AO 2013, QUARTER-FINAL: Andy in control over Chardy 6'4, 6'1, 6'2

[Sallydaisy]

Well, Andy has beaten one Frenchman and now he faces another in the Quarter-Final.
This could be a real test ... and a potential banana skin.

Andy's game is definitely not yet on song and his timing is still a bit suspect resulting in more errors than he's happy with right now. Chardy has moved his game up a lot over the last 12months and consequently is now ranked #36 (CH#30, Sept 2012) and he's playing with a lot of confidence as witnessed by his 4 set victory over Seppi in their 4th Round match today.

Andy leads their H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=CA12) 4-1 which looks very positive.

However in the R16 at Cincy 2012 it was Chardy who came out the winner 6'4, 6'4.

To put that in perspective; Andy had won the Olympic Gold medal on Sunday 5th August, he flew to the Canada Masters on Tuesday 7th, played his R2 match (and won) on the 8th and then withdrew from his R3 match with a sore knee. On to Cincy where, after 6 days rest, he beat Sam Querrey easily but then again faltered in R3 against Chardy in their match on the 16th August. As we know, just 3 weeks later he lifted the USO trophy ...

The Frenchman will definitely think he can win this match; he's playing well and that win over Andy will be fresh in his mind to inspire him.

Muzzah must realise he's got to raise his game for this; his unforced error count needs buttoning down and it's to be hoped that he and Mr Lendl can sort out any timing issues over the next day or so.

The Quarter-Final will be played on RLA on Wednesday 23rd January 2012. The pundits money is on it being the day session as it's unlikely the TD will miss the chance to put Federer*/Tsonga on as the night match.
*In the words of Tomic: "if he gets that far" ... Raonic may have other ideas!

We'll update as soon as we know a time.
:skippy:

Murray and Chardy have only ever met at Masters events, in the R32 or R16 and all on hard courts.
Here are the stats ...



Year
Tournament & City
Surface
Round
Winner & Score


2012
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Cincinnati.aspx)
OH, U.S.A.
Hard
R16
Chardy, Jeremy (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Jeremy-Chardy.aspx)
6-4, 6-4 Stats (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=CA12#)


2011
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Paris.aspx)
France
Hard
R32
Murray, Andy (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Andy-Murray.aspx)
6-2, 6-4 Stats (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=CA12#)


2010
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Shanghai (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Shanghai.aspx)
China
Hard
R16
Murray, Andy (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Andy-Murray.aspx)
6-3, 6-4 Stats (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=CA12#)


2010
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Cincinnati.aspx)
OH, U.S.A.
Hard
R32
Murray, Andy (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Andy-Murray.aspx)
6-3, 6-7(3), 6-2 Stats (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=CA12#)


2009
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Canada (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Montreal.aspx)
Montréal, Canada
Hard
R32
Murray, Andy (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Andy-Murray.aspx)
6-4, 6-2 Stats (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=CA12#)

[Jan62]

This could be an interesting match. Chardy has been playing well and Andy really has not been tested so far. Makes a change! Andy is going to have to play better, but hopefully we will really see what kind of difference Mr Lendl has made. And of course, I do know that whilst Andy hasn't looked like he's been really playing at the peak of his game, he hasn't had to - and champions do what they have to in the early rounds to save themselves for the quarters and beyond. Confident Andy can get past Chardy in straight sets but there might be a few sofa moments :skippy:

[dewster99]

yeah still not worried. Chardy is decent but obviously a GEM as well

[cazza99]

Chardy press interview ( before playing Andy) - http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2013-01-21/201301211358750741665.html


..........
Q. If Andy Murray wins the next match, you beat him in Cincinnati, what do you remember about that match and can you use it?
JEREMY CHARDY: Yeah, of course I can use it. I win already against him, so it's good for the confidence when you go on court. Last year I play a perfect match against him.
If I have to play against him again, it will be another match, a very tough match. So I have to continue on this way. If I have a chance, I have to try to take it because I think Andy is one of the best players. So it will be a tough match.

Q. Do you think it will be harder in a best of five?
JEREMY CHARDY: Yeah, it's more difficult because it's tough to win three sets in a row against big player. They have a chance to come back all the time, to change the game.
I don't want to think too much about this match. I want to enjoy this one first. Tomorrow I have one day. No doubles, no singles, so it's good. I will be focused on my match against him or Simon tomorrow night.

Q. Your first quarterfinal in a Grand Slam. How does it feel?
JEREMY CHARDY: Yeah, I feel so happy. I think quarterfinal, it's very good result. But now I can play quarters, so I feel very good. I play my best tennis. So I have to take my chance. If I play against Andy Murray or Simon, I have to believe in me and my game.

Q. You said you were nervous today. A bigger game next. Will you be able to control your nerves?
JEREMY CHARDY: Against my next one? Yeah, I think I have nothing to lose. It's always easier when you have to play with nothing to lose.
So if I play against Simon or Murray, I can go for it and enjoy my tennis, enjoy the quarter, but stay focused because I think I have a chance to win. So I have to believe it.
...........
Q. Can you talk about your knee a little bit. In the first set you actually took off some of the tape.
JEREMY CHARDY: Yeah, yesterday during the doubles against the Bryan brothers, during the second set I start to feel something in my knee. So I call the physio. Today I have the pain in my knee.
After I lose the first set, I say, No, I have to forget it because I can be in quarters. If I have pain everywhere in my body, doesn't matter, I have to play and try to find the solution to win today.
So I forget my pain and I just be strong in my head and that's it.
...........
Q. When you beat Andy in Cincinnati, what did you do well that day?
JEREMY CHARDY: I was serving very well first. I know if I play against him, I have to be very focused on my serve because it's very important. After every serve, I have to always take my chance because if I start to play a rally with him, I have no chance.
I have to try always something on his game. Sometimes he miss something, or if I make a good shot after 30 All or 15 30, I have to take my chance all the time.
I beat him like this. I breaked twice in the first set, and in the second I break him twice. I will try something. I play different every point. I think it's the way to beat him.
......

