ATP TOUR FINALS 2016, RR2 Mac: Andy chews up Cilic 6'3, 6'2

[Sallydaisy]

Andy v Marin Cilic

The new World #1 has his work cut out to get through the RR stages at the O2 let alone play a SF or Final.

Up first is Marin Cilic who performed very well in Paris to secure his place here in the Tour final.

H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/andy-murray-vs-marin-cilic/MC10/C977)is 11-3 in Andy's favour but he'll have to go some to beat Cilic on current form.

[roytennisfan]

An ideal chance for revenge for that final defeat, Andy will be in much better shape which should offset the slower court

[rouges]

Didn't Isner destroyed Cilic and Andy beat Isner yesterday despite raining down Aces after Aces. Just saying.

[pabbers]

:cauldron: Just feel the need:shamed:
Feel a cauldron might have been appropriate (helpful? :big grin:) after someone posted they hoped Andy would get Raonic, Monfils and Thiem!

[Alis]

Andy v Marin Cilic

The new World #1 has his work cut out to get through the RR stages at the O2 let alone play a SF or Final.

Up first is Marin Cilic who performed very well in Paris to secure his place here in the Tour final.

H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/andy-murray-vs-marin-cilic/MC10/C977)is 11-3 in Andy's favour but he'll have to go some to beat Cilic on current form.

Cilic will be equally hard pressed to beat Andy on his current form!

[Teresa]

If Cillic truly wants the DC - given its almost certain he will face Del Potro - he needs to "do an Andy" this year, and make sure he gets out pronto.

[david1610]

That is about as tough a start as could be. Good luck Andy!

[Rosalind]

I also feel Andy has a very tough draw and start. But the fact that the DC is around the corner for Cilic and that Andy is WNO, makes it a tougher start for Cilic I feel. :cauldron: Can't make Monday live, but I will be there on Wed to cheer on from front row! :yahoo:

[Stell]

I think Andy lost to Cilic, last time, because Andy was feeling tired due to winning a certain medal and then going straight to Cincinnati. I'm going for an Andy win, but won't be surprised if Cilic wins a set.

[harriet]

Didn't Isner destroyed Cilic and Andy beat Isner yesterday despite raining down Aces after Aces. Just saying.
too right, Cilic beat Nole, Isner beat Cilic, Andy beat Isner, that's how you get to be No1

[-J-]

I also feel Andy has a very tough draw and start. But the fact that the DC is around the corner for Cilic and that Andy is WNO, makes it a tougher start for Cilic I feel. :cauldron: Can't make Monday live, but I will be there on Wed to cheer on from front row! :yahoo:sorry no, andy worked really hard for the title world number one least you could do is take the time to spell it out ;)

[lynne]

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

[roytennisfan]

Looking forward to it, already seen Andy beat Cilic at Queen's, hopefully he can win in 2 this time. Will.be cheering as loud as ever, poor jackie55 having to put up with my cheering and flag waving

[HenFan]

I shall be there tonight, I'll be the one shouting very loudly!!! :yahoo: Can't wait to hear Andy introduced as "World Number One"!! :) :) :)

Take care... :)

[roytennisfan]

Well the Swiss have all poured in and plenty of Japanese flags as well, by far the best support. ...so far.. ..until tonight!
Bring on the number one!

[jackie55]

Looking forward to it, already seen Andy beat Cilic at Queen's, hopefully he can win in 2 this time. Will.be cheering as loud as ever, poor jackie55 having to put up with my cheering and flag waving

I am looking forward to cheering along with you Roy !!! I may have to go even longer and louder than you because l will be shouting for a lot of AMFF members as well:dance::excited::excited:

[themass15]

Yes cheer for me guys. Hoping to see Andy play Wednesday afternoon! Wasn't at the Cilic match at Queens but saw all the other matches that Andy played.

[Jane]

Wishing Andy all the very best of luck :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

[david1610]

Wonder if the court will help Andy or Cilic more? C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

The commies were saying they thought it would help Cilic but I'm not so sure, Andy likes a faster court and, hopefully, the ball won't bounce as high as Cilic like it.

