TOKYO 2012, SEMI-FINAL: Milos the Missile outguns Andy: 6'3, 6'7(5), 7'6(4)

[Sallydaisy]

Andy v Milos.

Just 4 weeks after their last encounter at the R16 in the US Open.
Andy beat the Canadian player 6'4, 6'4, 6'2 and levelled their H2H to 1-1.

Milos beat Andy in the Quarter Final of the 2012 Barcelona event on clay 6'4, 7'6(3). They were also scheduled to meet two other times but are evens in walkovers (Andy 2012 Canada Masters and Milos 2012 Miami Masters).

Raonic is now WR#15 (CH#15) having won 2 titles so far in San Jose and Chennai, both on hard courts which seem to suit his game better, and doing well at the USO until he met Andy.
Andy has won 3 titles this year - the US Open Grand Slam and Brisbane on hard courts and the Olympics on grass at Wimbledon.

Hopefully Andy won't be too tired after his doubles match with Jamie which is likely to start an hour after the singles QF (beating Stan in 3 sets not helpful).

The match is due to be played on Saturday 6th October, time tbc but likely to be the early match if Andy has to play SF doubles as well.

[rainy days]

It was Barcelona 2012. :)

Hopefully Andy can repeat that USO performance! Come on!!!! :boogie:

[Sallydaisy]

04.00 Saturday 6th October ....... 12noon local time so they're the first match on.
:sleepy:

Thanks RD!
:thumbup:

[lynne]

:sleepy::sleepy:Oh!......OK then!!!!!:rolleyes:

[Jan]

What?! Oh boy, not sure I'll be able to drag myself out of bed at that time. :sleepy:

[supergran]

Managed to wake up for Andy's match against Stan. Good win as Stan can be tough. Will definitely be watching tomorrow as I'm sure my body clock is still not adjusted. May sleep on sofa and set alarm. Go Andy!!!

[LC the fan]

Oh Lord - I was hopeful that I could make this one as its a saturday but 4 am. Ah well, no doubt something will wake me up and hopefully it will be worth it !

After their match at the US Open, Milos sounded pretty demoralised. He said he had tried everything, playing everyway and Andy handled it all in spades. Let's hope the belief is just a littled dented.

[Aya]

This match will be much closer than the one at the US Open as it's the best of three. Hope Andy can play as well as he did then. Go Andy! :yahoo:

[pabbers]

Andy can't afford to lose a service game tomorrow and so far as I'm aware, there's no wind issue in Tokyo to affect the Missile's serve. So could go to tiebreakers :eek:. Not looking forward to this much. Will record rather than drag myself out of bed. At least then I can fastforward and avoid some of the :nailbiter: moments.

[Jane]

Best of luck, Andy:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::)

[JennieF]

Keep on charging up to that No 1 slot Andy! You can do it!

[david1610]

Yes I am pretty sure this match will be closer than the US Open. In that match Andy was incredibly focused throughout. Would love him to bring the same level of focus to this match, but I suspect it will be difficult. He has to be so careful in not allowing himself to go walkabout on any of his service games.
I also feel Milos will feel he is starting from "nowhere" and "the only way is up" so in a way the pressure will be off him and he might just be more dangerous as a result.
All about Andy's level of focus and good serving on part as well! C'mon Andy!

[RoastLamb]

Can't wait! I'm really ticked off that my tv showed Andy's match this morning live and I didn't tape it thinking they'd only show Milos' match. :facepalm:

[ljs]

later 2nite for us then RL , hope Andy takes this !

[RoastLamb]

later 2nite for us then RL , hope Andy takes this !

I'll tape it and watch it in the morning. I like to FF through all the breaks anyway.

[ljs]

oh really , not me , I gotta watch it live . Cant sleep if I know im missing it .

