AUs OPEN 2013, R3: Andy battles past Berankis 6'3, 6'4, 7'5

[Sallydaisy]

After a quickfire match in R2, beating Sousa 6'2, 6'2, 6'4, Andy is safely through to Round 3.

His next opponent is 22yr old Ricardas Berankis, WR#110 (CH #73) from Lithuania.
They've not played before so the H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=BE90) is 0-0.

Berankis is 22yrs and another youngster who started to rise through the ranks a couple of years ago. He's just posted quite a win in taking out 25th seed "Flakey" Florian Mayer in straight sets and is into the 3rd round of a Slam for only the 2nd time in his playing career. He reached R2 at Wimbledon (his first Grand Slam appearance) and then R2 USO (both in 2010) followed by a 3rd round of the AO 2011 (losing to David Ferrer).

He's been beset by injuries since first making his mark early in 2011 and was off the ATP Tour from March until July that year with back problems. Despite continuing to play the injury impacted on his performance and eventually he had groin surgery in March 2012 returning to the tour from May onwards having played Davis Cup for his country.

In 2012 he played mostly Challengers but had a good run in July in the USA outdoor hardcourt season with a Finalist appearance at the Winnetka Ch followed 2 weeks later with a Finalist place at the Los Angeles ATP250 where he lost to Sam Querrey. He's 0-3 against players from the top 10.

Now he faces Andy Murray who is rattling through the early rounds of the AO 2013.
Whilst Berankis has nothing to lose, and could come out going for everything, he probably doesn't have enough in his armoury to make it past the world number #3.
As well he may know already .....

In his post match on-court speech Andy mentioned that he's practiced against Ricardas quite a lot over the last couple of years including whilst prepping for his matches in Brisbane just 2 weeks ago.
So, Muzzah knows a fair bit about his opponent and won't underestimate him on Saturday ...
... and vice versa.

The match is due to be played on Saturday 19th January, time tbc.

[rouges]

Ta Sally for info.

[LC the fan]

Not sure I like Andy having these 'easy' early rounds. The positive is that he is saving his energies, the negative is that he is going to lack a bit of match practice.

However, he's a big boy now - and quite awesome to watch at times - so sure he'll be OK
When I think about it Novak has no hesitation in despatching his opponents in the early rounds

[pabbers]

Let's hope Andy continues as he's started out.

[patmoren]

Andy continuing in a steady way, occasional blips but to be expected this early on. Brilliant serving today.

[patmoren]

Remember Berankis in DC when he came of age and performed way above expectations. Another milky bar kid at the time!!
Andy shouldn't have a problem.

[Craigenhogen]

Roll on Saturday! :dance:

[david1610]

Not sure I like Andy having these 'easy' early rounds. The positive is that he is saving his energies, the negative is that he is going to lack a bit of match practice.

However, he's a big boy now - and quite awesome to watch at times - so sure he'll be OK
When I think about it Novak has no hesitation in despatching his opponents in the early rounds
I see what you mean but frankly getting off the court in that heat asap was definitely the best thing for his tournament. I did not see yesterday but the first round form was such a confident Andy that the first week is hopefully mainly about energy conservation.

[davech]

I'm looking forward to actually watching him play live.

I meant live on the telly - I'm not in Australia or anything.

[rainy days]

Andy is 3rd on RLA tomorrow. Start: 2-3 am, depending on how quickly Vika and Serena dispatch their opponents.

[Jan]

Another one in the middle of the night :sad:

[Madeline]

Another one I will have to miss. Hopefully I'll catch a re-run on Eurosport Player, as I did for Andy yesterday.

[Sallydaisy]

Ho hum, think I'll be needing an afternoon nap today 'cos I fell asleep during Hev's 2nd set last night. Laura could be playing at the same time.

[pabbers]

Another night of broken sleep - bed 11pm, set alarm and then bed again after.

[Sallydaisy]

At least it won't be so hot tomorrow, as it was on Thursday, but it'd be good to see Andy gettinga night match at some point.

[Madeline]

Djokovic hasn't had a night match either, has he? Though he hasn't had the middle of the day heat, either.