[Madeline]

Very kind of M. Chardy to let Andy know his game plan.

[harriet]

sounds like chardy has a good game plan - serve well, and make every game different so andy never feels comfortable on court. relax and enjoy it - which sounds like the sort of thing lendl has been trying to get into andy's head

[RoastLamb]

His knee his hurting so that could hamper him.

[RoastLamb]

Kind of bothers me that Andy probably won't get to play a night match at all until the semi. So unfair. From what I gathered from the ESPN commies the conditions are quite different and Fed will be so used to it.

[Sallydaisy]

Kind of bothers me that Andy probably won't get to play a night match at all until the semi. So unfair. From what I gathered from the ESPN commies the conditions are quite different and Fed will be so used to it.
Hisense plays a lot slower too ... but apparently Andy is practising over at Kooyong where the court conditions are fast and very similar to those on RLA. Andy has had 2 day matches on the main court but the night conditions will be quite different and probably cooler. Fortunately Andy thrives on all of that and you can't help but think he wants to beat Feddy again.
They both have to get to the Semi's first ...
;)

Unfortunately, it might rain (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Melbourne+ASXX0075:1:AS) on Friday in Melbourne (20% chance).
Which may mean that terrible word.
Roof.
:doh:

[patmoren]

Kind of bothers me that Andy probably won't get to play a night match at all until the semi. So unfair. From what I gathered from the ESPN commies the conditions are quite different and Fed will be so used to it.
I have tweeted Australian Open several times about giving Andy a night match but they haven't responded. What a suprise!!

[RoastLamb]

Roof as well! Oh joy.

[Sallydaisy]

There's an outside chance of rain on Wednesday too (Andy's QF day), 20% chance on Friday (Andy's SF day) and 30% chance on Sunday (Finals Day). I'm fairly certain Nole and Daveed haven't been participating in rain dances ...
;)

[Golden Lady]

Hisense plays a lot slower too ... but apparently Andy is practising over at Kooyong where the court conditions are fast and very similar to those on RLA. Andy has had 2 day matches on the main court but the night conditions will be quite different and probably cooler. Fortunately Andy thrives on all of that and you can't help but think he wants to beat Feddy again.
They both have to get to the Semi's first ...
;)

Unfortunately, it might rain (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Melbourne+ASXX0075:1:AS) on Friday in Melbourne (20% chance).
Which may mean that terrible word.
Roof.
:doh:

I know that they both have to make it to Friday first but if they do then surely Roger will be doing a rain dance!

[Madeline]

Unfortunately, it might rain (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Melbourne+ASXX0075:1:AS) on Friday in Melbourne (20% chance).
Which may mean that terrible word.
Roof.
:doh:

Don't use that four-letter word on here! :shocked:

[Craigenhogen]

surely Roger will be doing a rain dance!

One word. Shanghai :laugh:

[cazza99]

I have tweeted Oz Open about giving Fed an advantage by putting him on RLA night match every match. Maybe others should do the same.

[pabbers]

Maybe Andy doesn't mind..........just saying.

[Genbrit]

Maybe Andy doesn't mind..........just saying.

I wondered that as well Pat. Could be he is having some say in this, although have to admit it makes me slightly nervous that he hasn't played any night matches and is alternating so much between courts.

[david1610]

Even though Andy is not timing the ball wonderfully, that can come as he has to step his game up.

And take a deep breath and consider: Straight set comfortable victories until now and Andy is not playing a quarter final against del Potro. I would have certainly taken that at the start of the tournament!

[MurrayAOne]

Me too!

[ljs]

me three
1 match at a time , have faith !!

[Alis]

........... and me!

[Hawkeye]

Andy 3rd up after the 2 ladies' quarters, the second of which is not before 1.30am GMT, so almost certainly no earlier than 3am.

[lynne]

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

[Fina]

Good Luck, Andy. :luckyfourleafclover:

[xenon21]

Urgh! That is a really horrible time! I need to get up at about 5:30-6 for work at 7:30 as it is :(

Is Andy at least on RLA? Even if not a night match?
People are saying well Fed match is a tastier match. But they should have at least put Andy once on RLA night match in first week or Monday. Grrrrr

[cazza99]

Apparently Andy's team are not happy about Federer playing consecutive night matches.

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2266267/Andy-Murray-forced-play-Melbourne-heat-Australian-Open-chiefs-come-fire.html)- Heated argument: Murray forced to play in afternoon sun again as row breaks out over favouritism towards Federer



....
The Murray camp are unhappy about the decision of tournament officials to put Federer on for his fourth consecutive night match while the 25-year-old Scot is left to play once more in the full heat of the afternoon.

It means that should they meet in Friday night's semi-final in the Rod Laver Arena – as the form book suggests is most likely – then the Swiss will go in having had four consecutive matches under lights on the main court while Murray will have had none.

Murray's coaching staff, Ivan Lendl and Dani Vallverdu, are both said to have made their opinions known to organisers about what seems an unfair situation caused by the tournament caving in to the demands of television.

Federer will play French No 1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga while Murray faces Tsonga's lesser-know compatriot Jeremy Chardy, and there is little question which would be the more attractive match for the neutral in the primetime evening slot.

Yet a fair distribution of matches is meant to be part of the equation and the latest Murray will have played in his five matches to date is just after 5pm, and that on the secondary Hisense Arena.

