Barcelona 2017, SF: Dom calls Thime on Andy, 6-2 3-6 6-4

[Sallydaisy]

Bit of a pesky opponent ahead for Andy!
:nailbiter:

Andy leads the H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/andy-murray-vs-dominic-thiem/MC10/TB69) by 2-0 so that ought to be reassuring but DownTime is a canny young player who goes for his shots and has improved rather a lot since Andy last beat him in 2015 (and 2013).

First up on Saturday on Pista Rafa Nadal ... 12.30pm UK time.
Sort out your brunch and hold onto your stomach contents.
:coaster:

[LC the fan]

Good luck Andy....keep the roll going.....you are looking more like yourself as matches go on

[themass15]

Best of luck Andy; no doubt another roller coaster in prospect.

[lynne]

The Very, Very best of Luck Andy!!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[Pam]

All the best Andy! I'll be watching :boogie:

[Jane]

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

[JennieF]

:boogie:You are able to shake this youngster up Andy! Go out there and beat him! :thumbup:

[scrapaddict]

keep the improvement going - best of luck Andy

[RosieBear]

Come on Andy, up your game from yesterday and see off this Baby Stanimal. You can do it :cheer:

[Bardot]

Thiem won the toss and elected to receive.

[mickeypops]

Way -Hay! It's Andy time!

[mickeypops]

Let's hope Andy has brought his first serve with him today!

[Bardot]

First time I've noticed Andy flex his elbow since Indian Wells. 0-1

[mickeypops]

Awful start I'm afraid... broken easily.

[Josephine]

Terrible start from Andy. And Thiem will not crumble like others have.

[Pam]

Rats!!

[Jane]

Andy seems to be having trouble with his arm

[Teresa]

Not a good start, and have to go out in an hour. Not too worried about this one. He will have got 3 good matched regardless of today's outcome, and I can't see him getting through Nadal at the moment, so it won't be the end of the world if he loses this one.

[RosieBear]

That last point was nothing from Andy. Why play if elbow not fully recovered?

[Bardot]

Thiem holds to love. 0-2

[Pam]

This is not going well!!

Come on Andy!!

[Jan]

Just home
Oo-er looks ominous, but early days.

[Bardot]

If only that was the first game. Holds to love. 1-2

[mickeypops]

Much better, comfortable hold for 1-2.

[RosieBear]

Much better from Andy, this is him, not that slogging from back of the court :thumbup:

[lovetennis]

Warming up a bit now.Wonder if the elbow takes a game or two to loosen/warm up? We'll see....

[supergran]

Hope his elbow is ok. COME ON ANDY!

[Bardot]

What defence! 0-15

[RosieBear]

Warming up a bit now.Wonder if the elbow takes a game or too to loosen/warm up? We'll see....

I was wondering that, lt - at first couldn't understand why he would play if hampered, but maybe it's something he can play through and warm up. I don't know anything about elbow tears :confused:

[Bardot]

"Every match, 3 in a row" says Andy. 1-3

[Pam]

Andy clearly not happy! Muttering away to himself

Come on Andy settle down and remember that you are the number one in the world!

[Bardot]

Andy should wear a mic. 1-4

[mickeypops]

Another break I'm afraid.

[Teresa]

Double break. He is still not right.

[Pam]

This is awful!

[RosieBear]

So weird. Andy's shots are mix of sublime or just ridiculous. Come on Andy!

[lovetennis]

Yep something not right, can only think it's to do with the elbow, then he gets frustrated which leads to the chuntering, which affects his concentration

[JAMES4578]

Slow start again, is it going to be another Murraycoaster, come on! Still 2 bps here though!

[Teresa]

This is awful!


No it's not awful. This is a bloke getting back after a rough start to the year health wise. He is struggling at the moment for obvious reasons. After last year from Wimbledon onwards anything else is a bonus as far as I am concerned.