[Sallydaisy]

Djokovic hasn't had a night match either, has he? Though he hasn't had the middle of the day heat, either.
Nole played 3rd on RLA on Day 1 (R1) and last night match on RLA on Day 3 (R2).
Today he was 3rd on RLA again.

[xenon21]

Any idea why we haven't had Jim Courier interviewing Andy after the matches? Is it because he's not been on an evening match?

[Jan62]

Oh good, a middle of the night effort! At least it is manageable as no work to go to on Saturday,and if we get lots of snow it will be a good excuse to just lie low all day. This should hopefully be another straight forward match for Andy; he's done a bit of practice against this guy so knows a little bit about him and although Berankis must have played well to get to R3, the gulf in class will hopefully be apparent. C'mon Andy - another efficient performance please, do what needs to be done without having to reach the heights. :no worries:

[Linda]

Oh no, middle of the night again! I intended to stay up to watch Hev last night but was falling asleep during the replay of Laura's match so went to bed. And I woke up late this morning too! I seem to need a lot of sleep lately (who was it said you need less as you get older - it doesn't seem to be applying to me). I think I'll set my alarm and see how I feel when it goes off.

[supergran]

Another late one for us. Will sleep for a couple of hours on sofa but hope it's straight sets and quick. Good luck Andy!!:thumbup::skippy:

[david1610]

Understandable unfortunately - there was no way Federer v. local (wild) boy Tomic was not going to be the "popcorn" evening match, let's face it.

[traveller7]

Mmm so toss up between going to bed early for a while or staying awake. 3rd on court sucks but at least it will be cooler.

[rouges]

It's Saturday so I'M FREE. I'll watch then stay in bed all day. GOOD LUCK ANDY

[davech]

Hmm. I think I'm going to have to sleep, get up for the match and then sleep again. I'm feeling tired already, not helped by the long drive home in the snow. :snowing: :sleepy:

[pabbers]

Any idea why we haven't had Jim Courier interviewing Andy after the matches? Is it because he's not been on an evening match?

Does he usually pop up in Australia?

[cazza99]

Does he usually pop up in Australia?

Maybe most people have popups blocked ;)

[banskogirl]

Hoping to get up for this and son says he might too :) would be nice because its always strange when daughter goes back to uni :(

[Manaus]

Lack of sleep is going to get to me eventually but going to try and get up for this one. I can catch up with sleep during the weekend. :)

[lynne]

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

[Fina]

Good luck Andy!

[supergran]

Already fallen asleep this evening. Now can't decide whether to go to bed and wake up to watch in bed. Will it disturb SG? I'll make up my mind later.

[ljs]

quite a dilema SG :lol: not even a hurricane would wake my hubby

[supergran]

quite a dilema SG :lol: not even a hurricane would wake my hubbyHe's the same. He can sleep through an earthquake (he did once, windows rattling and bed moving!!), never hears anything at all whereas I am alerted by slightest noise. BUT if a bell rings he will wake...obviously a hangover from Fire Service.

[ljs]

ahh well thats understandable then

[ljs]

watching Aza waiting for Andy , yukk , think id rather do some laundry

[supergran]

So am I. Eurosport advertising Andy's match at 2 am.

[ljs]

guess it all depends on how long the women take , hoping its before midnight here

[traveller7]

Well Azarenka is flying through her match 5-1 already!

[ljs]

watching with my sound off

[traveller7]

Shes now lost 3 consecutive games sigh come on just get on with it!

[Sallydaisy]

I'm off to get a couple of hours kip, back around 3.30 ... the ladies have taken nearly 50 mins so far to play 10 games. Another set and it'll be around 01.45 and then Serena could take an hour or so + the warm up etc so that's easily going to be 03.00 I reckon.

[traveller7]

Dont blame you looks like this could be a 3 set match 3-1 in 2nd set to Hampton :grrr:

[Sallydaisy]

Dont blame you looks like this could be a 3 set match 3-1 in 2nd set to Hampton :grrr:
Murray's Law kicking in ...
;)
Adieu!