[themass15]

Good luck for tonight Andy; we're all behind you!

[Bardot]

Is Andy deliberately mispronouncing Cilic's name to needle him? ;) It's Chil-itch not Sil-itch.

[Teresa]

Getting nervous about this one for some reason. It annoys me when the commies over egg Wawrinka. Yes he has the same number of GS's as Mr M, but apart from that there is no comparison. 14 Masters1000 v 1 for a start.

[Alis]

A lot of the players and some of the commentators call him Sil-itch. You would think the players would know - I wonder what he calls himself.

[Alis]

Getting nervous about this one for some reason. It annoys me when the commies over egg Wawrinka. Yes he has the same number of GS's as Mr M, but apart from that there is no comparison. 14 Masters1000 v 1 for a start.

I agree - it really annoys me too. Stan is so erratic - he can play brilliantly but, equally, he can be pretty ordinary. Let's hope the ordinary Stan plays Andy this week!

[Bardot]

A lot of the players and some of the commentators call him Sil-itch. You would think the players would know - I wonder what he calls himself.

There's a feature on the ATP Website where players say their name. Click on the loudspeaker symbol on the left hand side under his name (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/marin-cilic/c977/overview). For some reason the Djokovic one doesn't work.

[themass15]

A lot of the players and some of the commentators call him Sil-itch. You would think the players would know - I wonder what he calls himself.

Chilic is the Italian pronounciation. Andy could be right.

[Sallydaisy]

Is Andy deliberately mispronouncing Cilic's name to needle him? ;) It's Chil-itch not Sil-itch.

Čilić is how it is really spelt.
Wikipedia gives this ... ˌmâriːn ˈt͡ʃ ǐːli t͡ɕ
According to a Wiki extension that means the first bit is pronounced 'ch' and the last bit 'ts'
So ... Ch ili ts



t͡s (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voiceless_dental_sibilant_affricate)
šorc
шорц
shorts


t͡ʃ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voiceless_palato-alveolar_affricate)[1] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_Serbo-Croatian#cite_note-affricates-1)
čekić
чекић
church



BUT I have seen on a Croatian website that it should be
TSIL - ICH ... a bit like Ts-onga?

[Mandiemoo]

There's a feature on the ATP Website where players say their name. Click on the loudspeaker symbol on the left hand side under his name (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/marin-cilic/c977/overview). For some reason the Djokovic one doesn't work.

That's really interesting! I had a few naughty thoughts why Djkovic's doesn't work......... perhaps it was snowing at the ATP when they tried to record it?

And Andy definitely had his telephone voice on (thats what we say round here for posh) to do his!

[RosieBear]

Is Andy deliberately mispronouncing Cilic's name to needle him? ;) It's Chil-itch not Sil-itch.


A lot of the players and some of the commentators call him Sil-itch. You would think the players would know - I wonder what he calls himself.


Chilic is the Italian pronounciation. Andy could be right.

Bardot is right (as per ;)). Chil-itch is the correct pronunciation. Andy's 'Sil-itch' is like nails down a blackboard to my ears, nearly as bad as Johnny Mac's 'Joe-kovic'. Argh.

[Sallydaisy]

There's a feature on the ATP Website where players say their name. Click on the loudspeaker symbol on the left hand side under his name (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/marin-cilic/c977/overview). For some reason the Djokovic one doesn't work.


Bardot is right (as per ;)). Chil-itch is the correct pronunciation. Andy's 'Sil-itch' is like nails down a blackboard to my ears, nearly as bad as Johnny Mac's 'Joe-kovic'. Argh.

Yep. I just took a listen to that ATP feature and I reckon Marin knows how to say his own surname ...
;)

Mr Chil-itch

[JerryD]

In my seat excited for the match. I guessed the kei one right so hopefully I'm right again :) good luck Murray!

[banskogirl]

Hope you have a great time! Go Andy!

[Teresa]

Watching him warm up in the corridor (?), he looks like a hyperactive small boy.

[lovetennis]

Jerry, Roy, Jackie and any other AMFF folk there, shout very very loud for us all :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Mandiemoo]

In my seat excited for the match. I guessed the kei one right so hopefully I'm right again :) good luck Murray!