It makes quite a difference in pure tennis terms because the court on the Rod Laver Arena is slower than others around the Melbourne Park complex, and the balls tend to be less lively in the evening, making conditions quite different. Apart from anything, Federer has been shielded from what are, almost inevitably, hotter conditions during daylight hours.

Sources close to the Murray camp have confirmed to Sportsmail that they are unhappy with the outcome but will not say anything publicly and will make the best of the scheduling.

[karanga]

Very best of luck Andy. :taz: :skippy: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[harriet]

djo said in interview after beating berdych today that he had not got to bed till 5am after his 5 set match v stan. playing in the late match does risk a very late night, especially if the match goes long.

[cazza99]

One advantage of Fed having a night match is that Tsonga will have more of a chance of beating him in slower conditions.

[Jan]

oh middle of the night again :sad:

[david1610]

Andy this year is the victim of his draw having opened up. If he had been playing del Potro, then he would have stood a much greater chance of getting the night match.
Having said that, though, Roger's last three matches have had that element of spice which TV producers love - can local boy Tomic match his words, can rising acer Raonic make a dent in the great man, can Tsonga produce one of his great AO performances againt the possible GOAT, etc, etc.

One thing is the order of play, the other is the order of the day, which is to focus, serve and return well, find his touch in his rallying and weather any initial Chardy storm and get off court (at least it is RLA) and out of that afternoon sun with a W as quickly as possible. C'mon Andy!

PS Anyone got any spare matchsticks? :)

[Jan62]

If I had had to choose for the QFs between a night match v DelPo and a day match against Chardy, think I would always have gone for day v Chardy. But once again it shows how tournaments bend to Feddykins. Just need Andy to get through the QFs and then hopefully remind Fed who is boss. Lets get our own spells going :cauldron: to counteract Fed's rain dance!

[pabbers]

Ah - so he's not happy then. Still, it means if he goes through he has more recovery time than Fed. Let's hope Tsonga gives him a run for his money at least. Take him out would obviously be even better.

Oh dear - 3am - every middle of our night match so far, I've got up an hour too soon. You can bet your bottom dollar if I decide to set the alarm an hour later I'll miss half the match! Working at home tomozz so chance to catch up on a bit of sleep by re-arranging my working hours.

Fingers crossed for Andy - very nervous about this one.

[kenny009uk]

How does everyone see this goin? Im very nervous about this. Looked at the betting and murray is 1/25 and chardy 10/1

Really hope we can see a murray v fed final

[pabbers]

How does everyone see this goin? Im very nervous about this. Looked at the betting and murray is 1/25 and chardy 10/1

Really hope we can see a murray v fed final

There's no way it can be a Murray v Fed final I'm afraid - all things being equal they're due to meet in the semis.

[traveller7]

As long as he wins and beats smug face I dont care. Although im rooting for tsonga to crush him!

[pabbers]

As long as he wins and beats smug face I dont care. Although im rooting for tsonga to crush him!

By "him" I trust you mean Fed and not Andy........just sayin'

[traveller7]

Nope Andy - I hope ANDY wins and beats smug face in the SF ;)

[harmans]

organisers are fair,no favourism towards roger..dont disrespect roger without any reason..:shocked:

[banskogirl]

.someone in work today was bemoaning Andy's demeanour after his win to Simon yesterday and I said part of his attitude throughout the match could have been due to time/court choices. I remember this happening a while back, don't as me when, but Andy had been treated badly and came on court raging! I agree it will make him stronger but it is not good, tv viewing or not, they shouldn't do it for every match. Are they trying to keep the 'goat' as goat forever by giving him so many favours he wins unfairly? Having said that, Andy is younger and if he can get through today's he can be tucked up in bed before the 'star' has removed his gold jacket.

:raspberry:

[supergran]

Oh well, another night match and we were planning to go to see Les Mis tomorrow afternoon. Postponed that until next week as I probably would have slept through it. Am also thinking of cancelling hair appointment as having it done at 11 and then going to sleep would be silly. Still Andy is worth it and I just hope he can show those blatantly unfair schedulers. I get all the comments re players, tv etc but still maintain that to run a fair tournament in a sporting way the players who reach the final stages should be treated equally what ever their name. After all without these top players there would be no tournaments. GO ANDY!!:thumbup::thumbup::skippy::skippy:

[kenny009uk]

There's no way it can be a Murray v Fed final I'm afraid - all things being equal they're due to meet in the semis.

Meant to say semi lol

[Elenive]

One advantage of Fed having a night match is that Tsonga will have more of a chance of beating him in slower conditions.


.someone in work today was bemoaning Andy's demeanour after his win to Simon yesterday and I said part of his attitude throughout the match could have been due to time/court choices. I remember this happening a while back, don't as me when, but Andy had been treated badly and came on court raging! I agree it will make him stronger but it is not good, tv viewing or not, they shouldn't do it for every match. Are they trying to keep the 'goat' as goat forever by giving him so many favours he wins unfairly? Having said that, Andy is younger and if he can get through today's he can be tucked up in bed before the 'star' has removed his gold jacket.

:raspberry:

Agree with you totally banskogirl on Andy finishing his match earlier than Fed being hugely beneficial to Andy.