[supergran]

He's the same. He can sleep through an earthquake (he did once, windows rattling and bed moving!!), never hears anything at all whereas I am alerted by slightest noise. BUT if a bell rings he will wake...obviously a hangover from Fire Service.Would you believe it. Was on twitter and my oldest friend (known each other since we were 4) came on and suggested a chat before the match.She rang, I picked it up immediately and we started talking. Next minute old Grumpy came downstairs asking who was phoning after 12.30!!! One ring and he woke up.

[ljs]

:lol: old habits die hard SG

[traveller7]

Into a 3rd set Hampton takes 2nd 6-4

[supergran]

Vica breaks back 2-2

[traveller7]

Finaly azy wins it 6-2 in the 3rd.
hope Serena does a double bagel

[Jane]

Good morning folks!! :sleepy::cuppa:


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

[traveller7]

Wheres serenas match? come on

[Linda]

I went to bed at 10pm but haven't been able to sleep at all :grrr: Of course now I am up I am starting to yawn and will probably fall asleep before Andy's match starts :rolleyes:

[traveller7]

yes im feeling very tired depending on how andys match goes i might only watch some of it.

[RoastLamb]

This match will be late even for me and Milos is on at the same time and I think Laura too.

[davech]

Serena is definitely on top - I reckon Andy will be playing by 4am.

[Manaus]

Forgot to set my alarm but somehow woke up a few minutes ago. Don't dare falling asleep again as I'll sleep till morning if I do.
Off topic but what on earth is happening with DelP?

[ljs]

This match will be late even for me and Milos is on at the same time and I think Laura too.

Milos isnt scheduled to start until 1 1/2 hrs after Andy , dont think I'll be staying up for that :(

[RoastLamb]

Milos isnt scheduled to start until 1 1/2 hrs after Andy , dont think I'll be staying up for that :(

They're showing the full match on TSN2 so I will tape it and watch Andy on computer. That leaves Laura.

[davech]

:sleepy: Need to drink more :cuppa:

[ljs]

yeah i noticed it was scheduled on tsn2 , which i cancelled a while ago . Im sure tsn will show a repeat tho , hope so.

[RoastLamb]

yeah i noticed it was scheduled on tsn2 , which i cancelled a while ago . Im sure tsn will show a repeat tho , hope so.

Yes probably tomorrow during the day - esp. if he wins.

[ljs]

wow Serenas down 3-0 in the 2nd set :shocked:

[KnightOwl]

I'm not a Serena fan, but for goodness sake - get a move on! Wanna watch Andy...!

[Linda]

Aaaargh Serena is broken. The scoreboard looks a bit like a parallel universe at the moment - Chardy is a set up on DelPo, Dodig took the first set off Gasquet and Cilic is having trouble with Seppi.

[traveller7]

I'm not a Serena fan, but for goodness sake - get a move on! Wanna watch Andy...!
Im with you there

[ljs]

Have no fear , Serena will come thru and then jump up & down in amazement

[KnightOwl]

Yep, sounds about right - ugh!

[traveller7]

All done come on muuurrrayyyyyyyyy

[ljs]

yay its over !!!

Andy time

[Linda]

Chardy has now won the first two sets - is there something wrong with DelPo?

[harriet]

del potro having a bad day, lost the first 2 sets to jeremy chardy

[dewster99]

big for andy if DP goes out. Not been to sleep yet :P

[Linda]

Chardy is wearing Fed's shoes. Could that be his secret?

[Manaus]

You can do it Andy!

[Manaus]

http://www.hahasport.com/v-4/10/88/v-508917.html
Stream for those who need it.

[Sallydaisy]

'morning all.
Timed it just right then ... up 10mins, made the pot of tea, heating on and ready for Andy Murray!!!
:boogie::boogie::boogie:

[KnightOwl]

Here we go...!

[Caro]

Morning all! I timed itjust right too - glad I didn't get up at 3! Set alarm for 4 but didn't need it ... inner tennis alarm clock working just fine!

LET'S GO ANDY LET'S GO!!!!

