WIMBLEDON 2013 - Q/FINAL: Andymonium!!!! Murray wins a 5-set thriiller, into the Semi's

[Sallydaisy]

In the Quarter-Final Andy will play Fernando Verdasco, the 29yr old Spanish #9 player.

Here's the good news ... Andy leads their H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=V306) by 8-1 including an AO 2007 win in the R64.

The bad news???
FerVer beat Muzzah at the AO 2 years later in the R16 in a somewhat bad tempered match.

They've not played since 2009 (Andy beat Fer 3 times later that year) and their rankings have gone in opposite directions with Andy moving on up and FerVer dropping down to #54 this week.

So will the Spaniard be able to produce that high level of tennis on Wednesday?
Because he'll have to if he wants to get past Andy Murray.
:grass:

It'll be played on Wednesday 3rd July; time tbc.
There's rain forecast for early morning but clearing for a dry but overcast afternoon.

[pabbers]

Was 2009 the year Andy had the virus in Australia?

[LC the fan]

Was 2009 the year Andy had the virus in Australia?

Yes, pretty sure it was

[cazza99]

Was 2009 the year Andy had the virus in Australia?

Yup, and there were peeps in and around the Verdasco camp shouting rude swear words at Andy in Spanish.

[Alis]

If I remember rightly, not only did Andy have a virus but Verdasco was coming off an epic Davis Cup win and was brimming with confidence - quite a different scenario to Wimbledon 2013!

[traveller7]

Should be a good match.

[kenny009uk]

Verdasco is pretty aggressive is he not? Big first serve?

Hope our Andy can come through :)

[traveller7]

2nd on centre court again tomorrow after Ferrer/Dep so goodness only knows what time he will be on!

[Linda]

Yup, and there were peeps in and around the Verdasco camp shouting rude swear words at Andy in Spanish.

That was the year that Verdasco had his camp calling out the names of superheroes to him to inspire him. And of that incredible semifinal between him and Rafa.

[Elenive]

Never been too keen on Verdasco, I'd love Andy to trash him and get off the court quickly although I feel that is unlikely. First time Andy is playing a lefty in 6 months, but not to be too concerned about that.

[Linda]

Andy has always been comfortable playing lefties as Jamie is a leftie. Verdasco hasn't done much to impress recently - until this run here at Wimbly - so I don't think there's too much to worry about. :cauldron:

[cazza99]

Some peeps have been going on about Verdasco has improved a lot recently since changing his racquet.

[Linda]

He's changed his racquet so many times, and each time it's set him back.

[Manaus]

Depending on when this match starts I may miss this, hopefully I'll be able to catch some of it. Most importantly, hope Andy gets this done quickly. :thumbup:

[cazza99]

I posted this on the newspaper thread, but this analysis belongs here too. Its worth a read.

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/23152189) - Andy Murray v Fernando Verdasco Wimbledon quarter-final analysis

[HoopGirl]

Good luck Andy!

Thinking of you and sending you positive vibes as ever!

[lynne]

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

[karanga]

Very best of luck Andy. :swingin: :swingin: :swingin: :strawberry:

[david1610]

Verdasco is pretty aggressive is he not? Big first serve?

Hope our Andy can come through :)
What I remember in his hey day (have not seen him this Wimbledon) was a massive forehand - one that at the time could hit through Andy. However, Andy got so many balls back that Verdasco ended up hitting out of court many times and essentially the number of UEs became too much. I also remember the unpleasantness of that Australian victory.
I have no idea whether Verdasco still has top ten tennis in him or not.
There is an interesting problem for Andy, though. He consistently got Verdasco to beat himself through his excellent defence. However, Andy can play much more aggressively now. Will be interested to see Andy's tactics. Just hope Andy is really focused as winning the first set is important, particularly given Verdasco's straight set wins.
C'mon Andy!

[kenny009uk]

What I remember in his hey day (have not seen him this Wimbledon) was a massive forehand - one that at the time could hit through Andy. However, Andy got so many balls back that Verdasco ended up hitting out of court many times and essentially the number of UEs became too much. I also remember the unpleasantness of that Australian victory.
I have no idea whether Verdasco still has top ten tennis in him or not.
There is an interesting problem for Andy, though. He consistently got Verdasco to beat himself through his excellent defence. However, Andy can play much more aggressively now. Will be interested to see Andy's tactics. Just hope Andy is really focused as winning the first set is important, particularly given Verdasco's straight set wins.
C'mon Andy!