Although we all wanted Andy to play the night match so he avoids the Australian heat, and of course gives us Brits a little bit longer in bed (!!), Federer playing a night match can actually work better in Andy's favour. Tsonga is likely going to push Fed into a 4th (and hopefully 5th) set meaning Federer will have less in reserve when it comes to playing Andy: Federer is older and therefore his body isn't as strong as Andys (yes, i'm hoping no dedicated Federer fans or RF.com wanderers happen to see this post!), and although Andy has played afternoon matches in the hot sun the previous 4 matches, which has been taking more energy out of him, he hasn't lost a set and has minimalised his time on court, hence Andy's body shouldn't be feeling the strain as Federer and Djokovic (although was impressed with his game against Berdy today, but it's Djokovic so it was to be expected). I do agree that Andy needs time to adjust to the night matches and Federer having played the majority of his matches at night will be well accustomed to the conditions, though assuming Andy beats Chardy in 3, or even 4, Andy will be the fitter of the two for the semi which I think is the most important factor here. Yes it might take a few games for Andy to adapt to the nighttime conditions, but hey it's not like he hasn't done that before?

I'm very happy with how Andy is doing at the AO so far and what is happening around him, Djokovic had an awful Sunday night, Federer has been given a tough draw, Andy's draw itself wasn't too bad and then opened up nicely as Chardy knocked up Potty, so despite the organisers/tv schedulers putting Fed for the night match, it isn't really that big of a deal?

[traveller7]

And lets not forget Andy is yet to lose a set at this tournament which is pretty damn good.

[banskogirl]

Yes lots of positives but the organisers should know better :thumbup:

[david1610]

How does everyone see this goin? Im very nervous about this. Looked at the betting and murray is 1/25 and chardy 10/1

Really hope we can see a murray v fed final

It all depends on Andy. He has not had to raise his game too much so far. He may well have to this time. He has the tennis. He just has to bring it to court. I was very impressed by his calm in the early rounds and just hope he can stay calm if Chardy plays some lights out tennis. Simon reminded us in his pre-match interview that you cannot get three sets off a top player without the ebb and flow of the match giving them a chance. In twenty four hours we might be thanking our lucky stars that it was a five rather than three set match.
I hope Andy gets through and in straight sets though because he is going to need 100% energy if he and Roger get through to face each other.

[SamP]

He's obviously played very well to get this far, but do we REALLY have anything to worry about?

It's Chardy's fifth match in, the most five set matches he's ever played and he's played 5 more sets than Andy, you'd think fitness would be an obvious problem.

Andy doesn't look he's even got out of 3rd gear so far, he's swotted away all before him.

He might be a set and a break down tomorrow, but i'm sure he'll come through in no more than four sets.

P.S. C'MON TSONGA.

[cazza99]

organisers are fair,no favourism towards roger..dont disrespect roger without any reason..:shocked:


Putting Roger on for every night match means he has an advantage as the semis and final are all night matches and he will be used to the conditions - the conditions are very different at night on the RLA to the other courts. Also playing in the heat of the day is harder. So yes the organisers have shown favouritism - but its disrepect for the organisers that I have got.

[kenny009uk]

Was thinking this myself. I know he beat Murray at Cincy but Andy looked out of sorts that day but Chardy did play well.

I really cant see Chardy beating Andy over 5 sets.

Andy really is due a solid performace now and I full expect him to step up in the next match.

[banskogirl]

I really cant see Chardy beating Andy over 5 sets.

Andy really is due a solid performace now and I full expect him to step up in the next match.

Yes I expect Andy to step it up, but we don't have :sofa: for nothing! :)

[david1610]

I think Andy was still on cloud nine in the North American majors after the Olympics and only really came back down to earth for the USO so in that respect I do not take his defeats there as importantly as I would otherwise.
And I know Roger has seemed to benefit from various things over the years, but this time round, even as an Andy fan, if my job was a TV producer and TV scheduling, Roger would have got the night spots because they really were popcorn matches. Ultimately the AO has to sell tickets and justify the fees it gets from television rights.
I am sure Roger will do something soon to annoy us legitimately but for now let's save our energy (or spend it on wishing Bradford City well in a short while... but that's another thread!) :)

[Alis]

I know it wasn't a popular thing to say at the time but I still think Andy's loss to Chardy in Cinci was a strategic loss. It allowed him the time to work with Lendl before the US Open. I have no doubt that Andy will come through this match with flying colours!

[kenny009uk]

I know it wasn't a popular thing to say at the time but I still think Andy's loss to Chardy in Cinci was a strategic loss. It allowed him the time to work with Lendl before the US Open. I have no doubt that Andy will come through this match with flying colours!

Hope so champ

[Linda]

Unfortunately the TV companies have far too much power to dictate tournament schedules (just look at the USO!) And Tsonga-Fed is bound to be the more popular match (I'm rather looking forward to it myself). It's very unfortunate though when it is unfair to players.

Hmmm, Serena will probs only take about 45 mins to dismiss Sloane - but will she be able to start her match on time or will she be kept waiting by Vicky? That is the unanswerable question. I think I will set my alarm for 2.30am.

[Sallydaisy]

This from the first post of the thread ... because I think the timeline illustrates how much happened for Andy in just 11 days including a lot of PR work post Olympics, travel across to the USA (and jetlag) and a niggle with his knees.

It's understandable that Andy might have felt a bit drained and perhaps not concentrated quite so hard on winning matches in Cincy.
erm, as Alis says ...
:whistle:


... in the R16 at Cincy 2012 it was Chardy who came out the winner 6'4, 6'4.

To put that in perspective:
Andy had won the Olympic Gold medal on Sunday 5th August,
he flew to the Canada Masters on Tuesday 7th,
played his R2 match (and won) on the 8th
and then withdrew from his R3 match with a sore knee on the 9th.
On to Cincy where, 6 days later, he beat Sam Querrey easily
but then again faltered in R3 against Chardy in their match on the 16th August.

As we know, just 3 weeks later he lifted the USO trophy ...

[RoastLamb]

It's still unfair no matter which way you look at it. Fed has not played a single match in the high heat of the day and Andy has not played a single match at night on Laver. Unreal!!!