[Manaus]

Iffy start but good hold.

[davech]

This Berankis fella looks pretty useful.

[davech]

Except now Andy's got a bunch of break points.

[ljs]

wooohoooo early break

[Manaus]

Wow that was quick. Blink and you'll miss it break. :)

[KnightOwl]

Morning' Sally & Caro!

I think we got it a bit wrong! Decided to have a snooze in the evening, then stay up for the tennis. Only managed a couple of hours kip, and wasn't expecting the first two matches to last as long as they did. Getting' sleepy already :sad:

Edit: oops, must have taken a while to type that - loads more posts - morning' everyone else too :)

[davech]

3-0 Andy. Not a bad start.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy doesn't look as though he's in the mood for messing about!
Leads 3-0 now with the break of serve in the 2nd game.
:P

[ljs]

:cheer::cheer:

[Linda]

Just nipped to the 'fridge to get a pack of seafood sticks and totally missed Berankis' service game!

[traveller7]

Morning all not surd how long I can stay awake but yay 3 0 nice one

[RoastLamb]

I really thought it would be harder. Based on Berankis previous matches.

[traveller7]

Early days

[davech]

Early indeed. In more ways than one.

[KnightOwl]

I really thought it would be harder. Based on Berankis previous matches.

Anti-jinx required! :cauldron:

[traveller7]

3 1

[ljs]

Early indeed. In more ways than one.

late for me :p

[KnightOwl]

How old is Berankis?? He looks about twelve!

[davech]

Break points for Berankis.

[traveller7]

Eek come on andy

[Sallydaisy]

Argh! I've a great stream again but today the worst commies!
An English guy who is spouting inaccuraces e.g. Andy has just bought a pub in Dunblane!
Cromlix House is anything but a pub!
There was something else earlier too that was completely wrong.

T'other commie is Frew McMillan.
:grrr:

[davech]

Argh! I've a great stream again but today the worst commies!
An English guy who is spouting inaccuraces e.g. Andy has just bought a pub in Dunblane!
Cromlix House is anything but a pub!
There was something else earlier too that was completely wrong.

T'other commie is Frew McMillan.
:grrr:

You've got Eurosport - the same as us.

[ljs]

uhh is it my imagination , or is Andy grabbing his shoulder ??

[KnightOwl]

Good grief! Berankis hit at least three line in that rally!

[Sallydaisy]

Ad again to Berankis. Great Ace from Andy to save the bp.

[davech]

Useful hold for Andy in the end. 4-1.

[KnightOwl]

Great serving from Andy!

[Manaus]

:phew: Close game but Andy manages to hold. Bad game out of the way hopefully .

[Sallydaisy]

Berankis would almost certainly be a lot higher in the rankings if he'd not had a lot of injury worries resulting in surgery in March last year. Andy certainly rates him and has used him as a hitting partner several times.

[Linda]

I thankfully can't hear the commies, I've got the sound turned right down so as not to wake anyone up.

Berankis is really going for his shots, which of course is exactly what he should do when up against one of the top players. He will have a lot of winners but also a lot of errors. It should make for an entertaining match.

[traveller7]

Think he was just tugging at his sleeve no cause for concern good hold there

[traveller7]

Double break lovely

[Manaus]

Serving for the set now.:)

[Sallydaisy]

5-1 with a double-break, Andy to serve for the set.
:thumbup:

[davech]

This match is rattling along.

[Caro]

That's better Andy! Hold here and that's set 1 in the bag. Time for me to go make some hot chocolate then

[traveller7]

Del potro serving to stay in match
PS can't hear andy boys?

[davech]

Hold the hot chocolate! Andy still has some work to do here...

[Sallydaisy]

Ooops, *15-40 and 2 break back points.
Come on Andy!

[Caro]

Andy, I said HOLD here!!!

[KnightOwl]

Beautiful!

[Sallydaisy]

That's one back ...

[KnightOwl]

Eeek!! Oh well, still a break up...

[Sallydaisy]

Andy!!!

Berankis got the break for 2-5.
:grrr:

[davech]

Berankis breaks. Andy's still up 5-2 though. Nothing to worry about.