Nice post. Pretty nervous but he should have too much for FerVer

[LC the fan]

Nervous about this one, but feel Andy should come through. Verdasco is just a bit erratic and hopefully Andy can wear him down. Think Andy may try to play to his forehand if he feels that it could break down.
With an 8-1 H2H there should be little cause to doubt Andy's ability to come through this.
COME ON ANDY ROUTING FOR YOU AS ALWAYS :clap:

(Its the next one that worries me but first things first !)

[daveollie]

Lets go Andy, lets go :GBflag:

[Jane]

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

[Linda]

I have to go to a church do at 7pm. I hope I don't miss the end of the match.

[xenon21]

Sir Alex is in the house! Hopefully can counterbalance David Cameron's kiss of death message of good luck lol!

[Linda]

Out they come!

[Jan]

they're on court!

Good luck Andy!

[traveller7]

Blooming half empty court again and rain forecast

[RoastLamb]

Well if the roof closes Andy still gets to play while the other semi-finalist will not. Might be an advantage down the road.

[Linda]

Of course everyone has to dash out at the end of a match to go to the loo and get something to eat or drink. Maybe they should leave a bit longer between matches to give people time to get back? Sometimes I've missed first 5 games of a match due to queues everywhere.

Who is that solitary person sitting in the Royal Box? Maybe it is a steward :rolling:

[traveller7]

Yeah between serena and Andy match monday was like 2 mins silly

[david1610]

C'mon Andy!

[ljs]

Thump him good Andy !!!!!!!

[daveollie]

Oh no, it's bouncy commentating. 1st thing he says......."Is the serve a problem area for Verdasco?" next thing that happens, big ace down the middle from the Spaniard. SHUT IT BOUNCEY!!!

[david1610]

1-1
Andy peppering Verdasco's backhand except for one very wide shot to remind Verdasco not to try and move too quickly to get round on the forehand. Strong serving from Verdasco.
C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

Humpf. Ferrer, you well let me down there! Was hoping for a 5 set, 5 hour slugfest so this match would start at 6pm meaning mini moo would be in bed after the first hour so could enjoy it fully lol!

Anyways C'mon the Muzz!

[david1610]

BP Take it!
OK I will say please next time!
Next two points... please!

[david1610]

http://norwaysport.co.uk/stream6.html is ESPN which has John Mac commentating (who is also a leftie of course) if you want a break from Bouncy....

[Mandiemoo]

http://norwaysport.co.uk/stream6.html is ESPN which has John Mac commentating (who is also a leftie of course) if you want a break from Bouncy....

I'd like to break bouncey......

[Mandiemoo]

I love a love service game from Murray!

On serve. 2-2 first set

[Mandiemoo]

Fab rally, boo to the net tho

[Mandiemoo]

Verdy giving it too much welly but his serve is really good when it is going well.

Think we have a match on our hands here.

Still on serve, 3-2, muzz to serve

[daveollie]

England manager Hodgson waltzing in a half hour after the start of the match, I bet he'd have a good old whinge if half the crowd came in late for an England home game.

[Mandiemoo]

England manager Hodgson waltzing in a half hour after the start of the match, I bet he'd have a good old whinge if half the crowd came in late for an England home game.

You a big fan of him then...lol! know what you mean though

[david1610]

England manager Hodgson waltzing in a half hour after the start of the match, I bet he'd have a good old whinge if half the crowd came in late for an England home game.
Maybe he thought he was substituting somebody...

PS 3-3. Warmed up.
Now if you would be so kind as to get a break, Andy, we would be extremely grateful. C'mon Andy!

[Reef]

oh dear clutching hip/back a bit again..

[ljs]

Verdasco must have some good hair gel , his hair has barely moved

[Mandiemoo]

We stay on serve. Muzz getting to 30 again.

Bouncey was try to explain some stats about shots hitting the line but couldnt, radio silence till Tim came to the rescue lol!