[Jan]

Not sure I can face setting an alarm for 4am! But if I happen to wake up and can drag myself downstairs I might try and watch!
Otherwise, hope to wake up to see that Andy has produced his magic again!
Come on Andy :cheer::cheer:

[banskogirl]

Don't think I'll get up for this as hubby is a bit grouchy about Andy at the minute, calling me obsessed just because I won't let him delete the Open final :/

[ljs]

Don't think I'll get up for this as hubby is a bit grouchy about Andy at the minute, calling me obsessed just because I won't let him delete the Open final :/

aww banskogirl , just tell him hes a close second lol just kidding

why would he want to delete the usopen final ??

[RoastLamb]

I watched some of the USO final last night. If anyone even tries to delete that from my PVR they DIE!

[banskogirl]

I watch the end over and over :grouphug: when I get in from work before him! Anyway I think it's all he can think to say now that he's lost the 'he'll never win a slam' line! :rolling: like most of the people we know!!

[Jan]

I really wish I had a recording of the US final............

[banskogirl]

aww banskogirl , just tell him hes a close second lol just kidding


oh no that's Rafa!!

[banskogirl]

I really wish I had a recording of the US final............

eh my hubby will give you mine ;)

[Jan]

eh my hubby will give you mine ;)

I'll let him have my address!!!!!!!!!!!! :whistle:

[ljs]

oh no that's Rafa!!

:lol: 3rd then ???

[ljs]

I really wish I had a recording of the US final............

you can watch it on youtube Jan

[SamP]

4AM?

Really Japan, Really?

:(

[Jan]

you can watch it on youtube Jan

Thanks - yes I found it, but I was rather hoping to be able to watch it on a larger tv screen. Our new tv does let you watch youtube, but for some reason when I search for the whole match it doesn't find it. Must have another go!

[Hawkeye]

You do know that you can download videos from YouTube using Real Player? That's what I've done for posterity...

[Maza1987]

Gl Andy. Hopefully the return game is on.

[lynne]

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

[xenon21]

Good luck Andy!

[karanga]

Best of luck Andy. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[supergran]

Good luck Andy. I am interested fellow forum friends in your take on this match. Milos served 24 aces in his last match and is probably growing in confidence. I lay my cards on the table and say that Andy will win. What do you think?

[ljs]

Hi SG , I also think Milos is growing in confidence here , but I think Andy will frustrate him , and will take this one.

[lynne]

Morning folks..........:sleepy:

[ljs]

up at 4am for this lynne , a true fan :lol:

[Hawkeye]

Morning all...

http://lsh.lshunter.tv/static/popups/113661838305040.html for those Skyless!

[supergran]

Morning!! May not post as I'm going to sit on sofa. Don't know how long I'll be sitting though. GO ANDY!!

[ljs]

here we go

[rainy days]

Okay, I'm up! Come on Andy!!!!!

Morning y'all. :)

[david1610]

Good morning! Eek..... C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Andy broken to love in the first game...

[lynne]

Barry Cowan at this time of the morning is a NO! NO!!!!

[Jane]

Good morning folks:thumbup:

[lynne]

Morning Jane!!!:thumbup:

[Hawkeye]

Raonic holds for 2-0

[david1610]

2-0. His confidence will be growing.
Oh well. Safe hold please. C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

Morning all! I'm here now, Andy - let's start playng!

[supergran]

Why does Barry Cowan never shut up. Have turned him off!!!!

[Hawkeye]

Andy on the board at 1-2*

[david1610]

Phew! On the board.
Milos with a clear game plan here. Andy had to sow some doubt quickly otherwise....
Let's hope he gets a look at some second serves here.
C'mon Andy! Think it through....

[Alis]

That's better, Andy!

[david1610]

Mm.... And Milos has not really been hitting a lot of first serves.... pity... 1-3
Safe hold please. C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

A few missed first serves gives Andy an opportunity at 15-30, but Raonic takes 3 points in a row to take the game.

[Hawkeye]

A love service game for Andy, 2-3*

[Alis]

Getting into his stride now.

[Alis]

Who's the other commentator with Cowan?

[Hawkeye]

Arvind Parmar.