In my seat too, parked in front of the laptop. Not missing him walking out, I shall be holding back the tears I'm sure!

Cmon Muzz!

[david1610]

Did not know Jonas was in Cilic's camp! (Excuse ignorance)

[Bardot]

I wonder if Bjorkman coaching his opponent will provide extra motivation for Andy as Dani does. ;)

[JerryD]

Jerry, Roy, Jackie and any other AMFF folk there, shout very very loud for us all :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Saw Roy earlier, he'll be screaming in the front. KevD isn't here but yellowlivi and I will shout and wave our flags enough for everyone! Can't wait for the world number 1 xx

[banskogirl]

I have it on Radio 5 live in my ear! Quite annoyed that BBC aren't showing it right not! .........here we go!

[lovetennis]

Little lump in my throat then :crying:

[banskogirl]

:party::big grin::hug: everyone!!!!

:yahoo:

lump? I'm a bit of a mess!

[Mandiemoo]

Little lump in my throat then :crying:

Mine about the size of a oversized tennis ball like the mascots were carrying!

Cmon Muzz!

[Bardot]

The #1 wins the toss and elects to serve.

[Jan]

Goosebumps when they announced Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Here we go! Come on Andy!

[Alis]

What pressure though after that introduction. C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

Did Cilic get dressed in the dark??

Cmon Muzz!

(tshirt looks a size small as well??)

[david1610]

Blow the nerves away please. C'mon Andy!

[Bardot]

Saves 2BPs, excellent hold. 1-0

[Alis]

Phew!

[Teresa]

Good lad. Now a break please.

[david1610]

Phew! Yes early break while they are settling in!!!! C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

Nice to see Ivan's courtside expression remains the same since September.

Cmon Muzz!

[Mandiemoo]

Dodgy challenger Andy arrives....

Cmon Muzz!

[Alis]

Bp - c'mon Andy!

[Bardot]

Excellent start. 2-0

[Alis]

Fantastic!!!!! Keep it going, Andy.

[banskogirl]

Come on Andy! Break!

[lovetennis]

Yesss go on Andy

[exislander]

Yesssss!

[david1610]

Consolidate. C'mon Andy!

[Alis]

I'm a bag of nerves here - c'mon Andy!!!

[themass15]

Come on Andy don't lose the lead!!!!!!!

[Alis]

Rats!

[Alis]

Bp again - c'mon!!!!

[Bardot]

Nervy from Andy. 2-1

[Alis]

Drat and double drat!!!!!!! Just break again Andy.

[Teresa]

Just said a very rude word.......

[david1610]

Going for too much there. Come on Andy!

[Bardot]

Andy not happy with the squeek of Cilic's shoes it would seem. Now Cilic is complaining to the umpire about Andy abandoning his ball toss after long points.

[Mandiemoo]

This umpire, is it the one Andy had the run in with about Djokovic hitting the ball on Andys side of the net?

Cmon Muzz!

[Stell]

It was supposed to have been 3 - 0, not 2 - 1.

[Alis]

Nervy from both players so far.

[lovetennis]

Bit of needle here guys. C'mon Andy settle it down

[Mandiemoo]

Just said a very rude word.......

You or Andy?? I've said several...

Cmon Muzz!

[supergran]

Come on Andy. Break again.

[banskogirl]

Awk my laptop and Radio not working together. The joys of so called fibre optic in Northern Ireland......

[Alis]

You or Andy?? I've said several...

Cmon Muzz!

...... and me.

[Alis]

Awk my laptop and Radio not working together. The joys of so called fibre optic in Northern Ireland......

Fibre optic - what's that? Another bp - c'monnnnnnn!!

[Bardot]

2 ugly FHs from Cilic. 3-1

[supergran]

Let's go Andy!!!!!!

[Alis]

Well done, Andy - now consolidate pleeeeease!

[david1610]

One DF in each game so far. Trying too hard? Flash?

[Alis]

15-30 c'monnnn!

[Mandiemoo]

Hmm, I think a touch of nerves here. Deep breath Andy

Cmon Muzz!

