L'Equipe, page um page 10, if I hold it up. Which camera? Camera 4 here we are. "Dandy Murray"! I'm not sure why you're called Dandy Murray here, but anyway you are. And there we are: "Santoro mon idole" and I'm sure most people watching this can work out that means "my idol". Next door to your idol!
FS: But you know why he said that? Because he always beat me, that's why! That's the only reason.
AM: <grins>
JI: So why was he your idol?
AM: Well, did you ever watch him play?
JI: I watched him many times.
AM: He was for me the most entertaining player to watch, he could play every shot err shots that no other players would really think of. He err, because he, I hope he doesn't mind me saying this, but becase he didn't have as much power as other players he had to find different ways of winning the points, and lobs, drop shots, two-handed slice, great volleys, unblievable feel, and that's why I enjoyed watching.
FS: Thanks, Andy, but if you really mean that, you have to sign the paper!
JI: <hands it over, laughing>
AM: Where do you want it?
FS: <indicates place in article>
JI: Excellent, love it!
FS: I need a souvenir, you know!
AM: <signs - grinning & going red!>
JI: So, Fabrice, now he's been very nice about you, be nice about him.
FS: I mean, I've known him since many years, we've played in the past, and I was a little bit worried two days ago, when I saw the first hour of your match against Jarkko Nieminen, but regarding your match today I never felt you'd had a pain in your back before. I mean it looked like you're 100%, and how do you feel, and do you think this pain is behind you, or it could come back?
AM: I think, this one is much better, the problem before Rome was separate to the one I had here, it was more like a muscle spasm, which I'm sure you've had them a few times, they can get better in a few days. When you first get them, they're very very difficult to get rid of, but after a few days normally they get better, so I'm hoping with you know all the pills & medication I've been taking, that it's going to be ok.
JI: I want to talk about Gasquet, obviously, because that's the next round, but if I could just go back one stage. I know you've just had a long and extensive press conference, where inevitably people were reflecting on what was said about the match against Nieminen, and the controversy which came afterwards. I don't want to sort of go back onto that, but it's interesting the whole business about when you're in the public eye, people pass comment on you, that's just the nature of being in the public eye, isn't it? And it's how you respond to that criticism that sometimes must be very difficult, whether you actually respond openly, or whether you just actually say nothing at all. How, do you feel that you, by and large, have a responsibility to respond, or do you actually feel that you'd rather just ignore it and move on.
AM: A lot of the time I don't really say much, I think that what's important for people to know is that we do a press conference before every single tournament, and one after every single match, which compared with other athletes is a lot. Probably during the year around 100-120 press conferences we do, so inevitably there's going to be sometimes when you might get asked a question or, you know someone says something to you you might not like, and you're going to respond fairly honestly if you feel passionately about something, and the other day you know the...a couple of years ago I played Roddick in Miami, and he withdrew against me, and the guy came up to me after the press conference who'd been doing a study on the players in the top 50 I think, and when they called for the trainer and guys that have retired in matches, and me and Federer were the two guys that have called for the trainer the least on the tour, and me and Roger were also the two guys that had pulled out from the least matches, on the tour, so for me, for someone to suggest that I make a meal of injuries, when I call the trainer one of the least on the whole tour and withdraw from matches less than almost anybody on the tour, I felt like I had to speak up for myself and defend myself, so it's important for people to know that as well, that when there have been problems with me, they have been genuine.

[KnightOwl]

(Too long had to split!)

JI: OK. Let's move on. Gasquet - boy have you got a history with this guy! Five set matches, and basically, you give him a start of a couple of sets, and then you say, right I'm going to start now and you beat him in five. But I guess that you probably would rather that wasn't repeated on Monday?
AM: Yeah, I mean we have had some unbelievable matches, two times two sets down and a break down, the time in Wimbledon he served for the match and here I think it was two sets and 3-0 or 3-1, so yeah ideally I wouldn't like to be that position in a couple of days. But he can play some shots, much like Fabrice, and you know when he comes out swinging, going for big shots, it can be very difficult against him, but over time if you can stay solid and try to wear him down it, thats how it's worked the few times I've played him in the slams.
JI: For your sake, I guess you were desperately hoping this would go 24-22 in the fifth set toay, and he'd be exhausted, but Tommy Haas ran out of petrol in the third and fourth sets, so he actually came through fairly easily. Fabrice, what's your thoughts on the match on Monday?
FS: First of all I think as Andy said that Richard is a huge talent, one of the best talents on the tour, but he's not the kind of killer on the tour, which is probably why Andy came back twice in the past in the Grand Slam after losing the first two sets, and on my point of view, Andy has an advantage when he plays Richard and has has a mental advantage, and we see what's gonna happen, and anyway it's a second week start, it's another tournament, Andy & Richard will be on Centre Court Philippe Chatrier on Monday and it could be a great match, I'm waiting for this one.
JI: OK. Listen, I'm going to come back where we started to the health situation. What do you do between now and Monday? Do you have endless physio, endless cortisone jabs, where are you at the moment?
AM: No, I go, I mean like after the match today I went straight in the ice batch for ten minutes, and then after I came out of there...
JI: How dare anybody criticise you? Ten minutes in an ice bath - that's close to a world record record isn't it?
AM: Yeah, well it's interesting because everyone has diferent like protocols for the ice bath, and the French physios are having like one minute and a half in and 30 seconds out..
JI: The international rugby boys only have a couple of minutes, and you're doing ten!
AM: I've been saying it's too much, but they tell me that's the best thing to do and it's worked so far, so...
JI: Well listen, the very best of luck on Monday obviously. And Wednesday. And Friday! And whenever it might be.
AM: Thank you

[Sallydaisy]

Brilliant - thanks Fiona!
:flowers:

[KnightOwl]

Thanks to Dave too - he manned the remote control while I typed :big grin:

[Linda]

Thanks Fiona and Dave :thumbup: I actually prefer to read an interview transcript than to watch it, 'cos when I watch there are always bits that I don't hear properly.

[Jan]

Stirling effort there guys - thanks!!

[pabbers]

Great interview that should (but won't :grrr:) win Andy a few friends - he had his lovely grin on at times and the Santoro thing was just too cute for words.

[KnightOwl]

I did love how embarrassed he looked at signing the paper - from someone who must have signed thousands of autographs, that was just too cute :)

[JAMES4578]

Interview (http://www.itv.com/frenchopen/features/exclusive-murray-talks-to-itv-after-third-round-win/) is now on ITV player

[KnightOwl]

Interview (http://www.itv.com/frenchopen/features/exclusive-murray-talks-to-itv-after-third-round-win/) is now on ITV player

That was quick - could have saved ourselves some effort :big grin:

[Linda]

Thanks James - he did really blush, didn't he! It was very good to have the transcript as well as there were definitely a few bits that I couldn't hear quite as well.