[Bardot]

DF and Andy gets 1 break back. 2-4

[supergran]

This is awful!
Didyou watch yesterday?:lol:He'll find a way.

[mickeypops]

And there's a break back, poor play from Austrian. Strange match so far!

[JennieF]

OK 1-4 down but Andy is looking like he wants this match. Give him chance to settle down, with weather conditions etc, and I think he'll be hard to beat.

[JennieF]

One break back! Hope that rattles Dom.

[LC the fan]

I do hope so. I just can't bear to see him playing so under his usual game. In fact I can hardly watch. Back to the old sofa

[Teresa]

Yesterday was the match he really needed to win, and he did.

[Bardot]

Some great points but not the last one. 2-5

[mickeypops]

And Theim breaks again. 2-5. Mmm.

[Pam]

Andy being completely outplayed Very difficult to watch

[themass15]

Unfortunately, this is going much as I expected. Cannot see Andy turning this one around.

[RosieBear]

Yesterday was the match he really needed to win, and he did.

Teresa, I hate to break it to you but if Andy wants to stay no 1, which he does, he needs to win a lot of matches not just yesterday. Fair enough, you might not be overly concerned about what happens after last year's Wimbledon, but *Andy* is. ;)

Come on Andy lad, you can do it!

[Jane]

Thiem gets the first set :crying:

[Bardot]

Wow, Andy concedes the SP! 2-6

Ooops! Game Point. 2-5 :doh:

Ooops again. Sky scoreboard wrong.

[Jan]

Great sportsmanship from Andy :thumbup:

[Stell]

Sir Andy gives Thiem the first set after a disputed call.

[mickeypops]

Poor set. Still Andy turned it around yesterday, maybe he can do so again today. Seems unlikely though, to be honest.

[JAMES4578]

Andy up against at the moment, certainly Thiem playing very well but disappointing display from Andy. Will be more difficult to come back this time but if can get going certainly not out of it, come on! Had hoped Andy would more in the groove after the tough win.

[Teresa]

Teresa, I hate to break it to you but if Andy wants to stay no 1, which he does, he needs to win a lot of matches not just yesterday. Fair enough, you might not be overly concerned about what happens after last year's Wimbledon, but *Andy* is. ;)

Come on Andy lad, you can do it!


He might well want to stay No 1, as we all want him to, but he is coming back after injury and it is taking its time. I personally would rather he stopped being No 1, than fought too hard and did himself permanent damage.

[RosieBear]

Poor Andy - if it's frustrating for us, imagine what it's like for him :sad: He fought so hard to be no 1. - everyone loses it eventually but Andy wants to go down with a bang not a whimper. C'mon Andy, dig deep, you can find your game and win this.

[JennieF]

Young Thiem is certainly a champ of the future but I'm really praying for an Andy/ Rafa final right now!!

[RosieBear]

He might well want to stay No 1, as we all want him to, but he is coming back after injury and it is taking its time. I personally would rather he stopped being No 1, than fought too hard and did himself permanent damage.



Can't imagine for a second that is a possibility though. Andy and his team are pros and the ones in possession of all medical info. If he's out there playing it's because they consider it safe.

And whoops, sorry Teresa, I accidentally edited your post rather than just reply to it, so please reinstate anything I deleted. Thanks :thumbup:

[Bardot]

Good hold. 1-0

[mickeypops]

Better start to the 2nd, holds to deuce for 1-0.

[JennieF]

:phew:

[Stell]

Though they've never played each other on clay, I hope Sir Andy will win in three sets like he has done in their two previous encounters.

[lovetennis]

Phewwwww, he needed that hold. Commies saying he has slowed down first serve

[Bardot]

Thiem holds to love. His topspin FH is virtually unplayable. 1-1

[LC the fan]

Young Thiem is certainly a champ of the future but I'm really praying for an Andy/ Rafa final right now!!