[Alis]

2 dfs in one game - oh dear!

[Mandiemoo]

One DF in each game so far. Trying too hard? Flash?

Don't get Kim started with 'Flash'........

Cmon Muzz!

[Alis]

Ace - well done. Another few of those would go down well.

[supergran]

Is Andy nervous? Serves not on form yet. Nice ace and ad now.

[Bardot]

Saves another BP. 4-1

[Teresa]

Good man.

[Alis]

Phew! This is hard work - for me as well as Andy!

[supergran]

4-1 Let's do this Andy!

[david1610]

Good lad! Very important game to win that methinks!

[Stell]

A much better looking score.

[Alis]

Is Andy nervous? Serves not on form yet. Nice ace and ad now.

Definitely I would say. Who wouldn't be - playing on your own turf and after that build up?

[Bardot]

Could have been 5-1 by now.....could also have been 2-3. ;)

[lovetennis]

Think I need a lie down, but 4-1 feels a lot better. Andy needs to cut out the DFs

[Mandiemoo]

Who could blame him for having a few nerves. What an intro, what a reception! he looked full of nervous energy in the corridor beforehand. Taking a while between points too which is not like him. Hopefully he can settle in.

Cmon Muzz!

[Alis]

The saving grace is that Cilic is nervous too.

[Mandiemoo]

Think I need a lie down, but 4-1 feels a lot better. Andy needs to cut out the DFs

I need a stiff drink. But it's a 'school night' so make do with tea

Cmon Muzz!

[Bardot]

ACE from Cilic for his first hold. 4-2

[Alis]

First hold of serve from Cilic. Safe hold now Andy.

[lovetennis]

I need a stiff drink. But it's a 'school night' so make do with tea

Cmon Muzz!

I've resorted to the Christmas Quality Street to calm the nerves

[Alis]

Definitely not finding his length yet.

[Mandiemoo]

Celeb watch
Tom Daley in da house

Cmon Muzz!

[Alis]

Andy was lucky to get away with that one.

[Mandiemoo]

I've resorted to the Christmas Quality Street to calm the nerves

I downed a whole bar of Galaxy while waiting for the players to walk out..... regretting it now, a sugar rush does not help the nerves one bit!

Cmon Muzz!

[JennieF]

Strange match so far, no rhythm. Frustrating.

[Alis]

Rats - what are you doing Andy? So many unforced errors.

[Bardot]

Tough hold. 5-2

[Alis]

Phew again - this is nerve jangling!! I think even the crowd are nervous.

[JennieF]

So relieved when I hear "Let's Go". Thank you Andy.

[Bardot]

A match of FH errors so far and I'm surprised Andy hasn't received a time warning yet.

[Alis]

C'mon Andy - break now and start serving in the second set. You can do it!

[david1610]

To be honest, Andy is playing a little better than Cilic, but I am so grateful Cilic is not on fire! C'mon Andy!

[supergran]

Andy 5-2 after really strange performance. Come on Champ!

[Mandiemoo]

So nice to look at the on court clock & it is the correct time!! Makes you realise just how these players criss cross the planet to play the game of Tennis.

Cmon Muzz!

[lovetennis]

Not sure it feels like 5-2 but I'll take it

[Bardot]

Love hold from Cilic. 5-3

[WimbledonWestie]

Must've been a bit weird being announced as no 1. It's as if he's trying too hard to play like one and over pressing. Hoping he gets this set and it settles him.

[Alis]

Well that was definitely the best service game of the match. Now hold, Andy, just hold!

[Mandiemoo]

Cilic has put down a marker there. |Hold here or it will get a bit choppy.

Cmon Muzz!

[Alis]

3 sps - c'mon!!!

[Jane]

First set to Andy - well done :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Alis]

Phew! I don't think I've ever been more pleased for Andy to win a first set.

[Bardot]

Holds to love for the set. 6-3

[Teresa]

That's what we want. One more set please.

[JennieF]

Whoopee!!

[Bardot]

Best thing about that set was the score. ;)

[exislander]

Well done!

[WimbledonWestie]

I have it sussed. Cilic's shorts are dazzling him hence the errors.