[Sallydaisy]

I think I will set my alarm for 2.30am.
I'm going for 3.30am again. Not had a sleep today but will try to be abed by 10pm.
I reckon Vika v Kuzy could go to 3sets and 2hrs and Serena will have a 2-setter but one longer set so say 1hr15mins. + add 15mins before they start (it's never on the dot of 11am) and 15mins between each of the next 2 matches.

[traveller7]

Looking forward to this match hopefully stay awake for it!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy's ex-coach has this to say ...


Brad Gilbert ‏@bgtennisnation (https://twitter.com/bgtennisnation) Muzzard will get payback from Cincy on Chardonnay Chardy and win in straight sets,


;)

[rouges]

organisers are fair,no favourism towards roger..dont disrespect roger without any reason..:shocked:

What is fair about Roger being on RL and at night for all his matches and Andy being all over the place in the midday sun when semi and finals being played at night. R U for real ? One can see you ain't an Andy's fan or you don't know what you are talking about.

[rouges]

good luck andy

[Jane]

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

[banskogirl]

Think I will set record and set my alarm for 4 or 4:30 and then catch up. Normally I get up at 6:30 so will have a few hours to catch up.

[Manaus]

Need to wake up fairly early tomorrow so not sure if I can watch this. Will probably go to sleep earlier and see if I wake up in time - worked so far. :)

[Caro]

Hubby gets up at 4.45 for work so I can't really set the alarm for a short while before - he's a light sleeper and wouldn't get back to sleep so I would not be popular! Will rely on inner alarm clock again and go for about 4 I think. No work for me till the end of the tournie now, woo hoo!!

Andy will deal with no night match. I agree it doesn't seem fair but Fed has had the more exciting matches on paper, including tomorrow's. looking forward to watching that one.

LET'S GO ANDY LET'S GO!!! And let's go Jo too!!

[Jan]

Good luck Andy!
Hope I wake up at some point so I can check the score, otherwise I'll have to find out in the morning.
Well done to those of you who plan to get up and cheer!

[davech]

I might try to get up for the end of this match, but I'm not going to make the start - unless the first two matches go on for ages, that is...

[david1610]

It's still unfair no matter which way you look at it. Fed has not played a single match in the high heat of the day and Andy has not played a single match at night on Laver. Unreal!!!
Dwelling on it will not do any good for tonight's match. I certainly hope Andy has put it to one side. He needs 100% focus on the match (He said in a Bantam dreamland....)

[dewster99]

although it's not the same with the weather Andy does always get the tea time slot at wimbly and pretty much always on centre (granted only in the last 1/2 years maybe). Having said that it's his home slam and pretty sure Fed plays on centre every match too. To say it's not unfair is ridiculous but Andy's draw has been very straightforward (I've yet to watch more than a set and a half of a match cos I was that confident) so Fed's matches have always been more appealing to the neutral and so I think although unfair it was unavoidable as the organisers and tv companies had no other viable option. Also had Andy played night matches I would've seen him play 0 times and will miss the semi completely :(

[traveller7]

I am feeling tired already and time is going soooo slowly, typical! But if I go to sleep I will never wake up.

[Craigenhogen]

Chardy's going to come out firing on all cylinders with belief he can win the match, even Serena Williams is predicting Chardy to upset Andy. Andy can prevail be it in 3,4 or 5 sets. He has the power, the stamina and the great shot selection of a grand slam champion in the greatest era of men's tennis ever. He can do this. He will do this. We have all just got to believe in him 100% and Andy has to believe in himself. C'MON ANDY! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Andy does at least know his way around RLA which gives him something of an advantage over Chardy who has never played a match on the main show court.

As for the lack of night match practice ...
I can understand the schedulers dilemma - they need to put the 'perceived' juicy matches on the RLA for their punters, sponsors and TV companies. Roger has won a few Slams at the AO; Andy has lost a couple and his 2013 matches have been 'dull' by comparison. However, R1, R2 or R3 Fed matches could easily have been a day match - after all Noley has had a couple and he's the defending champion and #1 player!!!
So, no excuses really - Andy could have played at least 1 match at night.

As it goes, if Andy gets past Chardy and Fed beats Tsonga, I think we'd be in for a classic of a SF and regardless of lack of night practice my bet is that Andy will be fired up. He'd love to ram home the message that the Olympic win was no fluke (yeah, I know he leads their H2H 10-9 but the average punter doesn't know that) and he's deffo got to beat Fed at a critical stage in a Slam.

Andy loves the night matches and I don't think it's an accident that he's kept his best tennis under wraps until the latter stage of this Grand Slam.
So there.
:p

[Craigenhogen]

Well said Sally!

[traveller7]

Apparently the Andy Boys cant get into the match shame :(

[Linda]

Chardy is being built up as the great giant killer but I really don't expect him to challenge Andy that much :cauldron:

[david1610]

What is fair about Roger being on RL and at night for all his matches and Andy being all over the place in the midday sun when semi and finals being played at night. R U for real ? One can see you ain't an Andy's fan or you don't know what you are talking about.
I think that is over the top and unfair to harmans. I am a big Andy fan but recognize that Andy's matches have not been as attractive as Roger's.
And del Potro going out early is far more important anyway. And, once again, Andy needs to be 100% focused on the match!

[david1610]

Apparently the Andy Boys cant get into the match shame :(
Shame but as long as Andy boy gets into the match.....

[ljs]

:lol:

[Caro]

Up a bit too early I see .... Oh we'll, I've been spot on for every other match and no work today so it's fine.

Good news over on twitter - Andy's team have come up trumps with tickets for the Andy boys :cheer::cheer:

[ljs]

that is good news Caro , yayyyyyy

[Caro]

Feel for Serena but dignified in defeat today.