[Reef]

spot of danger here

[david1610]

3-4 0-30 First pressure. Verdasco clearly hyped. C'mon Andy!

[KnightOwl]

Eeek! C'mon Andy!!

[traveller7]

Come on murrayyyy get ur first serve in

[Reef]

Too many UEs

[murrayfan89]

Andy holds :) 4-4

[KnightOwl]

Good hold in the end - a break would be nice here, though!

[david1610]

Phew! C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

76mph second serve from Muzz brings up deuce.

2 verdy errors get Muzz out of trouble (would have been verdy serving for first set)

4-4

[Mandiemoo]

Point!

[KnightOwl]

:yahoo: what a point!!

[ljs]

:swingin::swingin:

[david1610]

Would have loved a break there. Andy under more pressure. This first set is SO important. C'mon Andy!

[Reef]

Still a bit underwhelmed it seems.

[Jan]

come on Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

That was disappointing. Don't really want verdy running off with first set.

[JAMES4578]

Nando proving tough this far and Andy not quite taking his chances, needs to step it up!

[Mandiemoo]

set point verdy eek!

[KnightOwl]

Eeeek! That's a set point for Nando - concentrate Andy!!

[Jane]

Ooops - lost the first set 4-6:sad:

[cazza99]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[murrayfan89]

Andy loses first set noooooooooooo

[KnightOwl]

Ooooh, that's not good. First set dropped so far in the tournament, and that will just give Nando some hope :sad:

[Mandiemoo]

That was not in my script. A DF to give Verdy the first set. Hmm.

[david1610]

Oh crumbs. Verdasco is a front runner. Very wayward double fault by Andy to lose the set.
Eek!

[Reef]

oh no 1st dropped set!!!

[Linda]

Oh dear. Goes to show it pays to be aggressive - even with all those UEs, Nando takes the set. Andy not aggressive enough. Not looking at all like he did the other day. Needs to wake up!

[Jan]

oh dear time for the :sofa:

[Mandiemoo]

Got to get that first serve percentage up. 55% in, not good enough.

A 4 setter minimum if we are going to keep the dream alive

[daveollie]

All aboard folks

[KnightOwl]

Ok, forget that one, start again - still all to play for and Andy is way stronger than Nando, so no need to panic yet...

Probably.

[Chris83]

Andy way too passive and paying the price. Frankly he got what he deserved passive does not cut it at this stage of a GS, I thought Andy had finally learned that but obviously not.

Meanwhile JJ already 1 set up in the other 1/4.

[JAMES4578]

Ending on a double ,feeling the pressure on the 2nd serve. Andy really needs to start strongly in the 2nd.

[Reef]

This is horrible to watch - didn't expect this at all.

[traveller7]

Serving not good in that set. Df at set point.
Shut up commies your annoying me in
No harm in a 4 set match more practice

[Mandiemoo]

Come on crowd, make some noise!

[Alis]

Do you think his back is bothering him or is he just not on his game today?

[Reef]

Do you think his back is bothering him or is he just not on his game today?

Bit of both I'd say...

[traveller7]

Do you think his back is bothering him or is he just not on his game today?
Neither verdy had 1 bp and unfortunately Andy served a df on it

[KnightOwl]

Great stuff. That's the way - make him move!

[Mandiemoo]

1-1 second set. Boris says Muzz not stepping in early enough on his backhand?

[traveller7]

Much better play from Andy
30-0 up

[Mandiemoo]

Isn't supergran at wimby today?

[Mandiemoo]

BP Muzz, take it!

[david1610]

Really has to take this chance. C'mon Andy!

[daveollie]

Get In there Andy

[traveller7]

Yes get in break

[Mandiemoo]

YES! needs to hold before any celebrations!

[ljs]

hopefully that gets him pumped and going

[Alis]

BREAK!!!! and now the crowd can make some noise!!!!!

[Chris83]

Yes. That's the Andy I've been waiting for, why on earth did he not start like this. He's made his life much harder and if his back is bothering him playing longer wont make that better.

[KnightOwl]

That's it, much better :clap:

Get in his head - make him doubt himself and there's a good chance he'll just fall apart - he's not a real fighter in the way Rafa or Ferrer would be....

[ljs]

That crowd needs to get louder

[Mandiemoo]

Fergie seems relaxed in the Royal Box.