[david1610]

Well happy as an Andy fan, not sure the crowd is getting much of a match though!

[Mandiemoo]

Celeb watch
John Bercow enthusiastically clapping there

Cmon Muzz!

[Jan]

:phew:
how tense was that!!

[supergran]

Phew. First set in the bag. Hope Andy can settle down now and make this easier for him. Both players seem so tense.

[lovetennis]

:dance: phew let's hope that settles the nerves. I see Mr Speaker is there supporting Andy. He's a bit of an Andy fan-boy I think. Cilic's shoes are very irritating, I've heard nails on a blackboard make less excruciating noises

Right Andy, finish it in two

[Mandiemoo]

Hope that will unshackle Andy a bit.

Cmon Muzz!

[Teresa]

Phew! I don't think I've ever been more pleased for Andy to win a first set.

This feels so important somehow - which I know it is in terms of retaining the No 1 slot, but he has got it now. Nobody can ever take away the fact he has had it.

[roytennisfan]

Andy got there, bps on his first three serves but he saved most and broke twice. Please win in 2 Andy

[Bardot]

Cilic holds to 15. 0-1

[lovetennis]

Andy got there, bps on his first three servessels but he saved most and broke twice. Please win in 2 Andy

Is the noise from Cilic's shoes as excruciating in the arena as they sound on telly Roy? It's setting my teeth on edge

[Alis]

Another bp - c'monnnnnnn!!!!!

[Alis]

Ace - well done!

[lovetennis]

I think Andy doesn't have time for Marin.

[Alis]

I think Andy doesn't have time for Marin.

Definitely no love lost between them.

[Bardot]

Tough hold and some needle between the two. 1-1

[Alis]

Phew again!

[david1610]

Phew! C'mon Andy!

[Teresa]

Good, well behaved net......

[Mandiemoo]

I think Andy doesn't have time for Marin.

I havent googled it but I *think* Andy made some comments about Marins suspension, typically no-nonsense ones.

Cmon Muzz!

[JerryD]

Sitting in the arena between Andy and Marin's shoes it certainly sounds like someone let sooty and sweep in. Sadly as much as I love our champ, Andy's are louder and make a higher pitched squeak.

[david1610]

Cilic's shoes are very irritating,
Weren't another opponent's shoes the same in Paris. Is it is a tactic?
Don't let him get rhythm or confidence.

[Alis]

Better from Andy - c'monnnn!

[Mandiemoo]

Sitting in the arena between Andy and Marin's shoes it certainly sounds like someone let sooty and sweep in. Sadly as much as I love our champ, Andy's are louder and make a higher pitched squeak.

All the squeaking seems higher pitched & louder than normal, I have removed my hearing aids as I am listening on headphones & it was making them go loopy!

Cmon Muzz!

[Bardot]

Cilic fist pumping in Andy's face! 1-2

[Mandiemoo]

Weren't another opponent's shoes the same in Paris. Is it is a tactic?
Don't let him get rhythm or confidence.

Maybe Jonas 'squeaked' them up special...joke!

Cmon Muzz!

[Alis]

Cilic fist pumping in Andy's face! 1-2

Well, that won't do him any favours.

[Alis]

Just keep holding Andy - you'll get your chances.

[themass15]

This is soooo nerve-wracking and I cannot stand Cilic.

[Bardot]

Big serving both 1st & 2nd, love hold. 2-2

[lovetennis]

Andy playing better now.Great FH

[Alis]

Andy playing better now.Great FH

Long may it continue!

[Bardot]

Huge FH and there's the break. 3-2

[Alis]

Yay!!!!!

[lovetennis]

Yessssssss go Andy

[Mandiemoo]

I think perhaps the world number one has turned up -not jinxing-

Cmon Muzz!

[Bardot]

David Law on 5Live "When Lendl's around Andy goes for the FH more".....

[supergran]

Yay!! Come on Andy!

[Alis]

Really? Where has David Law been during the last four tournaments?

[Mandiemoo]

Really? Where has David Law been during the last four tournaments?

Waiting for Lendl to turn up so he could use that line?