Must say that's what I wanted to see.......but perhaps it's better to wait until Andy gets back to his real game. Rafa is playing on top form and Andy seems to have left his in a drawer somewhere

[Bardot]

Another good hold. 2-1

[Bardot]

Petchey suggesting Thiem's constant big hitting can almost be a curse. :barmy:

[RosieBear]

Must say that's what I wanted to see.......but perhaps it's better to wait until Andy gets back to his real game. Rafa is playing on top form and Andy seems to have left his in a drawer somewhere

Agree Rafa may be a step too far, but definitely want Andy to make the final. Every ranking point matters! Folk need to remember that this is an extra tournament that Andy added to his schedule because he wanted match play and points. He knows what he is doing!

[JennieF]

Must say that's what I wanted to see.......but perhaps it's better to wait until Andy gets back to his real game. Rafa is playing on top form and Andy seems to have left his in a drawer somewhere
Looking forward to Andy's 'real' game on grass, but I must say I'm so impressed with the development of his game on clay - his least favourite surface. It's come on leaps and bounds. To stay No 1 he needs to be top on all surfaces. Quite a call, that!

[Alis]

Just come in to see that Andy lost the first set. Was it just a slow start, is he playing better in the second?

[Bardot]

Thiem holds to 15. 2-2

[Stell]

We've already lost one Brit on this British semi final day, hoping for not another one.

[RosieBear]

My money's on Andy to come through - he's a fighter - go Andy!!!! :mexican:

[Bardot]

Great hold & volley at 40-30. 3-2

[JennieF]

We've already lost one Brit on this British semi final day, hoping for not another one.
Who else?

[Bardot]

"I can see it in your face" & "you're watching, you know what I mean". Are these song lyrics Andy's quoting? :p

[Alis]

C'mon, Andy, a break now would be very opportune.

[Bardot]

Thiem holds to love. Has only dropped 1 point on serve in this set. 3-3

[Alis]

Okay, not that time - so now just hold, break, hold.

[Bardot]

Great hold saving BP. Big serving on the last 2 points. 4-3

[Jan]

Sadly I have a busy day and have to go again.
Come on Andy!

[mickeypops]

Andy holds for 4-3. Definitely better this set, but Thiem still looks the more likely to break I think.....

[Stell]

Sir Andy saves a break point as he makes it 4 - 3.

[JennieF]

Andy having to dig deep! Carry on digging deep and winning your points Andy!

[clancy]

Thiem has been my tip as a big star of the future for a long time but not when he's playing Andy. Not sure our boy will pull the rabbit out of the hat again today but never say never with Andy!

[RosieBear]

Andy's just been biding his time - he can do this!

[lovetennis]

BP, come onnnnn

[Bardot]

Well, well, takes it on the 2nd BP. 5-3

[Alis]

There's the break ...................... now, Andy - hold, just hold!

[lovetennis]

And another BP, come onnnnnnnn Andy

[Stell]

Sir Andy breaks to make it 5 - 3.

Now having to keep an eye on Alijaz's match as well.

[RosieBear]

Wahey - here we go! Serve it out Andy, you can do it!

[JAMES4578]

Fab for Andy to finally break, now let's take the set!

[lovetennis]

There's the break ...................... now, Andy - hold, just hold!

My tennis Tv stream is clearly behind!

[Alis]

Set point.

[Jane]

One set all :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Bardot]

Big serve for the set. 6-3

[mickeypops]

Well played Andy. I have to say that I wasn't expecting that, great stuff!

[scrapaddict]

Brilliant Andy - great to see him working out how to play different people. This one mst be his now (I hope!!)

[JennieF]

Woohoohoohoo!! :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Alis]

Wahey!!! :clap: C'mon now, Andy, show him what you're made of!

[RosieBear]

Get in! Good lad Andy, now think of all those lovely points waiting for you - fight, fight, fight - let's go! :cheer:

[JennieF]

If Andy can keep Thiem rattled he will win this!! Go Andy!!!

[lovetennis]

Andy never lets us (or himself) down, great fightback and the serve is looking better too. Maybe the elbow does take some warming up afterall.

