ANTWERP 2019, FINAL. Andy v Stanimal. Sunday 20 October. 3pm UK time

[Sallydaisy]

Andy v Stan. More to follow.

:sirandy:

[RosieBear]

So it's Andy and Stan, what a final - bet organisers and ticketholders are over the moon. Even if both aren't quite at their pinnacle they are both still absolute beasts! Have to give the edge to Stan just because he's been back longer, but you never know - looking forward to these guys locking horns. Go Andy!!

[Hawkeye]

So, the lucky person who has started the last 3 match threads is denied the chance to sweep Andy to victory... :pirate:

P.S. It’s 4pm local tomorrow, so 3pm in the UK.

This will be their 20th meeting, with Andy currently leading their H2H (https://www.atptour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/stan-wawrinka-vs-andy-murray/w367/mc10).

[Jane]

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

[patlowe]

Hopes are high, expectations are tempered. Can't expect anything more of Andy than what he can give, which is always his best. Good enough for me. Let's gooooo! :knight::worship:

[lynne]

From the talented Nial Smith Design..........



https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/74266347_2610961765637061_6181414209117487104_n.jp g?_nc_cat=102&_nc_oc=AQmoCRAHodX12a2YC_UNBD3cXr4E8aj7WoHELyo_m0_ DwI3HZhPanEw1pm4W_VvCqXo&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=7b4b0cbeef54adbe349ec8464ad966ec&oe=5E63ED80







I told you I’d be back… (Arnie Murray - Antwerp Final 2019) — with Andy Murray.

[Sallydaisy]

The stage is set ...

[lovetennis]

Here we are again for an Andy final. Wouldn't have put money on that back in January. Really, I should have known better....

Go Andy :superman:

[Mandiemoo]

Don't know about Andy not being match fit, I'm certainly not! This week really taken it out of me! And here we are, in the final. OMG!

C'mon Muzz!

[Teresa]

@ Mandiemoo - you and me both. The stress of these matches goes straight to my guts.

[david1610]

Hello everybody! C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

It's only the 2nd game and the tennis quality is great!
Stan with chance to break ... and he does!!!
Andy 0-2

[Mandiemoo]

Well, Stan ain't messing about....
Need to get that first serve rolling to get a few cheap points, Stan is getting on top in the rallies.
Let's not mention the df

C'mon Muzz!

[JennieF]

I’m feeling positive about this. . . . yes, even if Stan wins. Andy has proved he’s on his way back and I’m just so happy he has got this far without damage. Tired perhaps, but lots of good match practice which is what he’s needed, both physically and mentally. And here he is now, up against a quality rival who has also had injury problems. Stan will no doubt work our Andy really hard. Good luck Andy!!

[david1610]

Andy on the scoreboard 1-3 Very very high standard so far. C'mon Andy!

[patlowe]

One thing is for sure, the quality of the tennis is really worth a final. I suppose we were pretty much guaranteed that anyway.

[Mandiemoo]

How does Kim do it? I was nearly having kittens yesterday, the girl is heavily pregnant with their child & is managing not to go into labour! She is a hero!

C'mon Muzz!

[Sallydaisy]

Better hold from Andy for 2-4, it's only one break of serve ...
;)

[lovetennis]

Just that bit of a slow start in his first service game ....that's the only thing between them at the moment. C'mon Andy break back :jitterbug:

[harriet]

good to see Dani looking more cheerful

[Mandiemoo]

Andy's shirts have been very 'wet look' this week. Is that an intended effect or is it really hot in there?

C'mon Muzz!

[harriet]

well held, after a struggle, make Stan serve for the set

[Jane]

:sad: Stan takes the set

[harriet]

so, first set to Stan - playing rather like UH yesterday, and we know who won that game

[david1610]

First set to Stan 6-3.
Good quality from both players. If Andy could just get that first percentage service up a bit more.... Stan got an early break but is not dominating and this match is not done and dusted! C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

Well, we've never liked straight set finals have we? Especially not on a wet Sunday afternoon.

C'mon Muzz!

[JennieF]

Andy to start set 2. C’mon Andy - you’re playing like you want a chance at this title!
PS It’s so nice to see some old favourite names on the forum! Just like the old days :grouphug:

[Teresa]

He is doing well at keeping up with Stan. Don’t think he will pull it off, but it’s a good performance, this close to his return.

[Mandiemoo]

Andy pushed Stan a bit more there, great to see. Would love a comfy hold here...

Cmon Muzz!

[harriet]

have to admire Stan's BHDL

[david1610]

Stan breaks with some quality winners. That was vintage Stan and not sure anybody could have done anything against that. Oh well. Surely he can't keep that up! C'mon Andy!

[Jan]

Stan finding the lines at the moment.

[harriet]

ooops! Stan breaks Andy again, he is just too good at the mo, clean winners landing on the line on forehand and back, just too good

[Mandiemoo]

Stan finding the lines at the moment.

Finding them? Hes bleeding well painting them at the moment!

Cmon Muzz!

[Teresa]

AM has run out of puff. To be expected, but still sad:-(

[Mandiemoo]

The serve is the problem here. A couple of first serves would make a world of difference but Stan is literally on fire at the moment

Cmon Muzz!

[Mandiemoo]

We may be down but we are not out! An important hold.

Just 1 break between them.

Cmon Muzz!

[harriet]

good serving by Andy, got himself out of a deuce game with 2 unreturnables

[Jane]

3 - 3

[david1610]

Yes! Only the third time Stan broken this week according to Commie... now consolidate. C'mon Andy!

[harriet]

here we go!!! Andy breaks Stan for 3 games all

[JennieF]

:cheer::cheer::cheer:WooHoo!

[lovetennis]

Feels like Andy's upped his intensity here

[david1610]

Consolidated! Hope Andy can keep finding first serves. C'mon Andy!

[harriet]

good hold, ahead in the set at last. go Andy!

[JennieF]

He’s not lost it, has he, our boy? :big grin:

[Mandiemoo]

All day, I've been saying 'hes done really well to get to final', 'result doesn't matter', 'it's only a game'

Those last 2 games have trashed all that!

Cmon Muzz!

[harriet]

Dani looking vvery pressured, but Stan holds

[JennieF]

:phew:

[david1610]

Phew! Andy leading 5-4 in the second. He wants this match! C'mon Andy!

[harriet]

what a hold fr 5-4, from deuce twice and made it. just need to break here!

[patlowe]

This is first class stuff, really really first class.

[harriet]

df Stan,weak smile from Dani

[Jane]

Woo-hoo - one set all :cheer:

[JennieF]

What a shot! Justice!

[Jan]

:dance::dance::dance:

[harriet]

and he got the break! into the third, and serving first. all to play for, go Andy!

[lovetennis]

:knight::knight: Lovin' it, and so is Andy

[JennieF]

:jitterbug::jitterbug::jitterbug:

[david1610]

OMG. One set all.
That set should be shown to young tennis players as an example of never giving up. The service break by Stan early on was certainly one of the best breaks on the ATP circuit this year, I would imagine. But.... sets are not necessarily won in that way. Andy's persistence (AND 58% first serve percentage) made the difference. Hope Andy can keep finding first serves in the third. C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

Well, I just cannot put that into words. There will be tears at the end whatever the outcome....

Cmon Muzz!

[Teresa]

Amazing. Can he hold at the start of the 3rd?

[patlowe]

Yes! Yes! Yes! This truly is the good old days! I knew our man was nowhere near done!

[JennieF]

I’m enthralled beyond words.

[banskogirl]

Sunday dinner over...........lucky it wasn't black!

What a match :popcorn:

An amazing end to the 2nd set :cheer:

Come on Andy!! you CAN do this x

[harriet]

Andy being too diffident, i'd like him in attack mode

[david1610]

Stan breaks. C'mon Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

Stan puts the wheels back on...

Just have to break him again

Cmon Muzz!

[harriet]

down a break, Stan got the line and Andy left it, alas

[JennieF]

Speechless!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy breaks back ... 2-2 and Muzzah to serve.

[david1610]

Andy breaks back. Some first serves would be wonderful. C'mon Andy!

[harriet]

Kitkat, 2-2, Andy breaks back, let's go Andy!

[Mandiemoo]

Ok, we are just going full Murraycoaster!

Cmon Muzz!

[banskogirl]

:superman:

[JennieF]

Oh my oh my oh my!!

[banskogirl]

This cannot be good for us!

[Jan]

Remind me, which one is coming back from a knee op, and which one has a metal hip???? ;)

[Mandiemoo]

Darn it. We go again for the break.

Cmon Muzz!

[harriet]

alas, Stan breaks, third break in a row, so do it again Andy. Stan serving at 3-2 ahead

[banskogirl]

Remind me, which one is coming back from a knee op, and which one has a metal hip???? ;)

There's hope for us all...........:rolling:

[lovetennis]

Remind me, which one is coming back from a knee op, and which one has a metal hip???? ;)

Doing pretty well for a couple of old guys aren't they

[Sallydaisy]

Stan breaks, Andy trying to break again.

[david1610]

3-3 C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy breaks back for 3-3 ... and he's serving next.
Any bets on who will hold first?
;)

[harriet]

fourth break in a row! Andy serving at 3 all.

[Jan]

:knight::knight:

[david1610]

4-3 Andy in front. Break hold. Please please pretty please. C'mon Andy!

[JennieF]

Hope Andy changes his shirt at the next break. Can’t be a nice feeling sticking to him like that!

[banskogirl]

Hope Andy changes his shirt at the next break. Can’t be a nice feeling sticking to him like that!

Is it wet? They seem to look like that from the beginning! :)

[harriet]

Andy holds! 4-3 ahead (on serve of course) but just need a break and go on from there - I'm hoping

[Sallydaisy]

Quote from Twitter:
2018 Aus Open - Stan Wawrinka’s first match back after knee surgery. Looked finished.
2019 Aus Open - Andy Murray says he might be playing the final match of his career (hip).

October 20, 2019 - Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 4-6, 4-4 v Andy Murray.

[david1610]

4-4 Andy missed a couple there. Never mind. All about holding at the moment. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

*15-40
:sofa:

[JennieF]

:nailbiter:

[Jan]

:phew:

[Teresa]

5:4 - my nerves can’t take much more of this. Please break and finish it.

[Jane]

:sofa:

[Sallydaisy]

Andy nudges ahead (on serve) 5-4.
Stan has to serve to stay in the match and he's no challenges left ...
:shades:

[david1610]

5-4 Maximum of one more service game now. But if Andy could just get the next game. Trying not to think of what that would mean to him and us. C'mon Andy!

[harriet]

Andy holds again, from 15-40, now's the time to strike!

[Jan]

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

[JennieF]

Andy Andy Andy. Hero hero hero.

[JennieF]

Gosh. Was that the trophy?

[Sallydaisy]

Stan serving
* 0-15
* 15-15
* 30-15
* 40-15
* 40-30
* deuce, just 2 little points Andykins

[Sallydaisy]

Ad Stan and he roars louder than Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Back to deuce.
:shades:

[Sallydaisy]

Ad.. again to Stan

[Sallydaisy]

Deuce as Stan miss hits again.

[Sallydaisy]

Ad to Andy Murray and it's a match point against Stans' serve.

Can he do this?

[david1610]

Championship point!

[Jane]

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :clap: :clap: :clap: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :trophy: Fabulous, Andy!!!

[Sallydaisy]

:superman:

3-6, 6-4, 6-4

[david1610]

I'm so happy I'm crying! Well done Andy! :) :) :)

[JennieF]

Can’t speak!! Wonderful wonderful Andy!!

[cazza99]

Wowser :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Jan]

Wow
wow
wow

[harriet]

CHAMPION! Andy's in tears in his chair. what a game, stupendous.

[cazza99]

Andy in tears and all emotional.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy Murray is a Champion again ... very emotional for him, and for me.
But I'd rather cheer than cry.
:love:

:jitterbug::jitterbug::jitterbug:
:party::party::party:

I guess we'll have a few more of these to come ...

:coaster::coaster::coaster:

[JennieF]

I’m sobbing like mad.

[patlowe]

Oh, I don't believe it!! I simply don't believe it! Oh my! Tears of joy!!!

[Teresa]

I have just said words that would get multiple asterisks. How the hell did he do that? He is crying his eyes out. Not surprised. He has shown he can play at the highest levels again.

Unbelievable. Well done is an understatement.

Get your trophy, and take it back as a gift for No 3

[murrayfan89]

Yes Andy!! 3 thrillers in a row came through. Don't wanna speak too soon but I think Andy is ready for the slams.

[Stell]

I managed to get back and caught it the match in the sixth game of the third set. I'm so pleased for Andy, as he needed it more than Stan.

[Jan]

Sir Andy we salute you :knight::knight:

[LC the fan]

What a guy, what a fighter. Wish I could have watched it but had the minute by minute commentary which was so tense.
How wonderful. Another achievement from a fantastic competitor

[Teresa]

Now ranked 127.....!!!

[Teresa]

What a guy, what a fighter. Wish I could have watched it but had the minute by minute commentary which was so tense.
How wonderful. Another achievement from a fantastic competitor

Why not treat yourself to a months a Prime. You can watch all of this weeks matches then.

[banskogirl]

so, so special! :superman::knight:

:crying::rolling:

so, so happy!! :cheer:

Oh Andy :grouphug:

[Rosalind]

that's just amazing! I was so sure Stan was going to win his last serve game there. Couldn't believe he hit that out. So happy. :superman:

[LC the fan]

Why not treat yourself to a months a Prime. You can watch all of this weeks matches then.

I just might have to do that !! Thanks

[lynne]

I have nothing more to add to what you good folks are thinking, saying & feeling apart from this guy Sir Andy Murray is Phenomenal !!!:sirandy::GBflag:

[LC the fan]

Now ranked 127.....!!!


Top hundred here he comes.....second time around

[exislander]

Wow, who would have thunk way back in January that we would see a match like this again? He really is one special guy.

[hfwardhouse]

Just checking in from darkest Africa and so so so happy for Andy. What a comeback :cheer:

[Jan]

Nice to see Andy and Stan sitting with each other.

[JAMES4578]

Absolutely phenomenal performance from Andy to take title, cannot quite take it in and whilst cannot not get too carried away Andy looking very much on the up! As so often in the past a bit of a clasic encounter with Stan and almost incredible that Murray was the stronger in the end-Wawrinka made it very tough early on but once in the match Andy again proved to be an amazing competitor as so often of old. A great moment for Andy and us all:clap::clap::clap::cheer::cheer: Of course need to see how he will be over the longer distance but feeling really positive right now.

[david1610]

Language note: worth noting that Stan, with French as a mother tongue, talking in English in the Flemish part of Belgium, where French is the official language!

[RosieBear]

Oh my goodness. You think you know just how amazing a player and person Andy Murray is then he takes it to another level. A phenomena. Watch his reaction after the last point - it's like a replay of when he won his first Wimbledon -Antwerp might be a 250 but it took just as much character to win.:trophy: Could not be happier for Andy (and us) :yahoo:

Must also praise Stan - an incredible player and the way he warmly hugged Andy at the net was so sweet.:love:

[kenny009uk]

Wow. Just wow. What a sensational comeback after losing the first set. Andy really is a true champion. Some amazing words from Stan too in his interview. Both players are a credit to the sport. Take a bow.

[Teresa]

Head to Head before this match was 11:8 to AM

Now 12:8

Actually a nice trophy (for a change....!!!)

[banskogirl]

Oh my goodness. You think you know just how amazing a player and person Andy Murray is then he takes it to another level. A phenomena. Watch his reaction after the last point - it's like a replay of when he won his first Wimbledon -Antwerp might be a 250 but it took just as much character to win.:trophy: Could not be happier for Andy (and us) :yahoo:

Must also praise Stan - an incredible player and the way he warmly hugged Andy at the net was so sweet.:love:

Yes Andy's reaction with his hat just brought those memories right back!! :grouphug:

[Guerkins2]

Nice to see Andy and Stan sitting with each other.

Exactly what I thought :thumbup:

[LC the fan]

Stan has had his problems too...he knows just what Andy has achieved. And it’s never been done before in singles at any rate

[lynne]

Jamie's tweet.....



Jamie Murray
@jamie_murray
·
13m
Andy ******* Murray!!!!



:big grin:

[Teresa]

It has to be said looking at them standing together it reminded me of typical Male competitiveness “Mine is bigger than yours..........”:)

[Guerkins2]

What a tennis player! What a guy! I am so happy for him & us :dance::yahoo::cheer::grouphug:


Sorry Rosiebear - I hadn’t read your post. You have already said something very similar

[Rosalind]

And I'm so pleased it was against someone of Stan's stature and not a newbie or young whippersnapper because that was tough on any level. Stan has huge experience, wasn't going to get all nervous etc etc. And he was playing really well! That was a fantastic win!!!!

[lovetennis]

Well that was special. Don't think I've quite processed what Andy has achieved yet. He is just one incredible human being and tennis player. Easy to see how much it meant to him and great to see Stan sitting with him. Don't mind saying I shed a few tears myself

[patlowe]

I can't get enough of this!! That was the most amazing tennis match. Forget the so-called Fedal dream final with all its attending hype! This was a dream final to end all dream finals, esp the result! This match had everything with the outcome never really predictable. What lucky people who had tickets for this, the quality of tennis must have been beyond their wildest dreams. I'm still in a state of stupified amazement at what Andy has achieved. Think he might have been a wee bit too! I started off today with high hopes, but lower expectations, now I'm over the moon. Loved all the speeches and how Andy and Stan sat together chatting while some of the sponsor stuff was going on. Take a bow both men...you were amazing. What am I going to do with myself rest of evening now! I suppose bask in the euphoria of Andy winning a title against all the odds. This is right up there with some of the other amazing stuff he has achieved. Oh boy! This is awesome.

[themass15]

No doubt Andy is back. What character he showed. No wonder we all feel the way we do about him. I would like to see him pick up come back player of the year at the ATP Awards but I don't think us fans can vote on that. Andy you are truly amazing!

[pabbers]

Speechless!

[jackie55]

So pleased for Andy brilliant result, he has worked so hard to come back and definitely on the way back to the top where he belongs:dance:

[Mickey]

:party:Like many others I was in tears at the end of the match, and so, so proud of Andy. You can’t ever write him off. Now it’s home to his family and the arrival of his third child.

[HoopGirl]

Speechless!

Me too!

So proud to follow this man!

[JennieF]

I’ve had to open a bottle of wine just to calm down!! Cheers Andy, you awesome guy you! And congrats for the imminent birth of baby Murray No 3. Wishing Kim all the very best - but I guess she’s well used to this now! She’s been such a mammoth support for Andy. What a wife he chose for himself. Wonderful couple. Wonderful family. Wonderful, simply wonderful. :worship:

[lynne]

The Team!!


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHVyiwHW4AAjNv1?format=jpg&name=small




:clap::clap::clap::clap:

[Linda]

I've been on a retreat since Thursday with no internet access! Great news to come home to.

[Mandiemoo]

Where to start? How to put it into words? It defies belief in every sense of the word. When that last game started with Andy needing a break to win, I idly wondered whether I would cry more if he lost or if he won. Well, I've cried buckets. Off to change my signature to 'Andy Murray is life', we experience the lowest lows but also the highest highs. Andy, you are amazing.

[WimbledonWestie]

I almost have no words. Watched set 1 and most of set two in a happy, relaxed, fuzzy ' oh isn't it lovely he's in a final and had won so many matches this week, including 3 setters'- then he won set 2 and I was back in pre 2017 game on, nervous anxiety mode. ( I deffo need pre season training and rehab in this for next year). So proud and so chuffed for him. What an absolute legend. He deserves every accolade. And lovely to see how much Stan acknowledged it. ( remember the big bear?). Loved them sitting on the bench together before the trophy presentation. What a special week its been. Now for 2020. Bring it on!

[WimbledonWestie]

Yes Andy's reaction with his hat just brought those memories right back!! :grouphug:

Yes, Wimbledon 2013 was what it reminded me of too

[Sallydaisy]

Yes, wi boredom 2013 was what it reminded me of too
:lol:
Is that predictive text for Wimbledon?
:rolling:

[cazza99]

:rolling:

[WimbledonWestie]

:lol:
Is that predictive text for Wimbledon?
:rolling:

Lol was hoping no one saw that before I edited. I'm now more concerned that I've just booked a holiday that means I'm away last few days of Wimbledon , hopefully will be shown on ship. First in years I've booked that leaves before the end but my friends were so keen on the cruise itinerary and they always accommodate my tennis so decided for once ..... hope I'm regretting it lol.

[banskogirl]

Lol was hoping no one saw that before I edited. I'm now more concerned that I've just booked a holiday that means I'm away last few days of Wimbledon , hopefully will be shown on ship. First in years I've booked that leaves before the end but my friends were so keen on the cruise itinerary and they always accommodate my tennis so decided for once ..... hope I'm regretting it lol.

My cruise was the first thing I thought of too! We finish on the 11th but only get home on the 12th.....

[WimbledonWestie]

My cruise was the first thing I thought of too! We finish on the 11th but only get home on the 12th.....

Mine leaves 11th, need to travel to Southampton 10th - have warned friends that radio 5 on journey down is a no brainer and they will be ditched onboard when tennis on, even if I have to pay for onboard wifi and use my tablet, The plus is that we are back for the Olympics.

[banskogirl]

I remember years ago emailing Royal Caribbean, to ask if they would have Wimby on during our cruise!

[WimbledonWestie]

Did they answer you? We are with Princess - I may do that!

[banskogirl]

Did they answer you? We are with Princess - I may do that!

They did actually and they were showing it :) and they showed some of Wimby last year on P&O (in a little side room which I had to ask for heat in)! The world cup was on, with England still in so I was the odd one out!

[RoastLamb]

Incredible! I had to go out when he was a break down in set 2 and when I came back to watch the rest on tennis tv's replay I couldn't believe it when I saw it was 5-4 in the second with a whole chunk to go, so I knew it went to 3 sets. Wowsa! Great turnaround. So happy for Andy!!!

[david1610]

Love this comment! :)
"Not usually a fan of those new hipster blokes, but make an exception for Andy."

[HoopGirl]

Anyone else struggle with Amazon stream going down repeatedly - especially at the end of the match? I lost crucial points as it was reloading!

[Teresa]

Anyone else struggle with Amazon stream going down repeatedly - especially at the end of the match? I lost crucial points as it was reloading!

Mine is - it kept going black then switching back to the Sky as the source. When I turned it back, it was on pause from where it left off.

I suspect my TV is on the blink, as it’s going blank on Sky as well.

[patmoren]

I watched the replay after spending all day at a swimming gala. Followed it via livescore at the pool. I thoroughly enjoyed the replay not so stressful when you know the result. You can really enjoy the quality of the tennis. Well done Andy great step up for next years tournaments.

[Stell]

I saw his interview on the BBC's website. The crowd didn't seem to get his witty remark about his wife and family.

[pabbers]

Amazon are really getting the hang of this. Now if only I could pause the live stream on the tv when I need to get a few things done!

[banskogirl]

Amazon are really getting the hang of this. Now if only I could pause the live stream on the tv when I need to get a few things done!

I agree! It seems to be so out of date now, I keep going to do it automatically.

[patlowe]

What Andy did in Antwerp was a BIG DEAL! But I've been reflecting since. I am a bit concerned about claims, mostly made by media and pundits, of, eg, a GS in 2020. Is that not jumping ahead a little too far too fast? Antwerp was a stepping stone to the next level, and the next level is not necessarily the winning of a GS. Winning Antwerp proved he is capable of winning titles, and he got there step by step, the progress was incremental. He will progress to the next level by continuing to take it step by step, and slowly add on new achievements. Each new achievement will be massive and not necessarily easy. We shouldn't be expecting him to win big too quickly, he's already well on his way at his own tempo. Masters and GSs are a different level of competition altogether, so I hope expectations will be tempered and that the media will not heap a shed load of high expectations on him. I am happy to go on this journey with him at his own speed, share the highs and lows with him and just be eternally grateful we have him back on a tennis court. He has already given us such pleasure in the last few months.

[Hawkeye]

It's what the media and pundits do, set people up for a fall.

[Teresa]

It’s great to see him playing again - that’s the cake. Every match he wins is icing. A tournament win is the cherry on top.

I want him to play, and enjoy playing, but not half kill himself again to prove something. He has nothing to prove. Antwerp blotted out that heart rending interview of the Australian Open. I have no expectations of the bigger tournaments.