[Mandiemoo]

91% first serve points won in this set

[KnightOwl]

Terrible dropper, but at least it was at 40-0 :)

[traveller7]

Well done Andy keep going

[Mandiemoo]

Ok CELEBRATE, he holds!

[JAMES4578]

At last Andy being asssertive and getting the crowd involved,keep it going!

[daveollie]

Andy seems to have woken up here, think he realises that Nando ain't gonna blow it the way he hoped and has started to attack.

[Mandiemoo]

Thats a shame, muzz had 0-30 on verdy serve there.

Verdy holds 2-3. Muzz to serve

[traveller7]

Good going come on Andy

[Elenive]

Oh dear, just got back as had to go out before Potty's match was finished. How did Andy lose the first set? Was in Andy errors or Verdasco playing well or bit of both? Lack of concentration? Hmm this is a little worrying, good that he has a break up in the second though...

[traveller7]

Why is Andy staying back so much?

[Elenive]

Oh no! :sofa:

:sad: :sad: :sad:

[traveller7]

15-40 not good

[Mandiemoo]

Head in hands, 2 bps verdy

[Elenive]

Darn :crying:

[traveller7]

Broken back verdy with new balls getting worried here

[KnightOwl]

Eeeek! Nando breaks back - poor shot from Andy :facepalm:

[Mandiemoo]

Buckle down and break him Muzz!

[Reef]

I am behind sofa with mute button pressed.

[traveller7]

I cant watch

[JAMES4578]

Oh dear, just got back as had to go out before Potty's match was finished. How did Andy lose the first set? Was in Andy errors or Verdasco playing well or bit of both? Lack of concentration? Hmm this is a little worrying, good that he has a break up in the second though...

Yes a combination and Andy too passsive, now loose game and back on serve in 2nd, come on!

[Mandiemoo]

My comfort level has gone down somewhat. Hmmm.

[Alis]

Unless Verdasco's serve goes off this is really dangerous. Andy just doesn't seem to have the answers today.

[KnightOwl]

Nando is serving really well at the moment - Andy really needs to get his act together, and soon!

[david1610]

The way Verdasco is serving, this could be over in three unless Andy TAKES his chances.
First step if there is any doubt about back or anything, is put all energy into holding and get to tiebreak. If necessary tank Verdasco service games. But has to be strong on his service games.

C'mon Andy!

[traveller7]

I've turned over to other match far too tense and worrying for my liking

[Elenive]

Verdasco is playing very well, he is running everywhere...

this is worrying stuff! :sofa:

[AllyB]

Going to be one of those days i think!

[Alis]

Oh c'mon Andy - this is just not you!!!!

[david1610]

John Mac just said "I never thought I would say this, but Verdasco is returning better than Murray". Eek!
C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

lawks amercy! This is not on at all. Crowd trying to lift him

[Elenive]

Focus Andy, focus!!!!!

Please murraycoaster go back in our favour!!!!

[traveller7]

Andy is playing terribly

[KnightOwl]

John Mac just said "I never thought I would say this, but Verdasco is returning better than Murray". Eek!

Unfortunately, at the moment he's also serving better than Murray, and making fewer errors :sad:

C'mon Andy - you're better than this - focus!!

[Chris83]

This is the worst I've seen Andy play in 2 years or more. Just awful I dread to think what people and press will say.

[Mandiemoo]

DF to lose 1st set

Net cord to give Verdy serve for 2nd set.

I am close to tears

[JAMES4578]

Poor game though luck with netcord,come on Andy!

[Chris83]

OMG what a point.

[Elenive]

AMAZING RETURNING THERE!!

That's our man :cheer:

[KnightOwl]

Wow! I just shrieked so hard I hurt my throat!

WHAT a point :worship:

[Mandiemoo]

Forget that, i am crying. Please be the turning point!

[Elenive]

Half chance now.

[ljs]

well that may turn it around

[JAMES4578]

Fabulous,take advantage Andy!

[KnightOwl]

BP Andy, and he's got that determined look on his face, finally!

[Elenive]

3 BPs! and a 2nd serve!

[Elenive]

Verdasco is definitely playing with a game plan of having 'nothing to lose', he is playing aggressively.