Let's go Andy, Let's go :knight::GBflag:

[Bardot]

What a return! 1-0

[mickeypops]

Wow, Andy breaks straightaway. 1-0 in the final set.

[scrapaddict]

woeful game from Thiem but I'm not complaining!

[Alis]

Great control from Andy.

[Alis]

bp ...................... c'mon Andy!

[Bardot]

Some return from Thiem at 30-30 and then a poor dropper. 1-1

[david1610]

C'mon Andy!

[mickeypops]

Thiem plays a great game to break straight back. 1-1.

[Bardot]

"technical weaknesses rather than tactical" says Andy

[Bardot]

2 aces from Thiem. 1-2

[lovetennis]

Hmm Domi's got his mojo back. Come on Andy, keep the pressure on

[RosieBear]

He might not be at the peak of his powers, but I've seen enough good stuff from Andy today to feel confident he'll come through. Let's go Andy :cheer:

[Alis]

Wow!

[Bardot]

What play to save BP! Deuce

[Alis]

Another bp to Thiem - c'mon, Andy, get a first serve in!

[Alis]

What a difference a first serve makes.

[Bardot]

Some hold saving 2BPs. Crowd could be more appreciative. 2-2

[david1610]

Phew! C'mon Andy!

[mickeypops]

Tough hold, but Andy got there for 2-2. Some terrific tennis out there now.

[Alis]

Well held, Andy.

[Stell]

I think if they could win matches on grunts, then Thiem would probably win it.

[Alis]

You have to say Thiem is playing out of his skin. Playing Andy has obviously raised his game.

[Bardot]

Thiem holds to 15. 2-3

[mickeypops]

Easy hold for the Austrian. 3-2.

[Alis]

He might not be at the peak of his powers, but I've seen enough good stuff from Andy today to feel confident he'll come through. Let's go Andy :cheer:

I hope you're right, RB. Right now I think it could go either way with Thiem probably looking like the more likely winner.

[Bardot]

Useless stat. Thiem has played 3 matches in 3:32 and Andy 2 matches in 4:49.

[RosieBear]

I hope you're right, RB. Right now I think it could go either way with Thiem probably looking like the more likely winner.

Nope, Andy's going to dig his heels in ! Fought like a tiger on those bps, he wants this. C'mon :cheer:

[Bardot]

DF added to crushing FH & BHs from Thiem. 2-4

[Alis]

....................... and Andy throws in a double fault to hand the break to Thiem.

[mickeypops]

Andy DFs to hand DT the break, behind 4-2 now. The young Austrian is playing really great tennis.

[david1610]

Third three setter in three days... another big effort! C'mon Andy!

[RosieBear]

Uh -oh. Broken. C'mon Andy, fire back, young Stanimal is a beast but you can do it :cheer:

[Alis]

C'monnn - break back straight away, Andy.

[lovetennis]

Arghhhhhhh

[RosieBear]

Let's go, straight back at him Andy, have it!

[Alis]

15 - 40 ............. c'mon Andy!!!

[Bardot]

Poor game from Thiem. 3-4

[Stell]

3 - 4.

[scrapaddict]

Andy's not gigving this up without a fight. need an easy hold now

[Alis]

Well, a loose game from Thiem hands the break back to Andy. I really didn't see that coming. Now, Andy, put the foot down!

[mickeypops]

How many times does Andy do that, lose a service game then break straight back?

[RosieBear]

Yes! Let's do this Andy - grit your teeth and dig your heels in like only you can!

[Alis]

Okay - a repeat of the last set would be good ............. hold, break, hold.

[lovetennis]

Domi struggles under the pressure of closing out. No doubt he'll get better, but in the meantime come onnnnn Andy

[Bardot]

Yes! Let's do this Andy - grit your teeth and dig your heels in like only you can!
Less dig your heels in, he's already complaining about his poor movement. :p ;)

[Bardot]

The droppers have had their day Andy. 30-30

[Bardot]

Good hold. 4-4

[Alis]

Well held - now break!

