View Full Version : USO 2013, QUARTER-FINAL: Stan the Man beats Muzzah 6'4, 6'3, 6'2
Well, didn't get to see this as I was travelling but followed livescore for the first set. That was tough as could tell Andy was struggling in his service games but Stan seemed to be flying through his.
I'm not totally surprised that he lost as he hasn't seemed to be playing his best but surprised by the score. Oh well I know he will be sad but hope he is not to hard on himself. These things happen and I will always support him. I think Davis Cup will be good for him and hope he can enjoy that.
Well, didn't get to see this as I was travelling but followed livescore for the first set. That was tough as could tell Andy was struggling in his service games but Stan seemed to be flying through his.
I'm not totally surprised that he lost as he hasn't seemed to be playing his best but surprised by the score. Oh well I know he will be sad but hope he is not to hard on himself. These things happen and I will always support him. I think Davis Cup will be good for him and hope he can enjoy that.
HoopGirl
06-09-2013, 07:15
Sad, sad, sad.
Andy didn't have his sparkle, his Murray magic -did he?
He looked a bit flat and with Stan pounding down those shots at him - well it was unlikely...
Stan looked 'arrogant' to me - I don't mean that in a nasty way but like he knew he couldn't be beaten!
So confident - on fire!
I hope Andy soon gets over the post Wimbledon hangover.
Andy talks about struggling to be fired up enough to train - I don't believe that that's the issue - it's being fired up enough
mentally and that's tough when you won something as big as Wimbledon!
Sad, sad, sad.
Stan looked 'arrogant' to me - I don't mean that in a nasty way but like he knew he couldn't be beaten!
So confident - on fire!
I hope Andy soon gets over the post Wimbledon hangover.
Andy talks about struggling to be fired up enough to train - I don't believe that that's the issue - it's being fired up enough
mentally and that's tough when you won something as big as Wimbledon!
I think that's what he meant by "being fired up". Just that - mentally rather than physically. Understandably he looked very "down" in his presser, more perhaps because he would have liked the match to have been much closer than it was, rather than being too disappointed at not getting further.
Yes I'm sure Stan felt unbeatable yesterday - it happens and he's hit a purple patch right now but rarely do these times last. He and Berdych are both great players who are unplayable on their day yet so far neither have managed to win one of the big ones and I'm not sure they ever will. I could be wrong of course, and often am! I've seen Andy like this before (trying to remember exactly when) - he's such a complex character who can go from the sublime to the "ridiculous" is the wrong word - perhaps "average" is better.
He may need to opt for a rest now to recharge the flat batteries but in some ways it might be good for him to play DC with people around him in a group environment. It could be a positive distraction but only he can make that decision and only he and his team know how he is physically and what impact the clay might have on his body, so we'll see.
He'll be okay though, he'll be back all guns blazing soon I'm sure.
patmoren
06-09-2013, 09:27
When Andy is looking like he did yesterday it is a time when I do not enjoy watching him play. All tournament his head has been down, gives so much confidence to his opponent. He will recover and bounce back but why does he put himself through all the angst.
Madeline
06-09-2013, 10:03
I was too upset to post after the match last night - upset for Andy, not for myself. He just seemed to be having one of those days when he couldn't do a darn thing right - I have plenty of them myself so I know what it feels like, but at least my problems are not watched by millions of people.
I hope he can manage to sort himself out, for his own sake. He can play SO much better than that.
millypops
06-09-2013, 10:10
When Andy is looking like he did yesterday it is a time when I do not enjoy watching him play. All tournament his head has been down, gives so much confidence to his opponent. He will recover and bounce back but why does he put himself through all the angst.
How right you are Pat, Andy hasn't had that confident look about him all of the Tournament, I just had a gut feeling that he would loose to Stan, not sure why I felt like that, Stan is one of those players that has been bubbling about in the top 20 for what seems like ages, and I think with Magnus coaching him now he has a renewed confidence about him, especially so nearly beating Novak in the AO, and of course that epic match at Wimbledon (the first year the roof was in place) when Andy beat Stan in the 5th set.
Just hope they get a good win in Croatia next week.
Neither particularly surprised nor desperately disappointed by this result. Just glad the winner didn't have the stuffing knocked out of him and may be able to at least give Nole a good match if not beat him. Stan played lights out tennis and deserved the win. In one of her more sympathetic moments, Croft correctly pointed out that when Andy is tense/nervous, he loses power and his movement suffers. The nerves were never dispelled last night so there were no thumping forehands or moments of Murray magic. Just remember if Rafa wins this that his absence last year and at Wimbly meant Andy had to beat #1 on both occasions - a #1 who had been Rafa's nemesis on frequent meetings in the recent past.Andy also beat #1 in the Olympics. So I would defy anyone to belittle his achievements in the light of last night's performance or to start saying he wouldn't have won last year if Rafa had been fit. Not that anyone has said that but just getting in first!
traveller7
06-09-2013, 11:29
I feel a bit more philosophical about it today having slept on it. I think Andy is disappointed and im disapoointed for him not in him. However I do think the past 12 months have been so amazing that its caught up with him and lost his fire a little. It will come back and if he is ok for the davis cup I think it will do him wonders as he wont have time to get down on himself about it.