[Manaus]

That wasn't part of the plan. Focus Andy!

[traveller7]

Morning sally didnt see u there
Yep 1 break back but no worries

[Caro]

Del potro serving to stay in match
PS can't hear andy boys?

Heard and saw them right at the start.

Darn it, Berankis breaks - Focus Andy!! Guess the hot chocolate will haveto wait then ...

[Linda]

It seems that both players are better at receiving than serving.

[Bardot]

Regarding Andy's shoulder, the Aussie commentators say that Andy tweaked it in the warm-up playing an overhead, they showed him doing it. He seems to have worked his way through it.

[xenon21]

worried about andy's shoulder. Whatever it is is affecting his serving and he's not happy or his usual self :(

[davech]

C'mon Andy - this time.

[Sallydaisy]

Officially worried about andy's shoulder. Whatever it is is affecting his serving and he's not happy or his usual self :(
Andy's always clutching at something - I reckon it's just his shirt that's irritating him!
Folks on twitter are already building up a head of steam about why he's not got the trainer on.
Methinks a new shirt would do the trick; if it were really a problem he'd be flexing it more.

[davech]

Two more points for the set.

[KnightOwl]

Andy's always clutching at something - I reckon it's just his shirt that's irritating him!

I thought so. It looks like the sleeve he's pulling at, rather than the shoulder underneath...his current shirt looks tighter than ones he's had before...

[Caro]

Yep, thought there was something up with shoulder ... he'll be fine though and will have time for lots of treatment before next match. Not too worried .... Yet!

[KnightOwl]

Nothing wrong with that serve, anyway!!

[Sallydaisy]

Ooopsy, Berankis has another break point to get back on terms.

[ljs]

Bardot said they showed him doing it , hope its not serious

[traveller7]

Come on andy

[Caro]

Wish I hadn't mentioned that end of set hot chocolate now! Come on Andy, take this!!

[Jane]

6-3 - good start:clap::clap::clap:

[davech]

:yahoo::clap::yahoo::clap:

[Hawkeye]

Game and first set Murray, 6-3. :shades:

[KnightOwl]

Wish I hadn't mentioned that end of set hot chocolate now! Come on Andy, take this!!

You can have it now :)

[Manaus]

That was tense but that's the 1st set. :clap:
Slightly nervous right now.

[sid]

First set Andy but i'd like to see him standing around the base line more,Berankis is pushing him back off it.

[Linda]

One set in the bag :)

[Alis]

Phew- just watching the live score that was scary - did Andy go off the boil or did Ricardas raise his game?

[Sallydaisy]

6-3 in 39 minutes; could have been 6-1 in 30mins!
Credit to Berankis for finding a way to take Andy on but Muzzah looks fine.

He's deffo only pulling the shirt - there might be a bit of something scratchy caught in the seam?

[traveller7]

Andy went walk about
Never mind 1 down 2 to go

[davech]

Pretty convincing from Berankis in the opening game of the second set. He's not going away - yet.

[JAMES4578]

Looked pretty routine for Andy and then a suddenly a bit close for comfort but Murray hung tough to take the opening set. berankis though got into the match and Andy must keep focused.

[Caro]

Just turned over briefly to see DelPo takerhe 3rd set on the TB. Back with Andy now, hot chocolate at the ready...

[Hawkeye]

Andy making really hard work of this game...

[davech]

That's what we like to see - a nice safe easy hold...

[Hawkeye]

That swinging serve down the T has worked really well on the big points so far.

[Sallydaisy]

Game Murray. 1-1. Berankis is the last Qualifier in the Mens Draw.

[Manaus]

Hard work to hold there.
Hopefully won't need the sofa!

[Sallydaisy]

That swinging serve down the T has worked really well on the big points so far.
Which is why the silly tweeters amping up the injury story are off their barnets.
He can't serve bombs with an injured shoulder!

[Hawkeye]

Berankis holding really easily at the moment.

Let's have a simple hold.