[RosieBear]

Here we go. Out tough him Andy :cheer:

[david1610]

Hanging in despite the deficit of first serves! C'mon Andy!

[Stell]

"Come on" shouts Sir Andy as he levels it to 4 - 4.

[RosieBear]

Turn the screw Andy!

[Bardot]

The dropper can stay. :p 30-30

[RosieBear]

Heap the pressure on Andy, crack him!

[WimbledonWestie]

This match is not for the faint hearted - but great for neutrals!

[Bardot]

3 amazing BHs from Thiem when in trouble and a huge FH to hold. 4-5

[JennieF]

Loving Andy's smilings. Could be that he's enjoying this??!

[Alis]

Okay - you can do this without a tie break Andy, just hold, break, hold.

[RosieBear]

Groan. Oh well, just take care of business Andy - hold!!

[jagmad]

I've decided words fail me, so.

:coaster::coaster::coaster::coaster::coaster::coas ter::coaster::coaster::coaster::coaster::coaster:

[Alis]

Good serve to start.

[david1610]

Stop the droppers. They are becoming free points for Thiem. C'mon Andy!

[JennieF]

Lordy jagmad.....I'm queazy enough thank you!

[Alis]

Thiem's forehand is lethal.

[Bardot]

What the heck??? 30-40

[Alis]

................... and Andy hands Thiem a match point!

[RosieBear]

C'mon Andy, clutch serve!

[Jane]

:crying: :crying: :crying:

[Bardot]

Heavens to Betsy!!! :grrr:

[Alis]

That's it. Thiem wins - and he deserved it!

[mickeypops]

Aw well. it wasn't to be. Great match practice though.

[Stell]

Then there was one.

[JennieF]

Gutted. Absolutely gutted. :crying: :crying: :crying:

[mickeypops]

A little perspective, it was just two years ago that we were celebrating Andy's first ever clay court final, in Munich. He so nearly made this one too.

[lovetennis]

:crying::crying::crying::crying: oh Andy that error to give Domi MP.

[Bardot]

Petchey still flogging the "Thiem is brittle" nonsense. He played brilliantly and responded to setbacks equally brilliantly.

[Alis]

Silver lining ............... I don't think Andy would have been a match for Nadal at the moment. I hope Thiem gives Rafa a run for his money - if, of course, it is Rafa.

[Monica]

Not sure whether murray decided he was content with the week's work. Was feeling the area behind his knee towards the end.

[JennieF]

Come on Rafa!!

[JAMES4578]

oh gutting as Andy came right back in the match playing much better clay court tennis and was tight in the decider,however did give a bit away at crucial moments. Thiem though proved to be tough on clay,even if he lost the initiative at times. Whilst disappointing positives for Andy to take forward and still working his way towards full fitness.

[clancy]

Credit to Thiem for an excellent match but can't see him repeating it tomorrow.

[RosieBear]

Oh Andy - that point to hand Dom mp :sad: Argh - didn't hope for a win again Rafa in final, but really thought Andy could dig this one out. Oh well, Andy added this tournament to his schedule for extra matches and points, so he got what he came for.:thumbup: Dom is an immense player, one of my big faves to watch and a genuinely nice guy so could be worse. Would love him to win tomorrow.

Back to Andy, after today imo there's genuine reason to think he'll be able to challenge for RG, I'll take that :thumbup:

[Bardot]

I thought when Andy broke in the first game of the third set, we were headed for bagel city. Long for those days to return.

Anyone know when Lendl is to make an appearance or is there more chance of sighting a snow leopard? :p

[Alis]

I know people get irritated at Andy's smiles on court but I do think he actually enjoyed this match - the smiles looked genuine to me. I'm sure he won't be too upset at the loss - he got three good matches under his belt.

[Alis]

Not sure whether murray decided he was content with the week's work. Was feeling the area behind his knee towards the end.