We will always support him no matter the score line and if never wins a gs or tournament ok it will be ok with me.
pippadaisy
06-09-2013, 12:11
Didnt see the match last night couldn,t get a stream. Have watched most of my tennis for USO on eurosport next day.
Have looked through some of the posts here and having watched Andy play have to agree that Andy didnt look himself this tournie
and for Andy in a twelve month period winning two slams an olymlic gold and silver , he has done pretty amazing , not to mention other slam finals
Great credit to him and i'm sure theres more to come , now that this uso is out of the way, rest , have fun and come back fighting
Always believed and nothing has changed as they sing at football matches;--
We'll support you evermore
BTW thanks to all you guys on here for seeing the positive in this , enjoy reading the posts on here , which is where i always come to discuss Andy
:grouphug::grouphug: to all xx
I didn't see the match either, was following via Twitter when I could sneak a look. So disappointed for Andy, but I said in another post earlier this week that I felt Andy just wasn't himself at the USO, pretty certain something is going on beyond just the post-Wimbledon "slump" and we not get to know what that is. We've seen it before when he's had a disappointing tournament that gets everyone wringing their hands and the detractors come back out from hiding to snipe - then we later find it was an injury, or something had happened outside of tennis that had thrown him off.
It has been an incredible 14 months - if after the Olympic Gold, you had told us he would add USO and Wimbledon titles in the following 12 months we would all have taken that. Andy said the same himself. Retaining the USO title was always going to be difficult, no matter who he had to face - I think in recent times (like the last 20 years or so) only a couple of players have managed it. We have been spoiled by Andy regularly getting to Slam semis and finals these last couple of years, we've come to expect it, so going out at the quarters feels like a big disappointment.
But, it was only a tennis match. Andy didn't play his best, Stan played outstandingly and deserved the win. Well done to Stan, good luck to him in the semis against Nole. Andy will be back, I am hoping for an Aussie title in January :) As others have said, I think being away next week with the DC team will actually be really good for Andy and then if he can fit in a few days rest before the Asian swing hopefully he'll bounce back quickly from this.
We still love our champ. All those going to Umag need to cheer extra loud and make sure Andy feels the love :)
So, :grouphug: to everyone, including Andy and team. Keep smiling and get ready to wave the flag for our GB guys next week. :GBflag:
traveller7
06-09-2013, 14:33
I love this forum :hug:
banskogirl
06-09-2013, 15:29
Hi guys, I only got to watch part of the first set last night, then had to go to pick up daughter's friend from the airport. I always a worry when Andy has to play Stan but I left thinking he would get the win. Was disappointed when I heard, but one negative word from our visitor and I offered to put on the Wimbledon final! That shushed him!
Watched the highlights today and was surprised by how down Andy seemed, from the very beginning. I hope this is the result of the high he is bound to have been on for a long time, although part of me thinks it had more of an injury about it? We all know Andy won't mention any unless he has too!
Hope he gets to DC, would be great for all of you who are going and I think the team together and the craic is what he needs!
Having said all of that, I am really pleased for Stan! I'm sure it was posted already but think Judy"s tweet sums up a lot of our feelings....WOWrinka.....'I'm not happy with you :-) but very happy for you xxx
Hi folks, another rare post from me! Like others here, I am very disappointed by this result - I was expecting Stan to be a tough match but disappointed by how one-sided the scoreline was. :(
However, unlike previous Slam losses, it hurts a lot less because even if Andy retired tomorrow, no one can take away from him the things he's achieved - the Olympic Gold medal, the US Open title (first British man since Fred Perry to win a singles Slam), and the Wimbledon title (first British male singles winner for 77 years, whilst also casting off any suggestions of Andy being a "one-slam wonder"). And I'd never be surprised to see Andy chalk up at least another couple of Slams to his name - now he knows that he can do it! :)
Also, just to put this into context - when a certain Mr. Federer (widely regarded as the greatest of all time) won his first Slam, Wimbledon 2003, he followed that up with a sequence of losses in Masters Series events and a fourth-round loss at the US Open. Roger has achieved so much in the game since that time that those results have rather been forgotten. Andy followed up his first Grand Slam win with another Slam final (the Aussie Open) and winning his second Slam title, the BIG ONE, Wimbledon. The only reason we're all feeling kind-of down (myself included) is because we're used to the top players not suffering from letdowns - but Andy isn't Roger, Rafa or Novak, he's Andy, and I think that the individuality he brings to a tennis court also manifests itself in his temperament - hence, a probable post-Wimbldon letdown. :)
Whatever happens for the rest of Andy's career, he'll have me as a loyal follower, and I know that goes double for you guys here too - looking forward to seeing Andy hit the ground running in the remaining Masters Series of the year, and the World Tour Finals - lots more tennis to be played! :)
Take care... :)
Hi folks, another rare post from me! Like others here, I am very disappointed by this result - I was expecting Stan to be a tough match but disappointed by how one-sided the scoreline was. :(