[david1610]

Didn't wake up until first set SP. Mmm.... hope Andy keeps playing well enough to stay ahead and not get into trouble.
Was the first set similar to the first three games of the second? Andy not quite fully there?

[davech]

Hmm - Andy's hitting the ball into the net from both wings.

[Sallydaisy]

Easier service game from Andy for 2-2.
Berating himself a little "Come on, do something!"

[davech]

Back to the "boring the opponent to death" approach for Andy...

[KnightOwl]

Back to the "boring the opponent to death" approach for Andy...

A bit harsh....

[ljs]

not too happy with himself is he

[Linda]

Andy's really not happy with his shirt, he keeps tugging at both shoulders. Adidas have put him in one of those tight shirts this time - he's always worn really baggy ones before - it must take getting some used to. Maybe he'll ask to be put back in baggy shirts (though I don't recall him looking uncomfortable in it earlier in the week?).

[Hawkeye]

Porridge o'clock.

[traveller7]

if this goes to 4 sets im giving up my eyes are drooping already

[Sallydaisy]

break point for Berankis; he's 1/8 on those so far (Andy 2/2)

[davech]

Berankis keeps getting these break points.

[Hawkeye]

Second break point.

[RoastLamb]

He reminds me of Hewitt.

[Hawkeye]

And there's the break.

[traveller7]

ouch come on andy please wake up

[Manaus]

:sofa: Crud broken.

[davech]

Not too great from Andy at the moment. He's a break down 2-4.

[Sallydaisy]

Hum ho!
He reminds me of Hewitt too RL; maybe it's the hat and the height?
;)

[xenon21]

Andy needs to start playing! He looks tight and just I don't know!

[Caro]

Andy needs to get going here or this could turn into a Murraycoaster!!

[Hawkeye]

3 chances to break straight back...

[Alis]

Is Andy injured? I'm only following the live scores but it doesn't look as though he's serving well.

[davech]

Two chances.

[ljs]

reminds me of Hewitt too , same type of build

[traveller7]

breaks straight back phew

[Hawkeye]

That's more like it!

[ljs]

yayyy

[davech]

Well played Mr. Murray. He definitely played better in that game to get the break back.

[david1610]

Yes, phew! Now focus and safe holds from now on. C'mon Andy!

[Manaus]

:phew: Back level.
No more walkabouts Andy.

[Sallydaisy]

Is Andy injured? I'm only following the live scores but it doesn't look as though he's serving well.
No, he's not injured at all Alis. He's serving just fine but the rest of his game is being put to the test by a talented Qualifier who happens to know Andy's game quite well because he's one of Murray's hitting/practice partners! Andy's shirt is irritating him a bit so he's pulling the fabric that side but NOT his shoulder.

[Hawkeye]

Berankis is finding some great angles.

[Hawkeye]

And too many short balls from Andy.

[davech]

Too much sloppy play generally.

[traveller7]

4-4
nice kitkat here

[JAMES4578]

Andy not in the best frame of mind but gets the break back even if given some help. Come on focus Andy! Now 4 all after another tight game.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy finally found a fast serve at 210mph and now 2 good serves to hold for 4-4

[Caro]

OK Andy, let's have break here .... pretty please!!

[Sallydaisy]

break point

[davech]

A break and a hold would do fine.

[Sallydaisy]

break point again

[Sallydaisy]

saved after Andy hit long but he's got a 3rd chance to break here.

[Hawkeye]

Two breaks in a row and now Andy will serve for the set.

[traveller7]

yes break woop

[davech]

There's the break! Just need the hold now...

[Sallydaisy]

5-4 to Muzzah and he'll serve for the 2nd set
:thumbup:

[david1610]

Phew! So glad he finally converted one of those break points. Now focus, safe hold please.
C'mon Andy!

[Linda]

Andy has been allowing Berankis to dictate too many of the points. What's happened to the more aggressive Andy from R1?

[Hawkeye]

0-30...

[Hawkeye]

Phew back to 30-all.

[davech]

Set point!

[Hawkeye]

Set point!

[Caro]

DelPo takes 4th set over on Eurosport 2.