Now ... LET'S GO ANDY LET'S GO!!!!!!

[supergran]

What a dramatic match with an unexpected result. Now for our boy. LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO!!!!

[david1610]

The saving grace of that match going an hour and a quarter longer than it looked is that it will be a tad cooler for Andy!
Players on court!

[RoastLamb]

Good luck Andy!!!

[JAMES4578]

Injury played a part but all credit to sloane causing a huge upset and coming of age,well done! Hopefully not too much drama in Andy match, come on!

[david1610]

C'mon Andy!

[Linda]

I'll probably fall asleep now, I've been awake since 2 (couldn't sleep) :sad:

[david1610]

Now use that present and focus, safe hold.
C'mon Andy!

[Linda]

A nervous start from Chardy

[supergran]

I'll probably fall asleep now, I've been awake since 2 (couldn't sleep) :sad: I slept for half an hour around 8 and then fell asleep after Vica's match and missed 1st set of Serena's match. So like you I feel tired now.

[Alis]

C'mon Andy! I really shouldn't have been awake since 3 o'clock - I've got a three hour drive at nine!

[supergran]

See you all later....going to lie on sofa. Hopefully no pacing tonight.

[ljs]

Good start

[Hawkeye]

A hold! Let's hope Chardy's serving issues continue.

[Linda]

I don't really like these shorter shorts that they are both wearing. They look like school shorts.

[david1610]

3-0 Just needs to consolidate this second break and the first set will be well on the way!
C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

Double break - great start Andy!

[traveller7]

4-1 nice

[Jane]

Good morning all!!:sleepy: Fell asleep again near the end of Serena's match, but got the kettle on now.:)

[Manaus]

Woke up at 3 and fell asleep waiting lol. :sleepy:
Great to see Andy doing well. :)

[sid]

4-1 great start keep it up Andy

[traveller7]

1 break gone

[Manaus]

Ok...maybe I should stop watching...

[Alis]

c'mon andy -that wasn't in the script!

[Linda]

Getting the blip over with early again.

[traveller7]

Chardys woken up

[Caro]

Don't let him start believing Andy!

[Alis]

Enough of this Andy - safe hold here please!!

[supergran]

Chardy has settled. Come on Andy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[traveller7]

phew

[sid]

good hold Andy 5-3

[Manaus]

1 more game for the set, come on Andy!

[Alis]

Well held Andy - now break for the set!

[traveller7]

serving for set

[davech]

Morning all. Looks like it's going OK, but it was going even better earlier. Reasonable summary?

[Alis]

A safe hold will do it - c'mon Andy!

[supergran]

Well I didn't relax for long did I?:grrr::skippy:

[Caro]

Don't do this Andy!

[banskogirl]

Morning all :) decided not to get up but wakened again at 5 so perfect by mistake! Yes hope the blip's over!

Come on Andy!

[ljs]

:sofa:

[davech]

Just two points from the set.

Now one point.

[banskogirl]

Aw it's for the FTMs

[Caro]

Come on Andy :sofa:

[banskogirl]

Yes Andy one more!

[Caro]

This time, come on Andy!!

[davech]

OK, this is the one...

[Jane]

6-4 - Well done:cheer::cheer::cheer:

Just realised that LS is af few secs ahead of TV!!!

[traveller7]

yes 1 set down

[davech]

:yahoo: :clap:

[banskogirl]

YES! And breathe?

[Caro]

Woo hoo! First set in the bag :cheer::cheer::cheer:

Time for some breakfast now methinks

[Alis]

Wahey!!! :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo: One down - two to go!

[Manaus]

Tricky game but that's 1 set. :clap:
Hopefully plain sailing now.

[david1610]

Phew! An easy peasy first part of a set turned into a bit of a scrap to get over the finish line.
Now let's see if Andy can weather the Chardy storm in the second.... C'mon Andy!

[supergran]

:skippy::skippy::skippy:

[Hawkeye]

Another early break required.

[sid]

good job Andy that's the first set in the bag:thumbup:

[davech]

Nice easy game. Now concentrate on the break. 1-1.

[traveller7]

nice hold to love

[harmans]

What is fair about Roger being on RL and at night for all his matches and Andy being all over the place in the midday sun when semi and finals being played at night. R U for real ? One can see you ain't an Andy's fan or you don't know what you are talking about.

first i am andy fan:skippy:..andy is my second favourite after federer...secondly its all about money..federer draws more money for organisers..thats why they keep him in main court

[davech]

Little glimmer...

[davech]

Big glimmer!

[davech]

And there's the break - 2-1!

[traveller7]

and a break to love

[Manaus]

Early break! Easy hold please.

[harmans]

andy to win in 3 or max 4..:bravo:

[david1610]

Good break - Andy seems to be reading that first service really well now.
Important hold coming up.
Hello Supergran.... still grinning about Bradford going to Wembley :)

[Alis]

Little glimmer...

Anyone know what's happened to J?

[Sallydaisy]

'morning all
:)

Went back to sleep after turning alarm off at 3.30.
But it looks as though I've only missed 1 set ...
... sounds as though it might have been a bit frustrating though!

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes) A set that looked to be a stroll, became complicated, finally goes to Murray 6-4.
Chardy certainly not to be underestimated



... and Andy is now a break up in the 2nd so I hope he keeps going!

[sid]

3-1 nice hold

[davech]

Morning Sally. I missed the early part of the set, so I've just seen Chardy playing scarily well. But it looks like he may have dipped a tiny bit now.

[supergran]

3-1....keep it cool Andy.