[Alis]

15-30 - c'mon Andy, don't give him a sniff!

[Bardot]

Huge hold. 4-2

[Alis]

Well held, Andy - now a nice little insurance break would settle my nerves nicely!

[Bardot]

Djokosmash! 15-30

[Alis]

bps - c'monnnnn!

[Bardot]

Brilliant FH winner. 5-2

[Alis]

That wil do very nicely - thank you, Andy. Now just serve it out.

[Teresa]

Well held, Andy - now a nice little insurance break would settle my nerves nicely!


Ask and you shall receive.....

[JennieF]

Never been a fan of Cilic - or his game. His style is very boring to watch. Nothing attractive about him.
But oh yes Andy! Not far to go now. So pleased he's paying C back for his Cincinnati win! :swingin:

[supergran]

On his way. Come ONNNN!!

[lovetennis]

Goooo Andy, finish it now.Playing far better in this set

[Mandiemoo]

Crofty to Tom Daley 'not a lot in common with Swimming & Tennis..' Err, He's a DIVER!!

Cmon Muzz!

[lovetennis]

Crofty to Tom Daley 'not a lot in common with Swimming & Tennis..' Err, He's a DIVER!!

Cmon Muzz!

:facepalm::facepalm:

[Alis]

Crofty to Tom Daley 'not a lot in common with Swimming & Tennis..' Err, He's a DIVER!!

Cmon Muzz!

Does she know the difference I wonder?

[Alis]

3 mps.

[Mandiemoo]

Does she know the difference I wonder?

Well... it's water, innit?

[Jane]

Andy wins - great stuff - well done :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[JennieF]

:dance: :dance: :dance: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
!!!!!Perfect Andy!!!!!

[Bardot]

Brilliant second set from Andy! :boogie::boogie::boogie:

Cool exchange at the net. :big grin:

[Alis]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::dance::dance::dance::yahoo:: yahoo::yahoo: Winning ugly - Brad Gilbert would be impressed! The sign of a great player - winning when you're not playing your best. I thought he was playing better towards the end though.

[exislander]

Great finish!

[RosieBear]

Well the world number 1 seems to be struggling through his 'uber tough' group well enough :rolling: :bravo: Andy

[Jan]

Not vintage Murray, but a few glimpses of brilliance!
Well done Andy
:clap::clap:

[Bardot]

Andy also dropped the same number of games as Nishikori which could be important later.

[Teresa]

Top man. Bjorkman's little insights have so far proven as effective as Dani V's.

[lovetennis]

Nervy start but great finish. More than happy with that :dance::dance::dance::dance:

[Bardot]

Best loser interview so far from Marin. ;)

[lynne]

A win is a win.......getttinnnnn Andy!!!!!:thumbup::thumbup:

[david1610]

Same number of sets and games as Ken. POints I do not know. That could be important!

[JennieF]

Quite a gracious comment from Marin.
Andy only has to start talking and the crowd are cheering!! :cheer:

[Teresa]

Cilic deserved to lose for inflicting those shorts on a paying audience.........

[themass15]

Wonderful by Andy, so good in the end.

[JAMES4578]

First set was a bit patchy but Andy was still better than Cilic,seen more impressive shot making in the 2nd and suppose don't necessarily need perfection in opening match-though with the format all games count. Anyway it was a comprehensive win but is very satisfying, well done!

[lovetennis]

"Andy, you're my hero" shouts someone in the crowd. So say all of us :thumbup:

[Alis]

Same number of sets and games as Ken. POints I do not know. That could be important!

If they are tied at the top of the group, does it depend on who won the round robin match between the tied players?

[Teresa]

Same number of sets and games as Ken. POints I do not know. That could be important!


Both had the same number of points (60), but Nishikori had 59% to Mr M's 58%.

[Mandiemoo]

Not classic nor vintage nor magical but Winning.

Cmon Muzz!

[Stell]

A standing ovation, at the beginning, and another at the end.

[Bardot]

Andy will play Nishikori on Wednesday afternoon, good for the BBC. :thumbup:

[Alis]

A standing ovation, at the beginning, and another at the end.