[Alis]

Oh dear - c'mon andy!

[karanga]

Come on Andy!!! :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[JAMES4578]

2 gone, come on!

[KnightOwl]

C'mon - still one left - take it!!

[Elenive]

That was too good.

[ljs]

:(

[traveller7]

I can't believe this practically match points here

[Mandiemoo]

Deuce. Please, please, please break him

[KnightOwl]

Wow. This is horrible to watch, but it has to be said that Nando is playing brilliantly - I'm not sure I've ever seen him play so well...

[Elenive]

Set point

:sofa: :sofa: :sofa:

[Mandiemoo]

All going wrong. This is just too painful for words

[traveller7]

Pretty much all over I feel

[Alis]

Where is our boy - he's just not out there today. C'mon Andy!!!!

[KnightOwl]

I can't really believe I'm seeing this - where's Andy?

[Jane]

:crying::crying::crying:

[Elenive]

I can't believe this practically match points here

No, just means 2 sets to love.

Federer game back from 2 sets to love against benneteau last year and then went on to win the tournament.

[ljs]

not over yet , still hope

[KnightOwl]

Andy has come back from two sets down before, but if he's going to do it here, he needs to wake up and FAST!

[traveller7]

I dont think he has 3 sets in him :(

[Alis]

He's just got to go out there and play now - df - not a good start.

[JAMES4578]

oh no Nando up 2 sets and certainly very tough for Andy right now.

[Elenive]

Lots can happen in three sets. It's this third set that is the crucial one really, Verdasco surely isn't as fit as Andy.

[Mandiemoo]

I just can't believe how wrong it is going. How did this happen?

Need to find the spirit of the gasquet game

[Reef]

the other two matches were straightforward 3-setters - what is this all about? I really can't believe it!!

[Linda]

I don't believe what I'm seeing :crying: Verdasco is planting himself on the baseline and making Andy run from side to side :shocked:

I thought Nando might take a set, but not two. :sad: Andy can still win this though.

[traveller7]

Meanwhile JJ is 2 sets up

[traveller7]

He just isnt the Andy from last week
Im wondering if injury is worse than he let on
Press are going to have a field day

[Elenive]

the other two matches were straightforward 3-setters - what is this all about? I really can't believe it!!

Yeah but they play eachother on Friday, Potty vs Nole on grass!! If Potty's injury is OK then that match is tough for both of them!

[KnightOwl]

I can accept how well Nando is playing - what I'm struggling to cope with is the number of unforced errors from Andy - it's really hard to watch...

[JennieF]

I'm lost for words. Where has our Andy gone? Who is this replacement?

[Elenive]

The luck isn't with Andy at the minute, worrying moments. But there's still hope.

The match isn't over until the last ball of the last game in the last set.

[traveller7]

Im not sure I want to watch him get beaten too upsetting

[Mandiemoo]

You always need a bit of luck. To serve a DF on set point then a net cord against on set point, the luck gods have deserted him.

Plus Dave cameron sent good luck wishes

[JennieF]

Is it because he's not played a lefty for so long??

[Linda]

Camera showed closeup of Kim looking upset :crying:

[cazza99]

I don't think it has helped Andy with Federer and Rafa going out early as it has put more pressure on him.

[Chris83]

Well im resigned to him not winning Wimbledon this year and I hope the BBC and all press and media stop with the relentless pressure on our players.

[Alis]

Poor lad - just can't find his game - he's in a very lonely place out there.

[Linda]

Plus Dave cameron sent good luck wishes

Oh no. That explains it :sad: :sad: :sad:

[Elenive]

Im not sure I want to watch him get beaten too upsetting

Yeah not going too well at the minute but there's always hope. Andy will be the better player in the latter sets if it gets to that.

Nice hold from Andy though.

I sure hope Hawkeye is having a great time on centre though!!

[Elenive]

Plus Dave cameron sent good luck wishes

Oh, well that's ok... just need Dara O'Briain to tweet in some support and whey he goes! :big grin:

[Reef]

He just isnt the Andy from last week
Im wondering if injury is worse than he let on
Press are going to have a field day

I think so too as it's been a long time since we saw this Andy

[Alis]

Nando's luck can't hold out for ever - can it????