[david1610]

Deuce. Glimmer. C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

DF brings up a break point for Andy!

[Hawkeye]

A lucky letcord brings up advantage for Raonic...

[david1610]

Oh well. Safe hold please and then let's try again.
C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Safe hold for 3-4*

Andy's notorious slow start looking like it'll cost him the set...

[david1610]

3-4. Pity he did not let Milos start serving (I am presuming Andy won the toss).
Oh well. This time please! Kitkat in the early morning...
C'mon Andy!
PS Oops Raonic chose to receive.
C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

I'm assuming that Andy lost the toss, as he tends to receive nowadays.

[Hawkeye]

Aces flowing for Raonic now, 5-3*

[david1610]

Well Andy will not get a look in if Milos serves like that. Got the feeling he took a little off even to make sure he got a lot of first serves in.
Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[david1610]

Focus! C'mon Andy!

[patmoren]

Raonic dictating play at the moment. Andy needs a bit of inspiration.

[rainy days]

Oh God...

Come on Andy!!!!!

[patmoren]

Raonic takes the first 6-3

[Hawkeye]

Andy's lack of first serves lets Raonic break for the first set.

[Jane]

:sad::sad:

[Aya]

Shame he got broken to lose the set. He really needed to serve 1st in the second one.

[david1610]

That it really bad news. If Andy had held the story was "bad first game then OK". With the double break Milos will serve first in the second and will feel really confident.
No lapse on serve from now on Andy otherwise the match could be over.
You can do this. So do it please. C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

Raonic playing at the top of his game here - pity Andy didn't make him serve out the set though.

[ljs]

wow that was awesome from Andy , but then Milos starts hitting the lines

[Hawkeye]

Andy gets to 0-30 in the first game of set 2...

[Alis]

Raonic isn't missing much is he? You feel Andy has to hold here.

[Hawkeye]

Andy gets to 0-30 in the first game of set 2...Unfortunately that was as good as it got.

[david1610]

Milos holds at the start of the second.
Well, Andy either steps up a level or he is in big trouble.
Get those first serves in please.
Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[patmoren]

Raonic is playing brilliant tennis at the moment. Come on Andy.

[ljs]

Raonic isn't missing much is he?

nope , playing very well . Andy please hold here

[david1610]

30-15..,,, Andy seems to have "gone". Come back. Focus. C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

2 double faults - we could do without that!

[ljs]

serve is crap right now

[Hawkeye]

A break point for Raonic.

[Alis]

Andy's trying to fire himself up - he seems a bit flat out there.

[ljs]

a big cmon from Andy :clap:

[Hawkeye]

Another break point for Raonic.

[david1610]

BP. Ace please Andy!

[Alis]

Brilliant second serve!

[Alis]

Well held Andy!

[patmoren]

Brave hold by Andy 1-1

[david1610]

Phew! and again phew! When Andy went to 30-15 I honestly thought he had gone into that mood where he would drop his serve, but he came back. Please please a kitkat to steady our nerves!
C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

I have to say I've not been terribly impressed by Raonic in the past but he's certainly playing his socks off today.

[Hawkeye]

Andy's allowing him to play well IMO.

[Alis]

Good hold - now let's have a break.

[Hawkeye]

2-2 in the second set.

[david1610]

Good hold. Now cross your fingers everybody! C'mon Andy!

[patmoren]

Using more body serves now and getting better results. 2-2

[rainy days]

I agree. And Andy's serve isn't working at all.

Come on Andy!!

[Alis]

Andy's allowing him to play well IMO.

You may well be right, Hawkeye. Andy's certainly not playing his best today - well not yet anyway!

[Hawkeye]

A sniff at 0-30, but in a flash it's 30 all...

[Hawkeye]

And Raonic holds. 3-2*

Andy loses the rag and smashes his racket.

[david1610]

Oh Andy, why the anger...... yes you lost the point and the game but so so ugly to watch.