He was also shaking out his arm quite often after serving.

[gardengnomie]

I've rarely felt so tranquil about an Andy loss. Thiem played way better today, would have been a travesty if he'd lost, and Andy would have been demolished by Rafa in the final! I know Andy does his sarcastic smiling, but I thought it looked as if he was genuinely enjoying the match and chuffed to be playing a top player and making a game of it again. After having so few matches in the last few months it will take time to get match fit - some of the shot decisions were a bit dodgy, and he obviously needs to cut out the errors and have a higher first serve percentage. But if he's fit, those things will come back.

So all in all, a good tournament, three set matches makes up for the missed one. That's what he came to Barcelona to do. I think Andy will be happy with progress but motivated to get back in there.

[patlowe]

Well, wrong result but a cracking match. Really compelling. I thought Andy might just have squeaked it, but not to be. Thiem did play some spectacular tennis and certainly gave Andy a good workout. Great to see 2 top 10 players tough it out. So onwards now to Madrid and we do it all over again. :nailbiter::phew::coaster: and of course :bravo:

[gardengnomie]

oh - and it continues the streak - Andy is now 126 consecutive matches where he has broken serve at least once. Is that a record? I am surprised more media haven't mentioned it. (Brad Gilbert did). He played the whole of 2016 without failing to break serve at least once, which is quite something when a lot of matches are only two sets. I was starting to think at 2-6, 3-3 that the streak might end, but there were quite a few breaks by the end!

(Just remembered, Andy did in fact get one break in the first set).

[dewster99]

Pleased to see andy made a good fist of things. Thought he'd be slaughtered to be honest. Better serving stats today so seems confidence in it is growing

[Bardot]

For me, there was nothing about Andy's demeanour which suggested he was enjoying himself. He's looking for consistency on each aspect of his game and it's not there yet and the frustration showed.

[Teresa]

Just come back from the woods. Not too disappointed. He put up a good fight. Still think the arm isn't quite right. Actually think Nadal in his current mood would have slaughtered him, so I think he has gone as far as was sensible.

I know being Number 1 is great and all that, but not so long ago we were crossing our fingers he would beat Becker's weeks at No 1. Reaching No 1 was the important thing to me. It would have been a travesty if he hadn't ever got that. How long he is No 1 isn't that important in my eyes. He has already been No 1 for longer than some people. Pat Rafter managed it for a single week, but is still a former World Number 1.

[Bardot]

It will be the 6 month anniversary on Monday of Andy becoming #1. :shades:

[themass15]

The first few weeks were the best when he cemented the position at WTF last year. I was lucky enough to be there!!!!

[Teresa]

Just picked up a copy of the Wimbledon 16 book on Amazon for a pittance, so going to enjoy that tonight.

[scrapaddict]

Hate it when Andy smiles during play - he always loses those matches. However I do think is comeback is progressing and over 5 sets I am sure he would have won today

[Alis]

I think we may have to resign ourselves to Andy not having a great clay court season this year. He's getting there but he's certainly not there yet. Hopefully, he'll come good in time for the grass and then go on a tear as he did last year.

[Alis]

How many points does Andy pick up for making the semis here?

[ljs]

watched the match earlier , pretty entertaining 2nd and 3rd sets
Some of those angles they were getting were amazing !!!

Too bad for Andy , but happy for Thiem , I like him , lots of talent !!!

[LC the fan]

If only Andy could start a bit better he could have finished the last 2 matches in 2 sets. Felt Dom did deserve the result today though. Not too worried about the result this time...improvements started to show through the match. Match practice and match fitness will build slowly, ready for the green grass of home

[Linda]

In the very first game Andy was grabbing his elbow so it seems it is still troubling him. Kept doing the sarcastic smile throughout the match so obviously didn't expect to win. I actually wondered whether he would retire. Anyway, credit to him, he made a match of it in the end although there was little prospect of him winning.