[Jan]

my nerves are shredded

[JennieF]

Thats better...make V run around.

[JennieF]

Nando's luck can't hold out for ever - can it????
Lets hope his energy runs out. Surely Andy us the fitter of the two?

[cazza99]

You always need a bit of luck. To serve a DF on set point then a net cord against on set point, the luck gods have deserted him.

Plus Dave cameron sent good luck wishes

Yup that won't have helped. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/10156838/Curse-of-Cameron-to-strike-again-Prime-Minister-wishes-Andy-Murray-good-luck.html

[Alis]

Little glimmer .............!!

[KnightOwl]

Bit of a gift, but pleeeease take it!!

[Elenive]

C'MON ANDY!

You've got back from 2 sets to love down at Wimby before, it's that time coming. 2 BPs!!

TAKE ONE!

[JennieF]

Break!!!!!

[Alis]

Well done Andy - now a safe hold pleeease!

[Mandiemoo]

It looks a long way back. But it has been done before.

Theres the start, breaks verdy but needs to hold.

[cazza99]

Wimbledon ‏@Wimbledon 2m


#Murray has come back from 2 sets to 0 down 5 times in Slams '08 #Wimbledon '08 US, '10 RG, '11 RG, '11 US. #bANDYwagon #ANDYmonium

Come Andy do it again

[traveller7]

2-0 try and hold onto it this time

[Elenive]

Ok, he's had is annoyed stage now, now he's working for the momentum and he is getting it back to him now... keep it that way and it will become easier. Get into that groove!

[traveller7]

Its a long long road

[Elenive]

Does Verdasco look a little tired compared to the first two sets?

[Reef]

I'm on this thread but can't watch match at the mo

[Alis]

C'mon Andy!!!

[Linda]

Come on Andy, don't let your lead slip again!

[Reef]

Does Verdasco look a little tired compared to the first two sets?

Really? Gives me tiny glimmer of hope

[Alis]

That'll do - now another break would be nice.

[traveller7]

Im upstairs watching other qf
Can hear the crowd from andys match downstairs which tells me its 3-0

[Linda]

He doesn't look tired to me :sad:

[Elenive]

There we go, 3-0. A second break in the next game now is the aim.

[cazza99]

I'm on this thread but can't watch match at the mo
I left the room for part of the second set when Andy got broken and Andy is doing much better now I'm back. I daren't leave again.

[murrayfan89]

3-0 second set. Come on Andy, no more dips in form now.

[Mandiemoo]

Im doing that thing i do on these murraycoaster journeys - holding my breath without realising it then having to take a deep breath.

0-2 to Muzz, verdy to serve.

[JAMES4578]

Andy holds for 3-0,keep it going!

[Elenive]

He doesn't look tired to me :sad:

Oh :sad:

Well hopefully he will get tired later on, Andy just needs to keep onto this break and hopefully get another for a little security.

[traveller7]

Show the world the champion you are by blooming winning this in 5 COME ONNNNNNNN

[JennieF]

If Andy wins through in 5 it will be the talk of the championships, never mind who wins it. C'mon Andy now!! Get that fire back!

[Mandiemoo]

Sorry 0-3 to muzz

[Alis]

If Andy wins through in 5 it will be the talk of the championships, never mind who wins it. C'mon Andy now!! Get that fire back!

Unfortunately, his fire seems to be missing today - he's seemed very flat to me. I wish he would get angry.

[Elenive]

If Andy wins through in 5 it will be the talk of the championships, never mind who wins it. C'mon Andy now!! Get that fire back!

It will be Andy's way of saying 'No I'm not going to be in the footsteps of Serena, Rafa, Fed, Tsonga, Sharapova and the rest, I'm a champion and that's why I'm here... I'm here to win Wimbledon!'

Fingers crossed!!! C'MON ANDY!

[Chris83]

Unfortunately, his fire seems to be missing today - he's seemed very flat to me. I wish he would get angry.

You clearly must have missed where he shouted "what the .... are you doing" where .... is a 4 letter swear word.

[KnightOwl]

Dare I say Andy seems to be waking up a bit now...?