[rainy days]

Hopefully he can use that frustration to produce some great Tennis. C'mon!!

[Hawkeye]

Andy's second serve being completely picked apart.

[Hawkeye]

And a lack of first serves leads to another break point for Raonic.

[david1610]

30-40 Andy has got to 30-0 I think in his last service games then seems to ease off....
Focus. Ace. C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

Great serve!

[Hawkeye]

Another hold but it's getting tougher...

[ljs]

:clap::clap:

[Alis]

Well held!

[david1610]

Well let's hope he can break now, otherwise Raonic will be a break and a hold away from the match.
Focus. C'mon Andy!

[patmoren]

If only Andys serving was more consistent, with good serves he is dominant. 3-3

[Alis]

Got the pass that time - he's been missing so many of those.

[Alis]

............ and all the luck's going Raonic's way.

[Hawkeye]

Another hold from Raonic and time is running out at 4-3*

[rainy days]

Come on Andy, you can do it! Just hold, you'll get another chance.

[patmoren]

Lucky net cord for Raonic 4-3

[Hawkeye]

Bit of a better service game there, 4-4.

[patmoren]

Held to 15, better. Needs to break now, Come on Andy.

[david1610]

Milos a bit off there in his shot making.
The future btw could see a pattern where Andy dominates Milos in five setters but struggles in three setters.
But now... c'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

No sniff there, and Andy will now serve to stay in the match at *4-5.

[rainy days]

Come on Andy! At least save yourself to a TB.

[Alis]

If andy can hold on to force a tie-break he could still turn this.

[ljs]

Andys got such great hands on those drop shots

[Hawkeye]

If andy can hold on to force a tie-break he could still turn this.Looks like 2 tie-breaks is Andy's path to victory.

[patmoren]

Good game by Andy but is it too late? 5-5

[Alis]

Well held Andy - a break would be just great now though.

[Hawkeye]

Another straightforward hold from Raonic and Andy will serve to stay in the match again at *5-6

[patmoren]

Andy serving for a tiebreak.

[rainy days]

Come on Andy!!! Win this game and you'll get another chance.

[david1610]

Still on serve and up to Andy, lest we forget. Now start with a safe hold.
Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Into a tie-break we go.

[patmoren]

Tiebreak time, you need a good one Andy.

[david1610]

C'mon Andy!

[david1610]

Stop chuntering and win this TB Mr. Andrew Murray!

[Alis]

Good one Andy - now another.

[Alis]

Ace!

[Alis]

Raonic is playing the big points well.

[Alis]

Set point andy.

[patmoren]

Lucky let off for Andy 6-5

[Jane]

:dance::dance::dance:

[Hawkeye]

Raonic serves first, Andy's score first

*0-1
*1-1
2-1*
2-2* Andy got into the rally but Raonic coped well.
*3-2 No signs of nerves from Raonic so far...
*3-3 A well constructed point.
4-3* Ace!
4-4* The next point would be handy...
*4-5 Raonic absolutely nerveless, Andy getting frustrated...
*5-5 Ace!
6-5* set point despite an amazing second serve return from Raonic!
7-5 1 set all! A great return right at Raonic's feet.

[lynne]

Yessssssssssssss!!!!!!

[Alis]

Well fought Andy - now game on!!!

[patmoren]

Set to Andy 1-1

[rainy days]

YEEEEEEEES! So clutch! C'mon Andy!

8th won TB in a row!

[david1610]

Well done Andy.
For those reading this later who did not see the match, it was 5-5 and Milos hit a really hard return that painted the line and Andy did so well to get it back, then hit a shot to Milos at the net which which Milos hit out. Very tight. Very close as Milos would have had MP on his serve. About as close as it gets!
To state the obvious, only half way there.
Still a lot of work to do and I just hope Andy can focus and stay patient.
Looking at the stats, both had very similar 1st service percentage and winners. The difference was Andy had a much better 2nd serve percentage.
C'mon Andy!