Quite right - so there should be. A British number one - who'd have thought it!

[themass15]

Andy will play Nishikori on Wednesday afternoon, good for the BBC. :thumbup:

And brilliant for me and Jackie!!!!!!

[Bardot]

:big grin:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CxQSj33XUAALdFc.jpg

[WimbledonWestie]

Top man. Bjorkman's little insights have so far proven as effective as Dani V's.

It's actually all a cunning plan of Andys to send apparently ex coaches out around the tour to bring down the opposition

[Teresa]

If they are tied at the top of the group, does it depend on who won between those two players?

That depends on the H2H between them, which given Murray has a winning H2H against the other 3, gives him the advantage. Let that match be a lesson to Nishikori - beating a knackered Murray is possible, a less knackered one is a whole new ball game.

[Jan]

Andy straight into anaylsis with Petch!
Says the court played slower than in practice - possibly due to the heat and humidity from crowd.

[Bardot]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CxQSTddUcAAesJp.jpg

[Mandiemoo]

This strange Sky Pad thing, its almost like getting Andy to divulge his tactics - cant see it happening in other sports.

Crofty talks about the love for Andy. Nice to see. I've had it for 11 1/2 years, always number one to me.

Cmon Muzz!

[patlowe]

Aw that was all so lovely! Great to watch Andy "grow" into the match. Some sparkling tennis in the 2nd set. Caught a glimpse of Roy! Well done all of you at the o2....you gave Andy a great reception! Great start! :bravo:

[themass15]

This strange Sky Pad thing, its almost like getting Andy to divulge his tactics - cant see it happening in other sports.

Crofty talks about the love for Andy. Nice to see. I've had it for 11 1/2 years, always number one to me.

Cmon Muzz!

And me. Been a staunch supporter since Queens 2005.

[Mandiemoo]

And me. Been a staunch supporter since Queens 2005.

Snap! Thats when I first saw him play on the BBC. Wish I'd stuck some cash on it!

Cmon Muzz!

[patmoren]

I first noticed him when he was 12years old, playing Novak in the juniors! Great match today. I thought he was very tense in 1st set but once that was done he relaxed and was swinging more freely. One down 2 to go. It looks as though Kei is going to be the tough one in the RR

[karanga]

Well done Andy!!!:cheer:

[themass15]

Snap! Thats when I first saw him play on the BBC. Wish I'd stuck some cash on it!

Cmon Muzz!

I was at Queens in 2005 when he played Thomas Johansson but I had seen him and his brother play an exhibition tournament just pre Wimbledon in 2000 when Andy & Jamie were 13/14 respectively.

[WimbledonWestie]

Jamie won a big junior event age 12 that was reported in Scottish press whilst saying at same time his wee brother was expected to be better. Been following them both ever since. It was very exciting to see Andy hit the world stage when he won US open juniors then made his ATP debut at Queens.

[roytennisfan]

Well done Andy, a lot of second serves but you won well in the end. Celebrating your win in all bar one, good to see Pabbers guerkins2 JerryD yellowlivi and others today, as well as jimmyg that is.

Edit: meant to thank jackie55 for her company and flag waving assistance

[Bardot]

A proud boast from Andy in his press conference. :thumbup:


"I've never lost to one of my ex coaches, I don't think it makes much difference now, they all know how I play"

[jackie55]

Well done Andy, a lot of second serves but you won well in the end. Celebrating your win in all bar one, good to see Pabbers guerkins2 JerryD yellowlivi and others today, as well as jimmyg that is.

Edit: meant to thank jackie55 for her company and flag waving assistance

Roy, thanks once again for the ticket and your very entertaining company, it was a pleasure to assist with the flag waving even if it did annoy the people behind us;);)

[tennis890]

Well, what can I say! What an amazing evening and an amazing atmosphere.

This was only the second time I have seen him play live, so it was exciting anyway, but feel so proud to have been there to see him come out as world number one.

My heart was beating so fast when he was about to come out, and what a reception we gave him :dance:

I recorded his entrance (well the announcement and the first few seconds while he got to the edge of the court) soon put my camera down and started cheering and shouting.