:cauldron:

[JennieF]

Unfortunately, his fire seems to be missing today - he's seemed very flat to me. I wish he would get angry.
He certainly doesn't seem to be smashing the ball the way he was in the other matches. He also looked like a winner, which e doesn't today. Hope he's feeling ok. Another break!!!!!

[Elenive]

Oh Tim what a great thing to say! Now's this has made me happier!

Tim saying Verdasco had nothing to lose when he came in here, now 2 sets to love up he has a lot to lose!
The fact Andy has stepped it up a little must be making him nervous and working in Andy's favour.

Lots can happen from here.

[traveller7]

Oh Tim what a great thing to say! Now's this has made me happier!

Tim saying Verdasco had nothing to lose when he came in here, now 2 sets to love up he has a lot to lose!
The fact Andy has stepped it up a little must be making him nervous and working in Andy's favour.

Lots can happen from here.

I love Tim!

[Mandiemoo]

Verdy stops the rot for him and holds.

1-3 to muzz who is serving

[JennieF]

The spectators seem rather hesitant too.

[Elenive]

I love Tim!

Me too! I actually ran into him and exchanged eye contact with him on Friday but that's all to come in my blog over the weekend ;)

[Chris83]

Has Andy even S & V once this match? At the Olympics last year I remember him doing it quite a bit in each of his matches but this year you could count on one hand how many times he's done it.

[KnightOwl]

Great point - definitely plenty to play for here...!

[Alis]

You clearly must have missed where he shouted "what the .... are you doing" where .... is a 4 letter swear word.

that must have been when I changed over to see the score on the other court. I'm glad to hear it though.

[traveller7]

I think verdy is looking a little weary but he still is upn2 sets
Boris just pointed out verdy is mentally fragile lets hope he falls apart

[JennieF]

Hey all IS NOT LOST !!

[JAMES4578]

Pity it wasn't a double break as Nando will likely keep fighting, but easily holds for 4-1.

[Alis]

Good hold now another break Andy!

[Chris83]

that must have been when I changed over to see the score on the other court. I'm glad to hear it though.

Yeah it was after the 2nd set and he sat down and had a good old moan at himself and his box. It makes me laugh tbh but the majority of people don't agree with me and saying it makes him look petulant and childish etc.

[Elenive]

Has Andy even S & V once this match? At the Olympics last year I remember him doing it quite a bit in each of his matches but this year you could count on one hand how many times he's done it.

No I don't think he has, well he hasn't from when I become available to watch it - missed the first set and half of the second.

Although if Andy wins this is 5, it is something Lendl will be having words with to Andy about in the next match I would think.

[KnightOwl]

I think verdy is looking a little weary but he still is upn2 sets
Boris just pointed out verdy is mentally fragile lets hope he falls apart

What does Boris know?


Get in his head - make him doubt himself and there's a good chance he'll just fall apart - he's not a real fighter in the way Rafa or Ferrer would be....

Way ahead of him ;)

[traveller7]

Where were those shots in first sets?

[JennieF]

A bit of Murray Magic.......so relieved it's still there!

[Chris83]

No I don't think he has, well he hasn't from when I become available to watch it - missed the first set and half of the second.

Although if Andy wins this is 5, it is something Lendl will be having words with to Andy about in the next match I would think.

Yeah didn't think i'd seen him. A real shame tbh as I felt it always kept his opponents guessing even more and frankly he's one of the better volleyers in tennis so it's a waste to not use it.

[Reef]

Every time I start watching he loses the point so my eyes firmly down right now

[KnightOwl]

C'mon Andy!!

[traveller7]

Yes another break serving for set

[Elenive]

Adding to the comment Tim made, Boris made one just a few minutes ago about Verdasco being a good player but not really the man winning the tournaments because his mentality isn't all of that. That's a promising thing to hear as we know Andy's mentality is much better and that of a champion now.

If Andy wins this it will definitely speak of Andy's champion quality. In fact I'm glad he is being pushed here because if he gets through then people can't argue that he hasn't been tested thus far, Andy isn't playing badly, Verdasco is just playing well.

Another break!! Now we are looking hopeful! Much more light now! ANDY HAS THE MOMENTUM!

[Alis]

Yeeeeeesssss!!!!! Serving for the set - c'mon Andy - a love game would be good.