[banskogirl]

'morning all
:)

Went back to sleep after turning alarm off at 3.30.


I did same and wakened at 5 ;)
We might as well be up, it's our last 'peace on the sofa' either way. I love the whole sneaking downstairs bit!

[davech]

Here's another break point! Come one!

[davech]

..or even come on...

[davech]

4-1 Andy and a double break!!!

[traveller7]

deja vous just hold now

[banskogirl]

Ipad down to 15% I might go silent at some point!

[ljs]

pump it up and destroy him Andy !! Im getting tired

[david1610]

Second break. Hope Andy can consolidate it and finish this set off in style and not let Chardy back in as he did before. If he can hold serve twice it will be a long way back for Mr. Chardy! C'mon Andy!

[banskogirl]

deja vous just hold now

Yes! Keep the lead Andy!

[supergran]

Would you believe it?????????????

[banskogirl]

Come on his brother is Jamie, he can't ignore the birds!

[supergran]

Again!! Come on Andy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[banskogirl]

Have to say at this point........Chardy is a bit yum......

[Sallydaisy]

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

Let's not have a repeat of the first set please ...

[banskogirl]

Yes!

[davech]

Incredible point! Chardy should've won that easliy. Brilliant defence from andy.

[davech]

Right let's get this game over with.

[banskogirl]

Right Andy no nonsense......

[banskogirl]

Uh oh....

[Madeline]

Morning all. I thought it would be over. The scoreline looks good.

[davech]

OK, maybe it's time to get this game over with.

[davech]

Rather like that.

[banskogirl]

Yes :) come on our boy!

[Sallydaisy]

5-1 in the 2nd set and Chardy to serve to stay in it.
:thumbup:

(and a first set in the back 6-4).

[Sallydaisy]

Have to reboot my Hub; the whole internet is foggy in my place this morning.
Back in a few.

[Jane]

6-4, 6-1 - great stuff, Andy:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[sid]

Breadstick to take the second set :yahoo: 2 sets up well done Andy.

[supergran]

2nd set!!!:yahoo::yahoo::dance::dance::skippy::skippy:

[traveller7]

woop well done andy

[Madeline]

:yahoo: Nice Kitkat - Andy will be serving first in the third set.

[Sallydaisy]

:breadstick:

Come on Andy!


Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes) A two set lead for Murray, 6-4, 6-1 and he will serve first in the third.
The odd stutter but otherwise extremely solid

[Alis]

:boogie::boogie::boogie: Wahey - go Andy!!!!!

[david1610]

Well I think that last serve of Chardy's is going into the next DVD tennis training video on "Dos and Don'ts of Ball Tossing".
Well done Andy!
Actually I have an older Portuguese commie who was very wise at the start of that game. He said that the game was an excellent opportunity to get his rhythm back and go for some winners rather than playing too tactically, as there was nothing much to lose even if Chardy held.
I am also starting to think that we do not need to be worried about Andy not appearing 100% because I think he needs somebody playing at a certain quality level consistently to keep him playing really well consistently!
Now c'mon Andy. Let's get off court asap!

[Sallydaisy]

I just saw the Andy boys!!! So they managed to get in after all.
:dance:

[Madeline]

I thought somebody said the ANDY boys wouldn't be there?

[supergran]

ANDY boys!!! Read on twitter they did get tickets from Team Murray. Nice!:thumbup:

[davech]

Chardy's really struggling for rhythm now. He's hitting a whole load of unforced errors that he wasn't before.

[Caro]

Way to go Andy! Feeling totally chilled about this match now :cauldron:

And there were the Andy Boys :dance::dance: :skippy::skippy:

[banskogirl]

ANDY boys!!! Read on twitter they did get tickets from Team Murray. Nice!:thumbup:

Yes I think the commies mentioned it too :)

[Sallydaisy]

And there's the break in the 3rd set; Muzzah serving at *2-0.
:surfing:

Just catching up on a couple of tweets:

Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST (https://twitter.com/Barry_FlatmanST) The really good news for Murray is that he is finally middling the ball,
moving nicely & playing his 100% tennis. A very pleasing sign



Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg) Today's French word of choice from the French radio guy describing Chardy's play: "catastrophique." Trails Murray 4-6, 1-5. #ausopen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ausopen&src=hash)



Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST (https://twitter.com/Barry_FlatmanST) Monsieur Chardy. You might have got hold of a pair of the Fd's shoes. But you can't move around the court like him

[JAMES4578]

Fab the Andy boys struck gold again,Andy looking firmly in command now. The first set was a bit dicey after the big lead evaporated but once Murrty secured it gone from strenth to strength. Another break for 2-0 in the 3rd!

[Sallydaisy]

ANDY boys!!! Read on twitter they did get tickets from Team Murray. Nice!:thumbup:
Here's the tweet:


Shane Bullen ‏@ShaneBullen (https://twitter.com/ShaneBullen)
Kindest Team at the @AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) goes to the Andy Murray team!!
Thank you so much! #solucky (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23solucky&src=hash) #awesome (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23awesome&src=hash)

[traveller7]

3-0 cruise control

[david1610]

Another break would be nice just to make sure.... C'mon Andy!

[supergran]

Andy playing so well now!!!

[davech]

yet another break point!

[Manaus]

Great work from Andy so far, keep it up!

[Sallydaisy]

Chardy finally holds 1-3, Andy still well in the lead.
:cauldron:

[Sallydaisy]

Those shadows moving across RLA must make it very difficult for the players.

Andy *15-0, 15-15, 30-15, 40-15,

Game Murray, 4-1 in the 3rd set.

[Madeline]

By the time I have read the recent posts, I don't have time to post.

[supergran]

Bad luck Andy but we know why we love you!!