[ljs]

wow , gutsy Andy !!!! :dance:

[clancy]

Wow - thought he'd blown it!!

[Alis]

Andy had more aces in that set than Raonic!

[Hawkeye]

Andy vitally serving first this set, so hopefully he can get off to a flyer.

[Hawkeye]

A love hold, and Andy leads for the first time in the match...

[Alis]

Andy holds to love. A break here would be fantastic wouldn't it?

[david1610]

If Andy can break now, Milos might find it hard to come back as long as Andy stays strong on his serves, as he must mentally feel a massive chance has just gone.
C'mon Andy!

[rainy days]

Sorry, it's the 11th straight won TB for him.

[Hawkeye]

Still no signs of Raonic cracking, another easy hold.

[Alis]

Raonic isn't going away - Andy's going to have to be patient here.

[patmoren]

Much better start for Andy, needs a wobble from Milos 2-1

[Hawkeye]

Sniff of a break at 0-30...

[Hawkeye]

2 break points! Come on!

[Hawkeye]

First one saved...

And the second. Rats. Andy having a chunter.

[Hawkeye]

DF leads to a third break point...

[Hawkeye]

And there's the break!

Raonic broken for the first time in the tournament.

[patmoren]

Yes!!!!! 3-1 to Andy what a break.

[david1610]

Don't you dare go walkabout now!
Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[ljs]

1st time milos has been broken this week i think

[Hawkeye]

5 posts in a row, apologies...

[Alis]

C'mon Andy - turn the screw!

[Hawkeye]

Andy consolidates the break!

[Alis]

Good serving Andy!

[ljs]

wow what a turnaround after that 1st set

[patmoren]

Good hold for Andy after a sticky start 4-1

[Hawkeye]

Andy had a great chance to go to 0-40 there but instead we're at 30 all.

[Hawkeye]

Raonic holds. 2 more holds please Andy!

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

2 break points for Raonic as Andy loses focus...

[Hawkeye]

And we're back on serve.

[patmoren]

Andy gets broken back on serve.

[Alis]

Oh sugar - didn't expect that - now he has it all to do again.

[david1610]

Oh dear. Milos was just broken for the first time in the whole tournament. Massive achievement. Then he gives it back.
Sigh.....
Has to do it again. Had 0-30 nearly 0-40.
Can do it IF HE STOPS CHUNTERING.
C'mon Andy!

[ljs]

chuntering ?? meaning throwing tantrums ?? Lendls not there :lol: cmonnn Andy !!!!!

[david1610]

Chunter... chunter .... chunter... hello Andy Murray.... I just hope you can break back because the chuntering is driving me mad... haven't you learnt anything this year?
C'mon (silent) Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Chuntering means that he's having one of those "chats" to himself.

Raonic has had a new lease of life with that break, Andy needs to watch out here...

[-J-]

chunter all you want andy ;)
do what you have to to win the match
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnn

[david1610]

chuntering ?? meaning throwing tantrums ?? Lendls not there :lol: cmonnn Andy !!!!!
No I mean rabbiting away negatively to himself.

[david1610]

chunter all you want andy ;)
do what you have to to win the match
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnn
I would agree except IMHO it does not always help and is often counterproductive. Will be very happy to be proved wrong!
C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Andy holds comfortably, and now it's Raonic's turn to serve to stay in the match.

[Alis]

Good hold Andy - now all the pressure's on Raonic.

[-J-]

I would agree except IMHO it does not always help and is often counterproductive. Will be very happy to be proved wrong!
C'mon Andy!well to me he chuntered through the biggest win of his career so can be no bad thing, just another media device to paint the murray caricature

[Hawkeye]

Drive at the body was too predictable that time...

[Hawkeye]

5 games all. Pressure back on Andy.

[ljs]

Im getting a kick out of the spectators faces when hes " chuntering " lol they arent sure what to think

[Alis]

That was not andy's best returning game ever!

[-J-]

lets secure the TB AT LEAST
CMONNNNN

[Alis]

Oh c'mon andy!!!!

[david1610]

well to me he chuntered through the biggest win of his career so can be no bad thing, just another media device to paint the murray caricature
must remind myself never to get upset when I see the boorish behaviour Andy has displayed at times in this match. It's the winning that counts and nothing else.... just a minute, that is not what I am teaching my kids.... hmm... confused.

[Sallydaisy]

C'mon Andy!!!

[Hawkeye]

Why Andy keeps second serving to that forehand I'll never know. 15-30...

[-J-]

must remind myself never to get upset when I see the boorish behaviour Andy has displayed at times in this match. It's the winning that counts and nothing else.... just a minute, that is not what I am teaching my kids.... hmm... confused.AH the must be a good role model chestnut, excellent card

[Hawkeye]

3 points in a row and we have a tie-break at worst.

[Alis]

Safe hold under pressure. Now a break would be nice - I don't think my nerves will stand another tie-break.

[patmoren]

Can Andy break again and avoid another tiebreak 6-5

[Hawkeye]

0-15.

[-J-]

pile it on
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[Hawkeye]

30-15.

[-J-]

shot
little glimmer
cmonnnnnnnnnnnn

[Hawkeye]

A DF hands Andy match point!

[-J-]

match point
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[david1610]

Mp! C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Saved with a fantastic wide serve...

[Hawkeye]

Another DF, another match point, Raonic getting tight?

[Alis]

...... and another - c'mon Andy!!!!

[-J-]

gifted another match point
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Hawkeye]

Andy blows it with a UE...

[Alis]

How did he miss that?

[ljs]

arrrggggg Andy

[Hawkeye]

So a tie-break decider it is...

[Alis]

Gutsy from Raonic!

[-J-]

tb it is the n
you know the drill
cmonnnnnnnnn

[david1610]

Oh well. Has to do it in the TB. C'mon Andy!

[patmoren]

Tiebreak time again.

[-J-]

right andy 50% 1 from 2
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[david1610]

Excellent wait by Andy there before putting the ball away! Now for a MB please....

[Sallydaisy]

Hope serving first gives Andy some advantage - I think he might need it.
Not long up, couldn't cope with 4am today 'cos I'm working thru' to midnight.

[-J-]

this one then
cmonnnnnnn

[ljs]

wow milos :shocked:

[david1610]

Not sure I have ever seen a smash like that from there.....

[-J-]

sok
just protect the serve
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[-J-]

and make it 2
cmonnnnnnnnnn

[-J-]

Not sure I have ever seen a smash like that from there.....has to be said was a beauty

[david1610]

3-3
Try and get the next point please. C'mon Andy!

[-J-]

sok 2 from 2 required andy
cmonnnnnnnnnn

[ljs]

oh dear :(

[rainy days]

It's over. :(

[-J-]

big ask now
2 from 2 it has to be
cmonnnnnnnnn

[-J-]

and still nee the next
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[david1610]

So did Milos win that or Andy lose it?

[Hawkeye]

Andy serving first.

1-0*
1-1* A great lob from Andy but an amazing smash from behind the baseline by Raonic.
*1-2
*2-2
3-2*
3-3* A mini-break now would be nice...
*3-4 Ace.
*3-5 Mini break courtesy of a UE from Andy...
3-6* 3 match points for Raonic
4-6* Too little too late?

GSM Raonic. 6-3 6-7 7-6

[Jane]

:crying::crying:, but what a match

[patmoren]

Andy loses. Milos played a great match, Andy had a lapse wrong time.

[rainy days]

Hmm. Oh well at the end of the day this was just a 500 event. Andy is 3rd in the race and he did win their most important meeting. Shanghai next then.

[supergran]

Don't like Raonic....I'm off to bed.

[ljs]

oh well , have to say , that was very impressive from Milos !!!!

rest up for Shanghai Andy

[rk350]

Man, can't believe that. Couple of awful U/Es at the end, one on match point up. Eurgh.