[Rosalind]

there were some fabulous shots but on the whole I didn't enjoy this or yesterday's match because of the sarcastic smiles and comments towards the team. It was not a "world no 1" playing today. Looking forward to more successful tournaments.

[Bardot]

In the very first game Andy was grabbing his elbow so it seems it is still troubling him. Kept doing the sarcastic smile throughout the match so obviously didn't expect to win. I actually wondered whether he would retire. Anyway, credit to him, he made a match of it in the end although there was little prospect of him winning.

Checks score. :confused: At 30-30 in the last game Andy was 2 points away from holding for 5-5 and as he said in his press conference "I missed a couple of shots I shouldn't have". Ain't that the truth. Andy was right in the match to the very last point.

[ljs]

there were some fabulous shots but on the whole I didn't enjoy this or yesterday's match because of the sarcastic smiles and comments towards the team. It was not a "world no 1" playing today. Looking forward to more successful tournaments.

Maybe its just me , but I dont see those smiles as " sarcastic " at all
I think its just his way of coping when he knows hes losing , and not playing his best
And hes always commented towards his box , ever since I can remember

[WimbledonWestie]

I kinda love ranty Andy. Even his team were laughing. Really he should be charging for his on Court live tutorials lol. At least it shows he cares. Couple of points either way and he may have won today. Semis still a good achievement. Plenty positives to build on I feel.

[Reef]

:hide:
Hate it when Andy smiles during play - he always loses those matches. However I do think is comeback is progressing and over 5 sets I am sure he would have won today

I'm with you there re the smiles...I have to look away.

[Pam]

Three good workouts on the clay this week ! Onwards Andy!!:knight:

[Alis]

As others have said, Andy has always ranted - at himself, at his box, at the crowd, at the world in general. It's Andy - when he's frustrated with his game he rants. He'll be 30 in a few weeks, he isn't going to change now and it really annoys me when people say that he doesn't do it when Lendl's around - yes, he does! I still maintain he enjoyed that match. He loves a challenge and Thiem yesterday was definitely a challenge. Another one or two shots of brilliance from Andy or another couple of loose shots from Thiem and it may well have been a different story. I don't think Andy will be weeping and wailing and gnashing his teeth today. He will see it as another step on the road to getting back to his best. He's been here before - we've been here before - I believe Andy will be back where he belongs before long and we'll be celebrating with him!

[harriet]

of course, andy will have watched the boxing last night, not good preparation for a final

[patlowe]

of course, andy will have watched the boxing last night, not good preparation for a final
??

[JerryD]

I was out when the match was on, so had to record it. It was a good match. I think it showed thiem's improvements in the big moments and I hope he can hold his nerve today. Andy came for extra match play which he got. Competitive matches like this are probably better prep than easy wins. I feel better about his chances going into Madrid than I did last week.

[RosieBear]

Checks score. :confused: At 30-30 in the last game Andy was 2 points away from holding for 5-5 and as he said in his press conference "I missed a couple of shots I shouldn't have". Ain't that the truth. Andy was right in the match to the very last point.

Beautifully said, B. People shouldn't conflate Andy not being at his best with not being in the match. A sub par Andy still has the measure of many a player. Dom played his best, Andy didn't but still only a couple of points in it. Quite remarkable considering Dom's world no 9.

[pabbers]

I really thought Thiem deserved this one. He played brave, clever, aggressive and almost flawless tennis. I'd back him to give Rafa a better match than Andy at the moment. But great to see Andy getting back to his best on clay after the injury.

[Josephine]

Was away over weekend. Saw beginning of match and recording on my return. Think Andy's start was just too poor to get over against a player like Thiem. He hung in, but not quite there yet.

I think the smiles were sarcastic not of pleasure. He relies so much on his movement - that will inevitably slow down as he gets past 30. Wish he had adopted more aggressive tennis younger, so it came more naturally to him a la Federer.

Anyway - signs of progress so hope all will come together at next tournies.