Was a bit of a tense first set but our new world number one soon settled in.

Back in the hotel now and have already watched the video back several times...gives me goosebumps knowing I was actually there to hear the announcemt 'world number one'

Really should calm down and get some sleep now even though I still feel like this......

:yahoo::dance::yahoo::dance:

[Guerkins2]

And brilliant for me and Jackie!!!!!!
Thought of you two straight away :thumbup:

[anor]

Delighted to hear of Andy's win last night which I had had to miss. Having read through the thread, the tension amongst all of you was palpable, particularly in the 1st set and I too was very anxious all evening with no access even to live score. I've just watched the highlights on Youtube and there was some great shot making from both of them but of course it didn't convey the tension. However I did notice the rather curt handshake at the net. Can't wait for tomorrow's match up with Kai.

[pabbers]

On train home after fantastic day of tennis. Went with 2 non forum friends. One of them said "have you seen that man at the front? He's going mad waving his flag and jumping up and down between every point!".

So I looked and guess what......it was Roy! So I popped down for a quick word at the change of ends. Great to see you and Jackie, Roy.

As for Cilic's shorts, my other friend said they looked like swimming shorts! Oh and both their shoes were definitely squeaking.

Andy played ok and Cilic was poor in a nutshell. Andy spent a lot of negative energy grumbling to himself. It was quite funny because he was looking at his team as he chuntered but they were looking anywhere but at him.
:lol:
He also complained about the noise from the boxes at one point. It really was pretty disgraceful. The usual crowd out for a jolly rather than the tennis. The commentary box was up behind us and we could see Goffin, Rusedski, Annabel Croft, Marcus Buckland and.......groan.......Barry Cowan.

The afternoon tennis was a bit tame but both the evening matches were gripping.
As a Barclays customer I got a wrist band which flashed and also entitled me to a free coffeek, a chance to win semis tix (no luck there) and be photographed with the trophy as some of you have seen from my Facebook page.
What a great day.

[Caro]

Glad you had such a good day pabbers. I really need to get myself a barclaycard ;)

Andy was so nervous but looked much better in the second set and the announcement frankly had me sobbing! Can't wait to get there on Saturday and I want to see you play Andy so you know what you have to do!

I thought Marin was very gracious in his 'loser's' interview. I am most definitely in the minority on here but I don't mind him at all, and have in fact heard him described as "one of the nicest guys on tour". He is also helping with the BBC Children in Need tennis package that was auctioned on the radio 2 breakfast show.

[pabbers]

Caro the 2 friends I was with fibbed about being Barclays customers and when asked for proof said they hadn't brought their cards. They were given the wristbands. I on the other hand wasn't asked for proof by the guy who gave me my wristband. So.......

[themass15]

Glad you had such a good day pabbers. I really need to get myself a barclaycard ;)

Andy was so nervous but looked much better in the second set and the announcement frankly had me sobbing! Can't wait to get there on Saturday and I want to see you play Andy so you know what you have to do!

I thought Marin was very gracious in his 'loser's' interview. I am most definitely in the minority on here but I don't mind him at all, and have in fact heard him described as "one of the nicest guys on tour". He is also helping with the BBC Children in Need tennis package that was auctioned on the radio 2 breakfast show.

Won't apply next year. It is the last year Barclays is the sponsor.

[Teresa]

Won't apply next year. It is the last year Barclays is the sponsor.

Lots of companies seem to be pulling out of tennis sponsorship at the moment. Anyone know why? Is it just the economic downturn?

[JerryD]

Caro the 2 friends I was with fibbed about being Barclays customers and when asked for proof said they hadn't brought their cards. They were given the wristbands. I on the other hand wasn't asked for proof by the guy who gave me my wristband. So.......

When KevD and I showed our proof on Sunday they gave one to yellowlivi without asking. Then took her one from the day before as proof of entitlement on Monday and Tuesday. Then today when they gave me mine, they asked if my friend would like one too. The free drinks have been good at keeping the foodbill down in the 02 and the free coffee is good. No wins for semis tickets yet though lol. I think the final tickets they give away for flashing wristbands inside the arena or only for people sat in the level 4 seats