However, unlike previous Slam losses, it hurts a lot less because even if Andy retired tomorrow, no one can take away from him the things he's achieved - the Olympic Gold medal, the US Open title (first British man since Fred Perry to win a singles Slam), and the Wimbledon title (first British male singles winner for 77 years, whilst also casting off any suggestions of Andy being a "one-slam wonder"). And I'd never be surprised to see Andy chalk up at least another couple of Slams to his name - now he knows that he can do it! :)
Also, just to put this into context - when a certain Mr. Federer (widely regarded as the greatest of all time) won his first Slam, Wimbledon 2003, he followed that up with a sequence of losses in Masters Series events and a fourth-round loss at the US Open. Roger has achieved so much in the game since that time that those results have rather been forgotten. Andy followed up his first Grand Slam win with another Slam final (the Aussie Open) and winning his second Slam title, the BIG ONE, Wimbledon. The only reason we're all feeling kind-of down (myself included) is because we're used to the top players not suffering from letdowns - but Andy isn't Roger, Rafa or Novak, he's Andy, and I think that the individuality he brings to a tennis court also manifests itself in his temperament - hence, a probable post-Wimbldon letdown. :)
Whatever happens for the rest of Andy's career, he'll have me as a loyal follower, and I know that goes double for you guys here too - looking forward to seeing Andy hit the ground running in the remaining Masters Series of the year, and the World Tour Finals - lots more tennis to be played! :)
Take care... :)
Brilliant post, couldn't of said it better myself & the sentiments of a lot of people on here.......honest & down to earth!!!.....:bravo:
traveller7
07-09-2013, 12:12
Here here very well said!
HoopGirl
07-09-2013, 15:35
Lots of consoling posts about Andy's loss and whilst I recognise the wisdom and sense in all of them I still can't help feeling
SO SAD for Andy who looked so sad and gave such a sad performance. That then makes me sad too!
To lose after a battle where he gave his all is one thing but to lose where he played so
poorly is another.
That he is burnt out is not surprising but worrying for him and I hope Davis cup perks him up - (send him lots of love and Best wishes those of you going out to see it!!).
Also think the back may be an issue - all of the papers think something is up as his
second serve was so poor and he was wearing a vest when it wasn't cold.
Again lots of healing thoughts to Andy.
It's a quandary, isn't it. Playing Davis Cup would no doubt be very good for his morale, but if his back really is bad again it wouldn't be good to play three five set matches on clay. Hopefully he will make the right decision.
david1610
07-09-2013, 18:26
It's a quandary, isn't it. Playing Davis Cup would no doubt be very good for his morale, but if his back really is bad again it wouldn't be good to play three five set matches on clay. Hopefully he will make the right decision.
Why not choose a doubles specialist pairing and, even in the event of injury, one of them could be the singles reserve. Then Andy would at least not have to play three matches.
Why not also have Andy playing in the fifth tie, and if it is a dead rubber, substitute him.
In that way he plays either once or twice if he is not 100% Let's face it, the three points could really then come one from Andy one from Dan and one from doubles!
Unfortunately we do not have a Granollers - top doubles and near top singles (although strangely, Corretja has not picked him this time).
LC the fan
08-09-2013, 11:59
I think the Davis cup may give Andy a chance to re-focus. He desperately wanted an Olympic medal...he got the top prize
He wanted a slam so badly....and got the one he always felt was his best chance
The country wanted a Wimbledon champ and he felt obliged......he fulfilled that destiny.
In all honesty I think he needs a while to get his head in a clear focus--meanwhile a DC win would be another stepping stone
Henfan has a wonderful knack of expressing what many of us feel in a way most of us aren't able to do! Whilst babysitting my grandchildren at the weekend I was also thinking that we should not expect Andy to be, or evolve in a similar way to the other top guys. He's a complex character and that's what's so fascinating about him. He will always probably have more ups and downs than many other players, and those of us (many of his fans here I know) who have followed his progress from a callow junior through to Wimbledon Champ, are very aware of the extreme highs and relative lows experienced throughout his career so far.
This is who he is and we love him for his individuality and, at times, unpredictability. Andy is what he is and personally I am not too upset that he went out in the quarters, as I fully expected a degree of burnout after Wimbledon and I don't doubt some of the physical problems are part and parcel of this.
We know he'll be back in his own time, firing on all cylinders. Re Davis Cup? Let's wait and see.
Thanks for the kind words, everyone - at the end of the day I'm one of the most passionate Murray supporters you'll ever meet and I guess that passion for his playing must come out in my posts! :)
I'm sure Andy will make a good decision regarding his back and the Davis Cup, he's already had a great year and the perfect icing on the cake for that would be to win the World Tour Finals - three London tournaments, three London wins, it works for me! ;)
Take care... :)
Thanks for the kind words, everyone - at the end of the day I'm one of the most passionate Murray supporters you'll ever meet and I guess that passion for his playing must come out in my posts! :)
I'm sure Andy will make a good decision regarding his back and the Davis Cup, he's already had a great year and the perfect icing on the cake for that would be to win the World Tour Finals - three London tournaments, three London wins, it works for me! ;)
Take care... :)
I like your thinking!
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