Come on Andy! SP

[Sallydaisy]

2nd set to Andy Murray 6-4

[davech]

:clap::clap:

[Jane]

6-4 - another in the bag:clap::clap::clap:

[traveller7]

yesssssssssss 2 sets down

[Hawkeye]

Right let's make this third set straightforward!

[davech]

If Berankis could just learn how to play the important points better, he would be incredibly dangerous. Hopefully he won't learn until after this match....

[Manaus]

Tough set but Andy prevails. :cheer:
Hopefully the match is done and dusted in straights.

[david1610]

Phew! Well at least he has avoided getting into a dog fight.
Now don't let him back in and try and get an early break and move away. C'mon Andy!

[ljs]

sign of a Champion ... getting that set even when he wasnt playing his best

[Sallydaisy]

DelPo takes 4th set over on Eurosport 2.
I thought he was playing on Hisense ...
;)

[davech]

I thought he was playing on Hisense ...
;)
lol

[david1610]

Meanwhile Cilic is into a fifth and he could play del Potro, so both will be starting from a similar energy level

[Linda]

Got a cup of tea and a banana after that. 2 sets up :) Happily Berankis abandoned his brave style of play at set point and played it too carefully.

[Caro]

sign of a Champion ... getting that set even when he wasnt playing his best

Yep, the score looks like it's been easy and it hasn't - If Berankis had been able to take more chances, this could be a totally different match! If the old Andy was out there we would have a right old Murraycoaster by now! The new Andy is roughing it out and credit to him for that

[Sallydaisy]

1-1 in the 3rd set. Berankis to serve. Andy could do with getting an early break.

[JAMES4578]

2nd set wasn't pretty but Andy found a way through and will hopefully keep command in the 3rd, now 1 all. Needs to be a bit more assertive though.

[Alis]

Is this match really as difficult as it looks from the live scores?

[davech]

Much, much better from Andy in this game. He's hit a couple of clean winners and now he's 0-40 up.

[davech]

Still two break points.

[Hawkeye]

Andy breaks, and finally looking like he means business.

[davech]

And there's the break! 2-1

[Sallydaisy]

Is this match really as difficult as it looks from the live scores?
Do you mean Andy's match?
Berankis is playing very well; Andy's not been on top form but has found a way to win 2 sets. The Lithuanian has some great shots in his armoury but hasn't yet developed the consistency to give the top guys a challenge.

[david1610]

A bit better there. Now just stay focused and do the business. C'mon Andy!

[Manaus]

Gets the break! Consolidate and don't give it away.

[Caro]

Both commies thought that Berankis shot was in. I thought it was out ... probably a good thing I gave up line judging!

[davech]

Both commies thought that Berankis shot was in. I thought it was out ... probably a good thing I gave up line judging!

:big grin:

I was just hoping it was out. I've never been any good at judging them.

[Sallydaisy]

Berry holds for 2-3 but Muzzah still ahead with the break and to serve next.

[kenny009uk]

Hi guys , andy battling away here, anyone any mobile links to the match

[traveller7]

hold and break please

[JAMES4578]

Andy's upped his game but will need to stay focused to put Berankis away. 0-30, come on!

[ljs]

what a shot

[Sallydaisy]

Hi guys , andy battling away here, anyone any mobile links to the match
Hi Kenny, I can't help you but maybe one of the others can.

Great forehand DTL from Andy for *15-30

[davech]

It's still not comfortable, even though Andy's 2 sets and a break up. If you didn't know the score, you'd think it was the other way around.

[Sallydaisy]

Berry has a break point ...

[Hawkeye]

A break point for Berankis, but it's saved.

[ljs]

yep davech , certainly not Andys finest , but as long as he gets the W

[Hawkeye]

And Andy holds! 4-2*

[Sallydaisy]

It's still not comfortable, even though Andy's 2 sets and a break up. If you didn't know the score, you'd think it was the other way around.
True. + I had deffo missed Bardot's post earlier about Andy tweaking his shoulder in practice. He seems to have played through the niggle though and his serve % is good; rest of his game a bit off today.