[banskogirl]

What a get!

[davech]

5-1. Andy's serving for the match already.

[Sallydaisy]

5-1 and Andy will serve for the match.
:dance:

[banskogirl]

What a get!

Yes we could go back to bed if we didn't have work!

[Aussie Andy]

At home unwell so get to watch Andy play. Looks very good!

[supergran]

Double fault. Come on Andy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[davech]

Oops. Need to concentrate here.

[Sallydaisy]

*30-40

Slam the door Andy!

[Aussie Andy]

Oh rats. I was so hoping our Frenchman would get two breadsticks.

[Madeline]

Well darn.

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy! Hubby' up now, you might lose out to daybreak :/

[Sallydaisy]

:hmm:

Chardy broke back as Muzzah was serving for the match.
I predict a swift response from Mr Murray.
Mr Lendl looks underwhelmed (as usual).

[JAMES4578]

Andy broken but still a break up, come on finish Chardy off!

[davech]

Match point!

[Jane]

6-4, 6-1, 6-2 - great result - well done Andy:yahoo::yahoo::dance::dance::cheer::cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

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

[davech]

:yahoo::clap::yahoo:

[Caro]

Woooooo Hoooooo :boogie::boogie::skippy::skippy:

[Aussie Andy]

30-all. Come on Andy, you can break him!
30-40. Break Point = Match Point! Go for it!

YES! ANDY THROUGH TO SEMIS! Me very happy.

[Hawkeye]

Just in time for me to head to work!

[supergran]

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:d ance::boogie::yahoo::skippy:

[Madeline]

Andy is VERY good at breaking straight back - but I wish he didn't need to so often!

[traveller7]

so tired but so happy
well done

[Linda]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

I didn't see all that much of it in the end because I kept dozing off!

[Manaus]

GSM Andy! :cheer: :cheer: Good work Andy! Going to get really tough from now on.

[supergran]

Somebody was making Andy laugh during that interview....wonder who?

[sid]

That was ruthless from Murray against Chardy,i wonder what Ivan Lendl said to Andy before this match.6-4 6-1 6-2

[Jennan]

Good work from Andy

[david1610]

Well done Andy. Apart from right at the end of the first set, you kept him at arm's (or should that be serve's) length.
And as you just said, let's hope Roger and Jo stay on court for four or five hours!
Well done. Another semi. Now the real tournament begins!

[Manaus]

Right going to try and take a short nap before I have to wake up again.
Hopefully Fed/Tsonga goes on for ages. :)

[JAMES4578]

Job done and overall a very convincing performance,well done Andy! Think he will have to step it up further in the semis but sure he is capable of doing so! Murray into the semis without dropping a set! :swingin::swingin::skippy:

[Sallydaisy]

Job done.
His game has definitely gone up a level and he had his game face on from the off.
:thumbup:

[Bardot]

How good is oor Andy? :dance::dance::dance: Such a professional performance, mighty impressive. :skippy::skippy: Another grand slam semi-final, brilliant!:thumbup:

[harriet]

smart win, but again failed to serve it out. was andy that good or had the long match chardy played taken too much out of him?

[david1610]

Oh rats. I was so hoping our Frenchman would get two breadsticks.
You mean the last set was ... baguette - forget! :thumbup:

[lynne]

Worth getting up for...........Job Well Done!!!:thumbup::thumbup:

[david1610]

smart win, but again failed to serve it out. was andy that good or had the long match chardy played taken too much out of him?
Perhaps a bit of both. As Andy said in his interview, he was very focused today and I think there was a lot more there if Chardy had played consistently well.

[supergran]

Well done Andy....another semi. Now let's hope Jo and Fed have a marathon. Off to bed now though feel as if I won't sleep.:skippy::skippy::skippy:

[banskogirl]

Off for another cup of tea and charge the battery. Mine and the ipad! Recording Jo and Fed. Will watch after work and see you all later :)

Well done Andy!!

[hfwardhouse]

Great to see Andy win so comfortably ... although I only saw the game where he didn't serve it out - left the room immediately to avoid any more jinxing :doh:

Well done Andy - semis on Friday and I'm at work :grrr:

[Sallydaisy]

Well, we do at least know when he'll be playing next ...
Not before 19.30hrs local time, 08.30 in the UK on Friday 25th January.

[patmoren]

Easy win for Andy, other than a couple of blips, played much smoother today. Timing and placement much more accurate.

[Fina]

Yay! Well done Andy. Just brilliant. :clap:

[How much idiotic drivel does Chris Bradnam speak? So much negativity, no matter how the match is progressing!]

[Jan]

Phew!!
Well done Andy - very nice news to wake up to!
:cheer::cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

From Andy's post-match presser - and to silence those who thought differently!

tennistweets.com ‏@tennistweetscom (https://twitter.com/tennistweetscom) murray: "I have no complaints about the schedule at all, and I didn't complain about it the other day" #fedcarpet (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fedcarpet&src=hash)
Retweeted by Carole Bouchard (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard)




Piers Newbery ‏@piersnewbery (https://twitter.com/piersnewbery) "If it had been up to me, I would have made Federer-Tsonga the night match too," says @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray). #bbctennis (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bbctennis&src=hash)



and ...

Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) #Murray (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Murray&src=hash) will hit on Hisense Arena tonight "purely to get used to the lights." #AusOpen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AusOpen&src=hash)



Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg) Andy Murray wearing a shirt that says "PREPARE. ATTACK. DESTROY." in press. Didn't know Lendl did silkscreening. #AusOpen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AusOpen&src=hash)


Whoever has to face him in the Semi-Final had better watch out ...
:p

[karanga]

Congrats Andy - well played match. :skippy: :skippy: :skippy: