View Full Version : Newspaper and internet reports
david1610
18-01-2012, 00:21
Thanks John Kiernan for pointing it out
Here (http://www.andymurray.com/#/community/blog/andys-oz-open-blog/) is Andy's Aussie Open blog from the official website
Fun how they still claim to have a "have your say on the forum" section!
supergran
18-01-2012, 00:47
Thanks John Kiernan for pointing it out
Here (http://www.andymurray.com/#/community/blog/andys-oz-open-blog/) is Andy's Aussie Open blog from the official website I could only read three sentences...it said "read more" but couldn't get it.
Bob & Mike Bryan have written an interesting article about the players' gripes with the season in The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/players-fight-for-the-right-to-a-fair-deal-20120117-1q4qg.html)
Re Andy's blog - no idea what it says as I haven't been able to see anything on the official site for some time - none of the links work. In Flash mode clicking on the link does nothing at all, and in HTML mode it gives "array(2) { [1]=> string(5) "http:" [2]=> string(18) "www.andymurray.com" }"
LC the fan
18-01-2012, 11:53
Let's hope more and more players make their feelings known. I wonder if the US press pilloried the Bryans or the Spanish Press criticised Rafa as much as the UK press did to Andy. I seem to remember headlines like 'Andy Murray calls for a strike'
I have no problem on Andy's official site and able to read Andy's blog. Click on community and then on the blog and scroll the article.
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16606071.stm) - Andy Murray set for Edouard Roger-Vasselin test at Australian Open
BBC - (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16606045.stm) Australian Open: Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins advance
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9022049/Andy-Murray-insists-he-is-not-concerned-by-British-failings-at-Australian-Open-as-he-prepares-for-second-round-tie.html)- Andy Murray insists he is not concerned by British failings at Australian Open as he prepares for second round tie
Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis-news/2012/01/18/australian-open-andy-murray-reveals-muhammad-ali-ambition-after-delivering-ko-blow-to-ryan-harrison-86908-23704875/)- Australian Open: Andy Murray reveals Muhammad Ali ambition after delivering KO blow to Ryan Harrison
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9020858/Muhammad-Ali-is-No-1-on-Andy-Murrays-would-most-like-to-meet-list.html) - Muhammad Ali is No 1 on Andy Murray's would-most-like-to-meet list
stuff.co.nz (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/tennis/6279330/New-ATP-head-attempts-to-calm-strike-rumours) - New ATP head attempts to calm strike rumours
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-nice-as-pie-as-he-seals-victory-lendlstyle-6291046.html) - Murray nice as pie as he seals victory Lendl-style
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9021998/Australian-Open-2012-British-duo-Colin-Fleming-and-Ross-Hutchins-reach-second-round-of-mens-doubles.html)- Australian Open 2012: British duo Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins reach second round of men's doubles
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/how-to/how-to-smash-a-tennis-racket/)- How to smash a tennis racket
supergran
18-01-2012, 15:57
Well done to Colin and Ross!!!!
RoastLamb
18-01-2012, 17:02
Bob & Mike Bryan have written an interesting article about the players' gripes with the season in The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/players-fight-for-the-right-to-a-fair-deal-20120117-1q4qg.html)
Excellent blog!!! They make some great points.
supergran
18-01-2012, 23:42
I have no problem on Andy's official site and able to read Andy's blog. Click on community and then on the blog and scroll the article. I did that and have just done it again...no joy.
Game on (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/01/video-baghdatis-takes-out-frustration-on-racquets/1)- Video: Baghdatis takes out frustration on rackets
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2088400/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-wants-play-games-Hisense-Arena.html)- Murray happy to shoot the breeze away from blustery Rod Laver showcourt
Eat Sleep Spo (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/tennis/murray-wary-of-unknown-foe-1369059.html#.TxdeWoEzDWM)rt - Murray wary of unknown foe
Tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-three/) - Notes from Melbourne - day three
by Alex Willis
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9023319/Australian-Open-2012-Britains-Colin-Fleming-and-Ross-Hutchins-trying-to-close-gap-on-worlds-top-pair.html)- Australian Open 2012: Britain's Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins trying to close gap on world's top pair
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16606071.stm) - Andy Murray comfortably progresses in Australian Open
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9024392/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-shows-power-and-poise-in-defeating-Edouard-Roger-Vasselin.html) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray shows power and poise in defeating Edouard Roger-Vasselin
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/131849.html) - Let's move on from this racket rumpus
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/jan/19/australian-open-2012) - Australian Open diary: Women still choking on too many bagels
Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/the-tennis-stars-who-set-our-pulses-racing/story-fn791xvz-1226247777242) - The tennis stars who set our pulses racing
You can vote here :)
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9681427.stm)- Andy Murray beats Edouard Roger-Vasselin at Australian Open 2012 (as it happens)
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/19/australian-open-andy-murray-edouard-roger-vasselin) - Andy Murray v Edouard Roger-Vasselin – as it happened
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2088721/Austrlian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-beats-Edouard-Roger-Vasselin.html)- Murray passes French test with flying colours as Roger-Vasselin is swept aside
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/19/andy-murray-australian-open-2012?newsfeed=true)- Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray races past Edouard Roger-Vasselin
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/01/3/Australian-Open-Thursday-Murray-To-Face-Llodra.aspx) - Murray To Face Llodra In Third Round
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-19/201201191326966981320.html)- Andy Murray press conference interview
video + transcript
Q. Solid performance.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. Was that a question (smiling)?
Q. How solid a performance was that?
ANDY MURRAY: Oh, it was better. I served well today. Obviously got off to a better start here. He struggled at the beginning, and I was making a lot of balls. He made quite a few mistakes.
Then I thought towards the end of the second set, beginning of the third especially, he started playing much better. He was taking the ball early, trying to come to the net, made it difficult.
But I served well and didn't give him any chances, so was happy.
Q. Do you believe you were hitting the ball a bit harder today?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, normally once you get used to the conditions, you're going to feel a bit better. The other day as well.
It was just very, very lively. Maybe wasn't hitting the ball as well as I would have liked. I was sort of worried about hitting the ball long tonight. It was much different conditions. It was obviously cooler. When the shadow or the shade comes across the court, it plays much slower. It's much easier to play on. I was playing closer to the baseline from the beginning of the match, as well, which is good.
Q. I think you hit 41 winners today, which sounds like quite a high number. Is that down to the quality of your opponent or of your play?
ANDY MURRAY: I hit the ball better. I hit the ball better tonight. Probably eight or nine of them were volleys up at the net. Won quite a few points coming forward knocking volleys off.
Yeah, like I said, because I served well, I set the point up with my first serve pretty well. Got quite a few short replies off of that. Served a few aces, too. That was probably why I hit more winners.
The unforced errors were down. Often the guy who hits pretty much 90%, 95% of the time, the guy who hits the least unforced errors wins the match. That's important as well.
Q. Are you going to look forward to the different sort of challenge that Michael is going to give you? He's got one way of playing, and he'll keep playing that way up at the net.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, he's very good at it as well. He's been a great doubles player, been very good at singles for a long time. He's got a lot of experience. He makes it difficult because of the way he plays.
You don't see guys playing like that much nowadays. When you do play against them, it normally takes a little while to adjust.
It's going to be tough. But I've always enjoyed playing guys that come forward in the past. Hopefully I can play a good match against him.
Q. A lot of players, especially the younger players, talk about playing aggressive. Do you buy into that, or would you say playing smart is equally as important?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think you want to be able to play the match on your terms. There's more than one way of doing that. It's not like just going out and hitting the ball as hard as you can, trying to play more aggressive.
For me, playing closer to the baseline is a good sign of that. Normally you're getting a little bit more on your ball. Because of that, you're taking time away from your opponent. If you stand one or two meters further behind the baseline, you're giving them a lot more time on the ball.
I think, you know, someone like Tomic, people might think he doesn't hit the ball that hard and whatnot, but he dictates how the match gets played because of the variety that he uses. That's something that I try to do, as well. Play the match at the pace you want to play at.
Yeah, there's more than one way of playing aggressive. Someone like Llodra, he comes forward obviously all the time, which people might say that's a very aggressive style of play. But, yeah, you can be aggressive from the back of the court obviously like Rafa.
There's many different ways of playing. It just has to be within your game style. And, yeah, mine's by using a lot of variety. I feel like when I play closer to the baseline, that's when I have my best results.
Q. Are you seeing a lot of patterns where you know the guy you're playing, and are you being more reactive, or are you seeing four or five moves ahead?
ANDY MURRAY: Once the rally starts, normally by the shots that you play, you kind of know where the ball's going to come back. So when I played against Harrison, at the start of the match, I hadn't played him before, I wasn't seeing the ball well, started playing a few games. After playing the first set I started understanding the patterns of play he didn't like and kept doing them over and over again.
Yeah, once you can understand a player's patterns, you can anticipate the balls much better, see the shots they're going to hit a lot earlier.
Q. When you win the first set as powerfully as you did today, he picked up his game. Do you start to explore some shots as you go through the next two sets?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, once you get ahead in the set, I mean, you can try a few things when you're returning serve if you want to. Just because you won the first set, you're a long, long way from the finish line.
Once I got up a break in the second set, you know, would have liked to have tried a few different things. But he started playing much more aggressive, playing much better. So I had to just play solid the whole way throughout.
But sometimes you can if things are all going your way. But, yeah, I mean, match court is not the best place for an experiment. Do that on the practice court.
Q. You like to express yourself, get a little bit angry. The concept of smashing four racquets in 20 seconds is an alternative to just shouting at the ball?
ANDY MURRAY: I saw that yesterday with Baghdatis. Yeah, I mean, everybody's different. You just have to let guys kind of do what is natural to them, I guess. I mean, someone like McEnroe, I saw some clips of him yesterday, I think he was playing Anders Jarryd maybe, I think the match was in Sweden, he's like smashing bottles like into the stand and stuff.
Then people say, you know, Baghdatis smashed a couple of racquets and it's a huge thing. I mean, before the guys were way worse behaved and said way, way worse things to the umpires.
I think it's pretty mild compared with what happened. Also he ended up winning that set as well. So sometimes it can help.
I guess the more you keep your emotions in check, the better. That's what I've done well so far this week.
Q. Would you like to go back to those days?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know. I mean, I think if they had the rules that they have in place now, it would be interesting to see what would happen to some of the older players with the things that they did, to see the fines they would be racking up.
Yeah, I mean, they'd be getting defaults left, right, and center. I think beforehand they were much, much more lenient. I would like to see someone try the things that McEnroe would have now to see what would happen to them.
Q. If you take away the rules, go back to the old rules...
ANDY MURRAY: Would I like that?
Q. Yes.
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know. I don't know.
Q. Everybody expresses themselves.
ANDY MURRAY: To be honest, I mean, for you guys it would probably be more interesting. I think tennis nowadays, because of the level of it, you don't really need all the other stuff.
But I'm sure it would make for a few better headlines if everybody went back to what they were like a few years ago.
Q. Spectators might like it as well.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, you could say that. But if I swear on the court, I get asked about a hundred questions about it. Before guys were swearing at umpires, swearing at ball kids, people in the stands and stuff.
I've taken my fair share of stick for saying stuff on the court that was very, very mild compared with what the guys used to before. I'm happy with the way it is just now.
cont next post
Andy's press conference transcript continued
Q. The taunting and teasing in the old days, you talked about how Mohammed Ali did that with Fraizer. I take it you might enjoy someone to spar with?
ANDY MURRAY: We do a lot away obviously from the press room. You know, the guys you work with, we all have a laugh and a joke, wind each other up, tease each other. That's one of the things I do like about boxing, because it does make the matches more interesting, or the fights more interesting.
But the problem is, you know, if I was to say something about Roger or Rafa in here, I have to sit next to them in the locker room the next day. It's better just to be sort of respectful, say all the right things.
Q. If you had a chance, would you watch Mayweather and Pacquiera? Who would you like to see win that one?
ANDY MURRAY: I've never been to see a fight in the States. I'd like to try. I think Mayweather would win, and I'd like him to win because he's my favorite to watch. But I don't think it's going to happen.
Q. Did you lament the demise of the tackle in football?
ANDY MURRAY: The demise of the tackle?
Q. They don't tackle anymore.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. I mean, I like watching a good tackle. I mean, I like Arsenal. Obviously a couple of the guys had their legs broken, as well. You obviously want to see guys going in for challenges properly.
I've listened to what a lot of the managers have said. A lot of the managers have said that guys don't learn how to tackle properly these days. I'd like there to be more tackling so long as it's done properly.
Q. Outside of your own rivalries, what match would you turn on TV between any two guys?
ANDY MURRAY: Monfils, 100%. Before, it's Santoro. I'd always watch him. I like watching Tomic. I wouldn't mind watching Monfils/Tomic. Monfils, just because of his athleticism, I think he's an unbelievable athlete. Always enjoy watching him. And Tomic has just got a funky game, so different to everyone nowadays. It's fun to watch.
Q. Are you going to watch that funky Dolgopolov/Tomic match?
ANDY MURRAY: There will be some junk in that match for sure. I'll watch a bit of that, for sure, yeah.
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/james-lawton-can-this-new-murray-lead-to-major-prizes-6291465.html)- James Lawton: Can this new Murray lead to major prizes?
The Montreal Gazette (http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Australian+tennis+players+have+hard+time+handling+ weighty+expectations/6013349/story.html) - Australian tennis players have a hard time handling weighty expectations
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/131701.html) - Murray's Anglophile opponent swotting up on Brit
pre ERV match
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19012012/58/australian-open-efficient-murray-reaches-third-round.html)- Australian Open - Efficient Murray reaches third round
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/tramlines/murray-set-french-exam-121723115.html) - Murray set for French exam
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/19012012/58/murray-speaks-annabel-croft.html) - Video: Murray speaks to Annabel Croft
video interview post ERV match
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/19012012/58/murray-reaches-third-round.html) - Video: Murray reaches third round
short summary of match
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/19012012/58/ball-girl-catches-giant-bug.html) - Video: Ball girl catches giant bug
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/18012012/58/tipsy-time-djokovic-turns-cameraman.html) - Video: Tipsy Time: Djokovic turns cameraman
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/18012012/58/australian-open-doubles-delight.html)- Video: We like Australian Open: Doubles delight
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-19/201201191326974828531.html)- Murray deals a master class
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/born-in-kiev-the-unwitting-occasional-australian/)- Born in Kiev: The unwitting, occasional Australian
"Tomic versus Dolgopolov should show that there are some creatives out there. Murray is one of the most unorthodox players on the scene, but even he looks like a bit of a ‘square’ when compared to these two."
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-four-2/)- Notes from Melbourne - day four
by Alex Willis
Nicks Picks (http://nickstennispicks.com/2012/01/19/2012-australian-open-3rd-round-picks-and-thoughts/) - Day four
Aussie Andy
20-01-2012, 03:24
I just wanted to comment on British vs Australian attitudes toward Murray as expressed in articles and the comments on the article. British publications nitpick Andy and act as though he is much worse than he is (or they pull out something bad from midair) and the comments tend to be downright mean and low, whereas reading Aussie articles lately, the articles tend to be matter-of-fact, telling it as he is, giving him due credit, and the comments are all positive, wishing him all the best (many reckon he could win the Open, others say that in spite of being Hewitt fans, etc, they hope he'll do really well). I just wish the Brits (in general) would simply recognise Andy for who he is.
Anyway, we all know that, so I'll move on.
LC the fan
20-01-2012, 12:40
Herald Sun see Cazza's post above
Get voting ladies - Andy isn't doing as well as we know he could if we all got out votes in !!!
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16644660.stm)- Andy Murray wary of Michael Llodra at Australian Open 2012
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16643870.stm) - Australian Open: Colin Fleming & Ross Hutchins into round three
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/16638461.stm)- Andy Murray on Michael Llodra's locker room antics
video interview with BBC Scotland
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/21901/7443424/Murray-plays-pundit)- Murray plays
lunch is calling so I will do more later :)
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9027540/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-is-a-worry-for-French-contingent-says-Guy-Forget.html)- Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray is a worry for French contingent, says Guy Forget
Sun (http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/4073643/Judy-gives-Andy-Murray-the-tennis-elbow-Scots-star-loses-his-No1-fan.html)- Judy gives Andy Murray the tennis elbow
piccy of the Andy boys wiht Judy
Tennis Earth (http://www.tennisearth.com/news/tennisNews/Andy-Murray-vs-Michael-Llodra-2012-Australian-Open-Match-Preview-308916.htm) - Andy Murray vs. Michael Llodra: 2012 Australian Open Match Preview
Press Association (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5i6M6nASud3Lzg7HeI8XXcL7zodMA?docId=N00347113 27064652352A) - Murray vows to do it his way
The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/just-starting-to-get-history-of-the-game/story-fnbe6xeb-1226249802771)- Just starting to get history of the game
by Andy Murray
Press Association (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gLT_9iPom2nd40G7u5Tgwnvas1Lg?docId=N00245113 27037034900A) - Llodra to keep faith against Murray
Express (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/296845/Andy-Murray-I-know-what-Michael-Llodra-has-in-his-locker)- ANDY MURRAY: I KNOW WHAT MICHAEL LLODRA HAS IN HIS LOCKER
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/magic-murray-sets-up-clash-with-nutty-frenchman-6292164.html)- Magic Murray sets up clash with 'nutty' Frenchman
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9025706/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-draws-Michael-Llodra-after-cruising-past-Edouard-Roger-Vasselin.html) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray draws Michael Llodra after cruising past Edouard Roger-Vasselin
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/19/andy-murray-michael-llodra-australian-open?newsfeed=true)- Andy Murray cruises towards wacky Michaël Llodra at Australian Open
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2089109/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murrays-hoping-joke-wont-him.html) - A Llodra laughs! But Murray's hoping the joke won't be on him
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2089332/Australian-Open-2012-Michael-Llodra-reveals-Andy-Murray-plan.html)- Llodra reveals serve and volley plan to wreck Murray's Grand Slam dream
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/australian-open-diary-team-rafa-revert-to-type/)- Where is Andy Murray?
"Andy Murray was scheduled to practice at Melbourne Park on Friday but when fans, press and photographers turned up to see him, the world number four was conspicuous by his absence.
Was there an injury? Was he sick? No, it just turns out that the two-time Australian Open finalist has been practising at nearby Kooyong, where the tournament was played until 1987. It’s much quieter there, away from the crowds, which is just what Murray and his new coach Ivan Lendl want.
As Murray said: “I have been trying to spend as little time away from the courts as possible and conserve energy. (On Wednesday) I practised and then spent most of the time in my room – I’d had a long match the day before". Hope there was something good on television."
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/note-from-melbourne-day-five/) - Notes from Melbourne - day five
AFP (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hKukzOZbFuimx32DKMCRMHL2A3Sg?docId=CNG.9081b c8797787335271f45ae49aca168.2b1) - Squeamish tennis players reveal pet hates
Sallydaisy
20-01-2012, 21:49
Some extracts from articles written by the ever excellent Neil Harman writing for the Times Online (http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/tennis/article3292177.ece).
Sorry that it can't be read freely ...
Cool Andy Murray eases through first of his French tests
As was apparent when the draw was made, if Murray is to get to the top of the hill this time round, he will have to take out half the French contingent to get there.
Llodra follows on from Edouard Roger-Vasselin, stylishly defeated 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 yesterday, with the likes of Gaël Monfils, Julien Benneteau — the runner-up in Sydney last weekend — and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga all inhabiting the Briton’s section.
British writers had eyes only for Murray yesterday, especially after Jamie, his older brother, was beaten in the opening round of the doubles with Paul Hanley, his Australian partner. The focus on the No 4 seed will only intensify, but he is well used to such a forensic following. Since Lendl has been sitting in his corner — starting in Brisbane the weekend before last — the Scot’s outbursts to his team have dried to a trickle, his first serve has been landing with additional regularity — although the second is still eminently attackable — and he actually looks as if he is enjoying the process, which is half the battle.
Lendl never did smile much on the court, but a love of outwitting opponents was always a driving force for him and few players appreciate the sharps and clefs of the tennis score more than Murray.
Andy Murray makes light work of Frenchman
Andy Murray’s place in the third round of the Australian Open was secured with victory in one of those matches we would prefer to see from him more often in grand-slam tournaments: without drama, without rage, without dropping his serve, without anything other than cool, calm, collected tennis.
A 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 success over Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France on Hisense Arena – his second consecutive outing in this detached outcrop of Melbourne Park – might have been more comfortable, but imagine the furore had he won for the loss of only four games or so. Better perhaps that he keeps a bit of a lid on the expectations.
In these championships, it is all about saving your best for when it is really required. An edgy first set against Ryan Harrison, the American in the first round aside, it has all been very controlled from the 24-year-old world No 4. Encouraging signs prevail. On the couple of occasions he might have become angry and perhaps turned on someone in the stands (his support group is healthy in numbers) he was the model of restraint, even to the point of laughing at a couple of Carlos Ramos’s more extravagant umpiring overrules.
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/20012012/58/schett-seeks-silly-supporters.html)- Video: Schett seeks silly supporters
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/20012012/58/tipsy-time-macho-macho-man.html)- Video: Tipsy Time: Macho, macho man
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/20012012/58/bird-stops-play-nadal-match.html) - Video: Bird stops play in Nadal match
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/19012012/58/tipsy-time.html) - Video: Tipsy Time
LC the fan
21-01-2012, 12:25
If Andy doesn't get some glowing reports from the Brit press after that fantastic match I will never buy another newspaper
traveller7
21-01-2012, 12:27
If Andy doesn't get some glowing reports from the Brit press after that fantastic match I will never buy another newspaper
Here here, it should be backpage news in front of all other sports.
Sallydaisy
21-01-2012, 12:51
Timesonline (http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/tennis/article3293974.ece) -Andy Murray crushes Michael Llodra to raise title hopes
Quite low-key from Neil Harman - here's an 'extract'.
You have to sign up and pay £2/week to view the rest.
Showing off just about every facet of his game and playing with a smile – which we can’t say all the time - Andy Murray reached the last 16 of the Australian Open with an alacrity that had the patrons of Hisense Arena both swooning with admiration and rocking in the aisles.
The world No 4 defeated the serve and volleying left hander from France Michael Llodra, 6-4, 6-2, 6-0, a fixture played in a spirit that was initially full of fire and that ended with the pair chatting at the net like neighbours over the garden fence. By the climax of the match, though Llodra was giving us the full range of his shots, both trick and treat, and none of them could penetrate the aura which is slowly building around the two-time finalist and his recently-appointed coach, Ivan Lendl.
........
He (Kukushkin) will have to hope that the British No 1 is not in the kind of form that, after being occasionally flummoxed by Llodra’s net rushing tactics, got into such a groove that he was picking the Frenchman off at will, chasing down drop shots and lobs, flashing winners, serving superbly and pulling all the strings.
Some of his passing shots were majestic, he rolled with the occasional punch and, most importantly, completed the task in an hour and 49 minutes, which conserved much needed energy as we enter the second week.
...........................
At the end of the occasion, Murray was joshing with the on court interviewer and when asked about the influence of his coach (which happens at the end of the every match he plays these days) he turned round to motion to Lendl but the coach had gone. The job had been done, it was three down, four to go, and he was off to book the following morning’s tee time.
guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/21/andy-murray-llodra-australian-open-monfils) highlights a fun game
this is the 'as it happened' from the guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/21/andy-murray-michael-llodra), no one else could start off the way it does, hilarious!
Sallydaisy
21-01-2012, 13:22
Transcript of Andy's Press Conference from the AO website (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-21/201201211327146569892.html)
It looks like an abridged version of his oncourt interview but since reference is made to that then it can't be the same thing; just similar questions I guess.
A. MURRAY/M. Llodra
6‑4, 6‑2, 6‑0
Q. You looked like you really enjoyed yourself out there tonight?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it was good. I mean, it was tough for a set and a half. A tough match. I mean, he put a lot of pressure on my serve. He came to the net a lot. Saved quite a few games where he had breakpoints or 30‑All games.
Once I got up a double break in the second, we played a lot of entertaining rallies, fun points.
Yeah, I played well. So it was enjoyable.
Q. Is it the matchup that you like? You like the target at the net, that kind of thing?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, like I said, it's tough 'cause he's very good at what he does. You know, he volleys very, very well. From the far end of the court it's tough because there's a breeze and he's coming on to you all the time.
It's tricky, but I've always played well against lefties. I've enjoyed playing against guys that come forward, too. So it was a good matchup for me.
Q. Different styles of game. Where would you say yours is at the moment? How do you feel your game is?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, tonight was good. My movement was way better than the first two matches. I moved great tonight. That's a good sign for me 'cause when I move well, the rest of my game goes well. That was the most pleasing thing for me about tonight.
But, yeah, I mean, I need to keep improving, do things a bit better each round. Tonight I did a lot of things better, so I look forward to the next one.
Q. You sort of joked tonight about Ivan and a golf course. I know it's been a couple weeks. Is there anything you can pinpoint already as to what he's done for your game?
ANDY MURRAY: Obviously having someone with that experience is going to help in many different ways. You know, he had a great mentality, the middle and the latter stage of his career. I think that's something that will rub off on me.
You know, we've been just sort of keeping it pretty low‑key. We haven't been practicing here on the days off. We've been practicing off‑site, just getting our work done, you know, relaxing. That's been it so far.
But, like I say, before the tournament, it was only five or six days we've been working together. He'll be seeing things in my matches that, you know, I can't work on just now, so I'll do that after the tournament's done obviously.
Q. An unexpected fourth‑round opponent. You've already had a sight of him this year.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, he was very good when I played him. When I played him in Brisbane, the first six games he was unbelievable. He hardly missed a ball. He was hitting the ball huge, going pretty much down the line on every shot and cleaning lines.
I mean, to me it's not that unexpected. I saw a little bit of the match today. I didn't quite know what was happening with Gaël. But, yeah, he's won a couple of long five‑setters. He's obviously in good shape. Yeah, when I played him in Brisbane, he was hitting the ball very well.
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9029564/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-reaches-fourth-round-with-exhibition-style-win-over-Michael-Llodra.html): Andy Murray reaches fourth round with exhibition-style win over Michael Llodra
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9029634/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-all-smiles-after-treating-Melbourne-to-style-tennis.html): Andy Murray all smiles after treating Melbourne to 'style' tennis
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16644660.stm)- Andy Murray beats Michael Llodra at Australian Open 2012
"Jonathan Overend's comments: What an entertaining match that was! Full of tricks and flicks, stretches and chases. Some of Llodra's stretch volleys were ridiculous and Murray had to use all his skill on the pick-ups, angles and lobs. It was great to see Murray buying into the fun, playing along with some of the exhibition moments, but most importantly he kept his focus, served superbly and got the job done with winners galore. The ultimate mix of business and pleasure"
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16665685.stm) - Andy Murray seals Australian Open win over Michael Llodra with superb lob
video
Oz site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-21/201201211327144458590.html)- Llodra press conference
video + transcript
extract of transcipt
Q. Jo‑Wilfried is playing without a coach possibly. There is a possibility he could play Murray in the quarters. Will you two speak? Will he come to you, in other words?
MICHAEL LLODRA: Yeah, but we don't have the same game. I'm lefty. He's righty. He already beat him. So, I mean, it's totally different. Is going to be a quarterfinal match.
But they have to win, both of them, before first. Anything can happen with Jo. You know, it depends how fit is he.
But it's tough. With Andy, if he's playing like that, it's going to be a big fight.
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9682986.stm)- Australian Open day six as it happened
I'll search for some more articles soon
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2089789/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-destroys-Michael-Llodra.html?ITO=google_news_rss_feed)- Magic Murray mauls Frenchman Llodra to cruise into fourth round in Melbourne
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/tramlines/lendl-already-proving-positive-addition-murray-140718165.html)- Lendl already proving positive addition for Murray
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/01/3/Australian-Open-Day-6-Diary.aspx) - Down Under Diary - Lendl Schools Murray
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2012/01/Australian-Open/Australian-Open-2012-Saturday-Interview-Kukushkin.aspx) - Kukutsin (post Monfils)press conference interview
video
Oz site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-21/201201211327142703910.html) - Confident display sees Murray through
by Alex Willis
The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/brats-lose-out-to-hawkeye-20120121-1qbiq.html) - Brats lose out to Hawk-Eye
Metro (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/888012-andy-murray-jokes-im-going-to-get-hammered-after-michael-llodra-win) - Andy Murray jokes 'I'm going to get hammered' after Michael Llodra win
LTA site (http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Australian-Open/News/2012/Murray-crushes-Llodra-in-third-round-in-Melbourne/) - Murray crushes Llodra in third round in Melbourne
Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4076831/Andy-Murray-Murray-beats-Michael-Llodra-in-Australian-Open-third-round.html) - Everything's fine and dandy for awesome Andy
Press Association (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gYLc8mDJCo60ksUiktUuB8c_wvaw?docId=N00467913 27139564923A)- Imperious Murray cruises through
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-six/)- Notes from Melbourne - day six
by Alex Willis
"Match of the day
Andy Murray v Michael Llodra
It may not have been a five-set storm in a teacup, but it had lobs, drop shots, dinks, dives, a ball in the back, a dead bug impression, and, a lot of very impressive tennis. Murray tore the entertaining Frenchman apart 6-4, 6-2, 6-0 to make it through to the fourth round. 48 winners, 11 unforced errors. The man in orange is in good nick."
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/is-this-the-end-of-sexism-in-mens-tennis/)- Is this the end of sexism in men's tennis
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/australian-open-diary-nalbandians-water-fight/) - Australian Open DIary: Nalbandian's water fight
Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jkLLI7ZSrQ&context=C339c38dADOEgsToPDskJ3pwp4F3GDvfEikf74On-7) - Andy's post match interview on court
The Slice (http://the-slice.com/2012/01/murray-takes-a-tumble-at-the-australian-open/) - Murray Takes A Tumble At The Australian Open
piccies of Andy's somersault
Oz site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/video/index.html#ooid=YwazdjMzr_G2BwOuLyKUt7WcVjZRjT4g)- highlights of Llodra match
video
Oz site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/video/index.html#ooid=YwazdjMzr_G2BwOuLyKUt7WcVjZRjT4g) - Andy Murray shows Michael Llodra some love
video of head butt
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/21012012/58/australian-open-murray-crushes-llodra-straight-sets.html)- Australian Open - Murray crushes Llodra in straight sets
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/21012012/58/murray-llodra-turn-style.html)- Video: Murray and Llodra turn on style
Eurosport's highlights of Llodra match
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/21012012/58/tipsy-time-trolling-rafa-nadal.html) - Video: Tipsy Time: Trolling Rafa Nadal
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/21012012/58/tipsy-time-trolling-rafa-nadal.html) - Four spectacular points from Andy Murray’s third-round win (video)
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2089953/Bring-Borat-Now-Murray-faces-man-Kazakhstan.html?ito=feeds-newsxml) - Bring on Borat! Now Murray faces the man from Kazakhstan
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2089958/Nigel-Sears-task-putting-Ana-Ivanovic-top.html)- Kim's Dad has task of putting Ana back on top
Eurosport (Video: Australian Open : We like Australian Open) - Video: Australian Open : We like Australian Open
awwww, lovely, Andy and Jamie paid for their dad to come over and stay in Oz for AO! Hope he is able to watch Andy win the title!
Story in the mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2089953/Bring-Borat-Now-Murray-faces-man-Kazakhstan.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)
His father Will is here for the first time, a recipient of a gift package of flight ticket and hotel accommodation from Murray and his brother Jamie.
'Dad is due to go back to Scotland on Thursday, but I hope to keep him a bit longer,' said Murray.
Independent (http://aggbot.com/Sport-News/article/15965314)- After the fun, Andy Murray gets serious
Guardian (Andy Murray crushes Llodra at Australian Open as Monfils crashes out)- Andy Murray crushes Llodra at Australian Open as Monfils crashes out
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9029634/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-all-smiles-after-treating-Melbourne-to-style-tennis.html) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray all smiles after treating Melbourne to 'style' tennis
Oz Open site (http://www.andymurray.com/#/community/blog/andys-oz-open-blog-1/) - Andy's blog
Andy's blog from Wednesday
Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/tennis/2012/01/22/australian-open-2012-andy-murray-s-next-opponent-is-coached-by-his-wife-115875-23710977/)- Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray's next opponent is coached by his wife
Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/tennis/2012/01/21/jamie-murray-wants-to-join-brother-andy-for-olympic-doubles-dream-team-115875-23710663/) - Jamie Murray wants to join brother Andy for Olympic doubles dream team
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16669683.stm)- Australian Open: Colin Fleming & Ross Hutchins lose to Bryans
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/australian_open_things_looking_up_for_andy_murray_ down_under_1_2071435)- Australian Open: Things looking up for Andy Murray Down Under
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16669933.stm)- Andy Murray set for Mikhail Kukushkin at Australian Open 2012
Sallydaisy
22-01-2012, 12:03
alex kay
@lukebambridge40 (https://twitter.com/#%21/lukebambridge40) column on his first aussie win, dealing with the heat, nandos and @kyle8edmund (https://twitter.com/#%21/kyle8edmund) 's sock marks tinyurl.com/7bjrcy7 (http://t.co/oda8pw62)
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/australian-open-diary-count-down-to-fatherhood/)- Australian Open Diary: countdown to fatherhood
"Andy Murray has had it pretty easy in his first three matches here so it was interesting to hear that Jez Green, his fitness trainer, had been in the stats room here trying to work out how far the Scot has run in each of his matches.
It’s a stat that was available at the US Open last September but The Tennis Space is not sure whether the television companies here have it or not. Organisers here were helping Green with his quest."
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/top-10/top-10-australian-open-memories/) - Top 10 Australian Open memories
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9683652.stm)- Australian Open day seven as it happened
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/22012012/58/berdych-wins-bitter-battle-almagro.html) - Video: Berdych wins bitter battle with Almagro
BBC Scotland (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/16672079.stm)- Australian Open: Mikhail Kukushkin prepares for 'biggest' tie
audio interview
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-seven/) - Notes from Melbourne - day seven
by Alex Willis
The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/andy-murray-not-surprised-by-rival/story-fnbe6xeb-1226250773477) - Andy Murray not surprised by rival
Sporting Life (http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=tennis/12/01/22/TENNIS_Australian_Murray_Nightlead.html&BID=553) - KUKUSHKIN KEEPS IT IN THE FAMILY
Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/lendl-brings-out-lighter-side-of-murrays-game-20120122-1qc8k.html)- Lendl brings out lighter side of Murray's game
Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2012/01/22/scots-tennis-ace-andy-murray-jokes-that-he-ll-get-hammered-after-big-win-86908-23712671/) - Scots tennis ace Andy Murray jokes that he'll get hammered after big win
Andy's press conference is here:
http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-23/201201231327292537816.html
Lendl Interview (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7492195) on ESPN
I don't know if there will be a web-link, but those of you who know how to find these things........?
Shown 11.00 on Eurosport online just before the Hewitt-Djoko match started.
She sounded lightweight, but asked some good questions. Murray was good.
If you can see it....notice Murray's feet-floor.......he's 6'3" & his feet barely reached the floor........how high is that seat!?
Andy's press conference is here:
http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-23/201201231327292537816.html
Transcript
A. Murray d. M. Kukushkin
6-1 6-1 1-0 ret.
Q. Did you sense that he was struggling early on?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, we practiced on the court next to each other this morning. I mean, we both practiced for like 40 minutes. He had like four or five racquets, like he was trying out different tensions and stuff on the court.
I saw him like bouncing around before he went out onto the court. It wasn't until I went up 3Love pretty quickly I realized, you know, he wasn't really moving. And then, yeah, that was it.
Q. Did you sense he was going to retire at some point?
ANDY MURRAY: I thought it was best he retired, yeah, because it was pointless. You know, he wasn't running. The people probably weren't enjoying the match that much. I certainly wasn't because nothing was happening. You know, there's no real good points or anything 'cause he couldn't move properly.
Sometimes it's best just to stop.
Q. Is it difficult to keep your concentration in that kind of situation?
ANDY MURRAY: No. I mean, if I was younger probably, yeah. But not now. I mean, it can be sometimes if a guy takes an injury timeout and doesn't move for a couple of games and then, you know, starts moving unbelievably. I watched the match with Monfils. It looked like that's what Monfils was doing at the start of match.
By the end, he was running for everything. That can be difficult. But he didn't move the whole match, so it wasn't that tough.
Q. What does this do for your own preparation?
ANDY MURRAY: I'll go practice in a little bit, work on a few things. I'm going to try and get back on Laver after the women's match is finished because the court's a little bit quicker.
And also playing here during the day it's much faster, as well. Obviously the ball travels quicker through there with the heat. So I'll try and practice again on there in case I have to play my next match in the middle of the day. That's it.
Q. So it's not necessarily a bonus in terms of not working as hard as maybe you needed to?
ANDY MURRAY: No, it's perfect because you conserve energy. You just need to make sure, you know, today and tomorrow you hit enough balls to make sure you don't lose any rhythm. Because there was no rallies out there, I need to make sure I move around a little bit so I don't stiffen up in any way.
But just, you know, you can't look at it as a negative. At this stage of the tournament to be off the court in 45 minutes or so isn't bad.
Q. It's possible you might have to play during the day again here. Would you welcome that? Do you think your durability gives you a potential advantage?
ANDY MURRAY: To be honest, sometimes it depends who you're playing against. For example, Hewitt and Djokovic today, I would have thought it would have been more beneficial for Hewitt to play during the day against Novak.
Some guys like playing in the heat. Some guys, someone like Ferrer, I mean, he's one of the fittest guys on the tour. He's great in the hot conditions. He makes you work hard for every point.
Then he gets a little bit more on his shots; whereas in the evening it slows the conditions down a little bit, the opponent's not getting as tired, and also his shots aren't doing as much damage.
It sometimes depends just who you're playing against and whatnot. I don't mind.
Q. You've done a great preparation for the match. Then to go out there in those circumstances, is it a bit of an odd day for you?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it's just boring. There was nothing happening on the court. It's like, you know, it would have been nice to have come off and been like, Ah, I played unbelievable and he stopped.
Didn't have to do anything. Just hitting the ball in the court and, you know, he wasn't running. He was making mistakes the first or second ball of the rally. That was it.
Complete contrast to my match with Llodra the other day.
Q. You'd take a few boring wins, wouldn't you?
ANDY MURRAY: I've got no problem with it. You know, it's not so much like winning boring matches. If you win a 62, 62 match and you don't have to save any breakpoints or anything and there's no ups and downs, you know, that's different.
Today there was nothing. There was no atmosphere 'cause there was no points. That was it.
Q. Was it a bit of a shock when he broke you?
ANDY MURRAY: No. I mean, like I said, nothing was happening. Wouldn't have mattered whether I lost that game or the first game because he wasn't running.
It was also tough at that time of day. On the far side the sun is bang in your eyes. You're kind of rolling the serve in to get the point started.
Also the court is quicker. It takes a few games to adjust. Hit a few balls long at the start, then I hit a few balls into the net and stuff. Different court, different conditions. That's it.
Q. Looks like Kei is two sets to one up as we speak. Can you just talk about those two guys, the challenges they present.
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, Tsonga, I'm sure you know how he plays. He's got a huge serve, great athlete. Can be a little bit erratic sometimes. But when he's on, he's incredible. He's incredibly imposing. He can kind of dictate what's going on on the court.
I saw a little bit of the match just now. Kei is playing really, really well. Practiced with him a few times. He's very good. You know, very deceptive. For somebody that's not the tallest guy, he creates a lot of power from the back of the court.
He deals with pace well. He can slice. He moves well. He was hitting a lot of winners out there. He was dictating all the points from the back of the court which is difficult against someone like Tsonga. He's one a few long matches here as well.
Every time I saw him in Brisbane the last few weeks, I've seen him in the gym a lot. I think he's gotten in better shape, as well. He's doing well.
Q. With Kei, can you see what influence Brad has had with him?
ANDY MURRAY: To be honest, I don't think he's doing much work with him at all. I think they maybe even stopped around Wimbledon time last year. He did start doing better after that, but a lot of times the work's kind of done before then and you see the results a few months later (laughter).
But, no, I think a lot of times I know Brad, when I worked with him and spoke to him about Kei a little bit, he was saying he needs to learn to love the gym. To be fair, I've seen him in there a lot doing good work. He's gotten in better shape.
I think that can then help with your mentality on the court. Because he isn't as tall as some of the guys, getting stronger will have helped his game. He's playing very well.
Q. One of the things people found pretty interesting was Ivan covering the camera to stop his face from being broadcast on the big screen. Was that a joke or is he camera shy?
ANDY MURRAY: The camera is one inch from your face when you're watching the match. I thought that that was a person at first, and then I saw the thing doing a full rotation with the head. I didn't know it was him that had done it until after the match.
But, yeah, that was just the sort of thing he does. He showed me a message from his wife. He said, Yeah, that had his signature written all over it. He's been doing that for years.
Q. Do you think it's fair there should be a camera right there?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know whether it's fair. For who? For the people in the box?
Q. Yes.
ANDY MURRAY: In some ways, I mean, it's good. I think if they're going to put a camera there, they should at least use it for the benefit of the umpire or someone, if people are blatantly coaching.
There's been a few weird decisions the last few days. I saw one yesterday, Berdych getting a warning for coaching. A few others have been the umpires have been speaking to the players saying, You need to stop getting coaching.
Yeah, I don't know how anyone knows what's getting said, to be honest. There's a lot of different languages out there. Unfortunately, English is spoken most places, so we can't really get away with the coaching.
But if the camera's going to be there, they should at least use it to stop people from coaching, I guess.
Transcript continued
Q. Kukushkin is coached by his wife. If Kim was helping you this week, what do you think she'd be telling you?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, she's been around tennis pretty much her whole life, so she at least has an understanding of it. To be honest, I have very few conversations with her about tennis. To be honest, it's not really necessary. You just get the, Well done, or, Bad luck. That's pretty much it.
I'm sure she would be okay. She might be better than most because her dad's been a coach for a long time, so she understands a little bit.
Q. Can you share how it's been working with Ivan, what you like so far best working with him?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think because it's him, you know, you're kind of like a sponge. You're kind of absorbing a lot of different information. You're asking a lot of questions and you're getting a lot of good answers, interesting ones.
You know, you take obviously all the best parts of it, and it helps. I mean, there's not been one thing in particular that he's said that has made a huge different. But there's many little things on a daily basis that just help.
I'm sure, you know, if I had no one here, no coach here, I'd be okay. But when you just get that little bit of extra help from someone that's been there and done it many, many times, it helps.
In terms of my game, nothing's really changed because we haven't had enough time to work on things. I'll do that after the tournament.
Q. A week into the tournament, how do you assess your own progress through the draw?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think each match got better. Today's match, I don't really know. Didn't do much. But I thought each round I played a little bit better. I didn't feel good at all in my first match.
Managed to get through, and then started serving better, started moving better. That's good. I'll definitely be fresh for the next few rounds hopefully. Just need to make sure I do the right things the next couple days to get ready for the quarters.
A transcript of a post match interview with Jim Courier can be found on post 6 of the summary thread.
http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?566-Andy-at-the-Australian-Open-Match-Summaries-and-Stats&p=36287#post36287
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-23/201201231327292197413.html)- Kukushkin post match press conference interview
video + transcript
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-23/201201231327302422777.html) - Nishikori post Monfils press conference interview
video+ transcript
Q. How do you see your next match?
KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, honestly I was surprised it finished. I watched the score, finish 6‑1, 6‑1 and he retired.
Andy, we played last year, end of last year. He kind of destroy me. But, you know, I have no pressure now. He's one of the players I have to play like him. I learn a lot of things from him.
Yeah, it's going to be tough, but I try to do my best tennis.
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-23/201201231327286986872.html)- Murray handed easy victory
by Alix Ramsey
:rolling:
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16669933.stm) - Andy Murray beats Mikhail Kukushkin at Australian Open 2012
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16678191.stm)- Murray through to Australian Open quarters as Kukushkin retires
short video
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/23012012/58/murray-breezes-eight.html) - Video: Murray breezes into last eight
si.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/tennis/01/23/murray-lendl.ap) - Lendl throws towel over camera at Australian Open
Evening Standard (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/article-24030070-tired-rivals-on-the-menu-for-andy-murray.do)- Tired rival's on the menu for Andy Murray
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9684042.stm) - As it happened Day 6
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/23/australian-open-andy-murray-tsonga?newsfeed=true)- Andy Murray on Australian Open cruise control but Jo-Wilfried Tsonga out
ESPN (http://espn.go.com/tennis/aus12/story/_/id/7491546/australian-open-why-andy-murray-ivan-lendl-duo-work)- Why the Murray-Lendl duo will work
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16677817.stm)- Ivan Lendl can help Andy Murray win Australian Open - Jeremy Bates
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2090465/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-quarter-finals-Mikhail-Kukushkin-injury.html)- Murray secures quarter-final clash with Nishikori after Kukushkin retires hurt
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9031839/Andy-Murray-reaches-Australian-Open-quarter-finals-after-Mikhail-Kukushkin-retires-injured.html) - Andy Murray reaches Australian Open quarter-finals after Mikhail Kukushkin retires injured
The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/victory-will-be-what-gets-murray-making-merry-20120123-1qdy3.html)- Victory will be what gets Murray making merry
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23012012/58/australian-open-murray-breezes-eight.html) - Australian Open - Murray breezes into last eight
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/23/australian-open-2012-andy-murray) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray sends Kazakh packing
Daily Telegraph (Australia) (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/andy-murrays-coach-ivan-lendl-turns-camera-shy/story-e6frexni-1226251734135) - Andy Murray's coach Ivan Lendl turns camera shy
The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/andy-murray-had-little-to-do-as-his-opponent-was-drained-after-10-gruelling-sets/story-fnbe6xeb-1226251722178) - Andy Murray had little to do as his opponent was drained after 10 gruelling sets
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9032210/Andy-Murrays-Australian-Open-quarter-final-opponent-Kei-Nishikori-profile.html) - Andy Murray's Australian Open quarter-final opponent Kei Nishikori: profile
Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/the-rising-son-20120123-1qdz0.html)- The rising son
About Nishikori
Eurosport - (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/23012012/58/nishikori-joy-beating-tsonga.html) Video: Nishikori joy at beating Tsonga
A bit about Andy towards the end
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/kei-nishikori-project-45-destined-for-the-top-10/)- Kei Nishikori: 'Project 45' destined for the top 10
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/top-10/revealed-officially-the-worst-offenders-in-mens-tennis/) - Revealed: the worst offenders in men's tennis
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-eight/) - Notes form Melbourne - day eight
The Slice (http://the-slice.com/)- Happy Slam Reflections: Day 8
"Mr. Lendl’s Neighborhood: During Andy Murray’s match, sneaky Mr. Lendl put a towel over the camera in the coaches’ box so we couldn’t get those great close-ups of him or those other good-looking boys in the Murray box. After the match, he and Andy’s hitting partner, Dani Vallverdu, were spotted in the stands scouting Nishikori/Tsonga. They were just hanging out, having a chat amongst the crowd. "
Daily Telegraph (Australia) (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/andy-murrays-coach-ivan-lendl-turns-camera-shy/story-e6frexni-1226251734135) - Andy Murray's coach Ivan Lendl turns camera shy
Maybe Lendl has had an effect on Andy already...
But quirky Lendl's telling influence has been manifested in the World No. 4's relaxed demeanor - not his unbeaten run. On match point in an exhibition outing against David Nalbandian at Kooyong, Murray took a swig of James Boag beer from a corporate patron. He then joked about "getting hammered" in a post-match interview following his round three victory over Michael Llodra on Hisense Arena.... he's turned him into an alcoholic!
The Slice (http://the-slice.com/)- Happy Slam Reflections: Day 8
The ESPN interview with Lendl is worth watching.
:thanks: for the interesting Lendl interview.
Just caught the end of a 'Boxing Mastermind' quiz with A Croft after the Djoko/Hewitt match.
Does anyone have the link? - Andy was querying the answers teehee!
I saw that, it was funny, but not up on the Eurosport site yet.
SW19membersclub (http://www.sw19membersclub.co.uk/murray-credits-sushi-for-success/): Andy credits sushi for his success
Andymurray.com (http://www.andymurray.com/#/community/blog/andys-oz-open-blog-4/) - Andy's blog - fourth one
Eurosport (http://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news?slug=ycn-10876011) - Andy Murray Hires Ivan Lendl to Help Get Him a Grand Slam Victory: A Fan’s Take
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16695246.stm)- Andy Murray wary of Kei Nishikori at Australian Open
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16695247.stm)- Australian Open 2012: Liam Broady bows out in Melbourne
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9684952.stm)- Australian Open 2012 day nine as it happened
STV (http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/294909-museums-hosts-murray-family-event-on-their-passion-for-tennis/) - Museums hosts Murray family event on their passion for tennis
"Scottish tennis player Andy Murray will be giving a talk about his passion for sport.
The world number four will be joined by his brother Jamie and mother Judy at the event at the National Museum Scotland next month"
A thread has been started up to discuss this - http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?602-ANDY-MURRAY-TALK-National-Museum-of-Scotland-Edinburgh-February-7th.&p=36873#post36873
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/132780.html)- Murray braced for transformed Nishikori
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/could-scottish-independence-hurt-andy-murray/)- Could Scottish independence hurt Andy Murray
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/australian-open-diary-the-grunting-debate-is-back/) - Australian Open diary - the grunting debate is back
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-nine/)- Notes from Melbourne - day
by Alex Willis
New Zealand Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10780932) - Tennis: Greatest test for Japan's quarter finalist
Brandon Sun (http://www.brandonsun.com/sports/breaking-news/swooping-seagulls-get-djokovic-nadal-in-a-flap-at-australian-open-tennis-event-137956808.html?thx=y) - Swooping seagulls get Djokovic, Nadal in a flap at Australian Open tennis event
Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/return-of-the-bad-boys-at-aussie-open/story-fn77kxzt-1226252537464) - Return of the bad boys at Aussie Open
video - men's preview
Press Association (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iHAbW3g6ucrrSlMzAdzHj3WXgXuA?docId=N01050513 27416095658A)- Murray expecting tough test
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9034849/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-is-still-maturing-but-has-experience-to-win-first-grand-slam-says-Ivan-Lendl.html) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray is still maturing but has experience to win first grand slam, says Ivan Lendl
The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/nishikori-respects-murray-20120124-1qfpj.html)- Nishikori respects Murray
New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/sports/tennis/25iht-murray25.html) - Lendl Finds a Comfortable Fit in Coaching Murray
The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/britain-loses-bright-spark-to-australia-20120124-1qfr3.html) - Britain loses bright spark to Australia
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7451272/-Murray-is-maturing-) - 'Murray is maturing'
Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4081976/Australian-Open-tennis-Andy-Murray-set-for-Kei-Nishikori-clash.html) - Murray all set for his Kei moment
Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/24/us-tennis-open-nishikori-idUSTRE80N0J620120124) - Have some fun, Date-Krumm tells Nishikori of Murray match
Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis-news/2012/01/24/scots-tennis-star-andy-murray-s-bid-for-australian-open-title-fuelled-by-sushi-86908-23714851/) - Scots tennis star Andy Murray's bid for Australian Open title fuelled by sushi
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/23/ivan-lendl-andy-murray-relationship?newsfeed=true)- Australian Open 2012: Ivan Lendl to help Andy Murray take the next step
tennistalk (http://www.tennistalk.com/en/blog/Ricky_Dimon/20120123/Australian_Open_%2712_quarterfinal_expert_picks) - Australian Open '12 quarterfinal expert picks
(4) Andy Murray vs. (24) Kei Nishikori
"Ricky: I'm beginning to think Ivan Lendl practices in voodoo. Murray's draw was supposed to be the toughest of the Big 4, with Gael Monfils in the fourth round and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarters. Instead, Monfils bowed out to Mikhail Kukushkin and Tsonga was dismissed by Kei Nishikori. Not surprisingly, Murray sleepwalked past Kuku and will be as well-rested as anyone heading the last eight. The Scot can't sleepwalk in this one because Nishikori is way too good, but the result will be another straight-setter for Lendl's protegee. Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.
Cheryl: Andy Murray really dodged a bullet with this one. Instead of world No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, he gets Nishikori. Nishikori played brilliantly against Tsonga, but it took him five sets and 3 and 1/2 hours. Murray is going to be all too happy to exploit what are sure to be heavy legs and relative inexperience at the business end of a Grand Slam. The Scot has been breezing through his section of the draw and I don't expect that to end just yet. Murray 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4."
Eurosport have put up the mastermind video now
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/24012012/58/mastermind-special-andy-murray.html)- Video: Mastermind special with Andy Murray
:rolling:
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/23012012/58/murray-ve-changed-game.html) - Video: Murray: How I've changed my game
Interview with Annabel Croft
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/23012012/58/game-set-mats-lisicki-face-painting.html)- Video: Game, Set and Mats: Lisicki face-painting
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16695246.stm) - Andy Murray through to semi-finals of Australian Open
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9685322.stm)- As it happened day 10
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/23800/7453203/Murray-s-serve-concern)- Murray's serve concern
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-25/201201251327477604429.html) - Nishikori press conference interview
ESPN (http://espn.go.com/tennis/aus12/story/_/id/7501353/australian-open-andy-murray-semis-bound-once-again)- Andy Murray semis-bound once again
includes short highlights video
"Good omen for Andy: Murray reached his third consecutive semifinal at the Australian Open. The deeper meaning? He was the ninth man to do it, and the previous eight all ended up as Grand Slam champions. "
Sydney Morning Herald (http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/murray-into-open-semis-20120125-1qhed.html) - Murray into Open semis
Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/andy-murray-muzzles-kei-nishikori-in-open-quarters/story-fn77kxzt-1226253714918) - Andy Murray muzzles Kei Nishikori in Open quarters
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/25/andy-murray-kei-nishikori-live?newsfeed=true) - Andy Murray beats Kei Nishikori – as it happened
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/25/andy-murray-australian-open-nishikori?newsfeed=true) - Andy Murray beats Kei Nishikori to reach Australian Open semi-finals
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-25/201201251327472823836.html) - Murray on a high as he lands in semis
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9037347/Andy-Murrays-serene-form-continues-as-he-books-Australian-Open-semi-final-berth-after-victory-over-Kei-Nishikori.html)- Andy Murray's serene form continues as he books Australian Open semi-final berth after victory over Kei Nishikori
A match summary and a transcript of Andy's on court interview after the match can be found on the match summary thread - http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?566-Andy-at-the-Australian-Open-Match-Summaries-and-Stats&p=37565#post37565
Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/andy-murray-priority-to-hold-nerve/story-fn77kxzt-1226253836814)- Andy Murray priority to hold nerve
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9037347/Andy-Murrays-serene-form-continues-as-he-beats-Kei-Nishikori-book-place-in-Australian-Open-semi-final.html) - Andy Murray's serene form continues as he beats Kei Nishikori book place in Australian Open semi-final
Mail (Clinical Murray overpowers weary Nishikori to book semi-final spot at Australian Open Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2091440/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-books-semi-final-spot.html#ixzz1kTKBhRiz)- Clinical Murray overpowers weary Nishikori to book semi-final spot at Australian Open
Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/tennis/2012/01/25/australian-open-andy-murray-s-serving-is-a-pain-in-the-neck-115875-23719834/) - Australian Open: Andy Murray's serving is a pain in the neck
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-25/201201251327481586908.html) - Andy Murray press conference interview
transcript
A. MURRAY/K. Nishikori
6-3 6-3 6-1
Q. Definitely better entertainment than the last match, Andy.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. There was quite a few good rallies. Yeah, I mean, he came up with some good shots. A lot of the long points, the fun rallies he was winning, he came up with some great shots.
But I was just a little bit more solid today and probably had a little bit more in the tank than he did. He played three long matches. With the way that he plays, you know, he needs to play a lot of long rallies. That was to my advantage today.
So it was good.
Q. Do you feel you're kind of climbing step by step heading towards the semifinal?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I was hitting the ball better today. I could have served better, that's for sure. I'll need to serve better in the next match. I had a sore neck today when I woke up and I wasn't feeling all my serve. I don't know if it had anything to do with that.
But I was returning good, hitting the ball clean from the back of the court, moved forward well. So it was good.
Q. Five semifinals in a row. What does that mean to you? You're looking for consistency. You must be incredibly proud of that.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it's been a good run. I mean, it's not easy to do. It's happened often the last few years 'cause of the guys that are playing at the top just now. But, yeah, it's a difficult thing to do. It's good to see that I've been playing my best tennis at the slams because that's something the last couple years I wanted to make sure I was doing.
That wasn't always the case. Good to see that's been paying off. I've been preparing the best I could for them. Thankfully the tennis has been good, as well.
Q. Today your opponent said he looks at you as kind of a role model. He likes to play the way you do. He said he likes your backhand and your intelligence on the court. Do you think you find any similarity between you and Kei in terms of playing style?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah, I mean, I think both of us move well. I think he's improved his allcourt game. I think he's volleying better. Saw a bit of his match with Tsonga. He was volleying well. I think he is a clever player on the court. He's quick.
I don't mean this in a bad way. The only difference is the height. For me, I can get more on my serve because of my height. That's of benefit to me.
I like the way he plays. I practiced with him a lot when I was younger. I used to go to Bollettieri's. Obviously have the similarities of having worked with Brad Gilbert, as well.
Yeah, he's a very good player. So it's nice that he likes the way I play.
Q. What kind of advice would you like to give him?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think he just needs to keep doing what he's been doing the last five or six months. I don't know exactly if he changed much in what he was doing. But I said before the match that I'd seen him in the gym a lot. I've seen him working hard in Brisbane, and even here as well.
He's doing well. He's playing the best tennis of his career. He's going to be moving, I guess, into the top 20 at least after this week. So he's going the right direction.
He's come back from a bad problem with his shoulder. So he's done really well to come back from that.
Q. Do you put your first serving down to your neck only today, or how do you think it's been going throughout the whole tournament?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I hadn't been broken. I mean, the last match wasn't much. But since the first set of my match with Ryan Harrison, I went nine sets I think without getting broken. So I've been serving well. Been getting a lot of free points with my serve.
Yeah, I don't know if it was anything to do with my neck. I didn't feel great on my serve today. But I'll work on it tomorrow and get the rhythm back.
Q. You played in quite different conditions for all of your matches. What were the conditions like today?
ANDY MURRAY: It was hot actually. We practiced this morning. It was cloudy and cool. Then when the clouds sort of burnt away, it was warm. On that court, it was quite breezy, as well. You always feel like there's a bit of a breeze on that court when you're down the far end.
But it was pretty strong today. It was tough to dictate points from that far side.
Q. You haven't had to spend too much time on court. How are you feeling other than the neck? Are you feeling fresh for this stage of the tournament?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I'd hope so. I mean, I haven't played over two hours really for the last few matches. So, yeah, I feel fresh. Hopefully that will be to my advantage going into the weekend. I have to play a lot of long rallies, for sure, against the guys that are still left in the tournament. So I'll need my legs to be fresh for the next few matches.
Q. What have you been able to see of Novak and David? Can you give us a quick preview of the two of them?
ANDY MURRAY: I saw Novak's match with Lleyton. That was the only match of his I'd seen. He was hitting the ball very well.
David, I saw a bit of his match with Gasquet. He's always solid. He's always very good. He never plays poor matches. Obviously had the long one with him last year. He's a tough guy to play.
Q. Do you feel more relaxed at this Grand Slam than maybe previous Grand Slams? Does it feel different?
ANDY MURRAY: No, not necessarily more relaxed. Just probably definitely have more experienced than I had at this point last year because I played deep in the slams the last five or six of them.
No, not necessarily more relaxed. Just more used to being in this position because of the experience.
Q. Do you think that will help you in the semifinal?
ANDY MURRAY: I hope so, yeah.
Q. With the top four having been the same for so long, you being part of that, does it feel any different for you this time having Roger and Rafa finally on the same half?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, well, it has been amazing. I pretty much drew to be in Nadal's half, I mean, almost every slam. I can't remember the last time I wasn't in his half of the draw. It's been a long time.
So, yeah. I mean, it doesn't make a huge difference. Not like the match on Friday's going to be easy, because Novak's obviously playing great tennis and David's excellent, as well. It doesn't change too much. It was actually amazing how many times I was drawn the same half as Rafa.
Q. Can you offer an opinion as to who might come through between Roger and Rafa?
ANDY MURRAY: Between Roger and Rafa? I don't know, to be honest. It could go either way. Depends who plays well on the day.
Rafa's obviously got a great record against him. The conditions in the evening, I don't know exactly who they would suit. I mean, they played a few years ago here, and it was an epic match. I'd expect it to be similar.
Q. Obviously last year the final loss was quite a shattering experience against Novak. If you were to play him again, how much confidence do you take into it knowing that you've subsequently beaten him last year?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I've always liked playing against him. And, yeah, after the year that he had, the loss didn't look so bad six months later. But I'd like to get the chance to play him again. It would be a good marker to see how I've improved since last year. We'll have to wait and see if he gets through.
Tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/are-the-male-grunters-just-as-bad-as-the-females/) - Are the male grunters just as bad as the females?
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/25012012/58/laver-explosion-tennis.html)- Video: Laver: Explosion of tennis
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/25012012/58/murray-dominates-reach-melbourne-semis.html) - Video: Murray dominates to reach Melbourne semis
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/25012012/58/nishikori-legs-shot.html)- Video: Nishikori's between-the-legs shot
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/01/4/Australian-Open-Wednesday-Murray-Beats-Nishikori.aspx) - Murray Ends Nishikori's Historic Run
AO site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-25/201201251327495444717.html)- Djokovic press conference interview following Ferrer
N. DJOKOVIC/D. Ferrer
6-4 7-6 6-1
Q. You clutched your hamstring and seemed to be in real pain for a moment. Was it a pulled hamstring? What was the problem?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, luckily for me it wasn't something that stayed there for long time. It was just a, you know, sudden pain.
But, look, you could expect before coming to this match that it's going to be very physical. David makes you run, makes you play an extra shot, makes you earn your points.
You know, I think I was hitting the ball really well from the baseline. He had his times in the match where he was playing really well. I think, you know, my serve could have been a little bit better. But overall it was a great performance.
Q. Do you have any physical issues that are worrying you ahead of the next match? The breathing seemed to be a bit of a problem.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, I don't have any physical issues. I feel very fit and I feel mentally, as well, very fresh.
It's just today I found it very difficult after a long time to breathe because I felt the whole day my nose was closed a little bit. I just wasn't able to get enough oxygen.
I needed more time, which I didn't have. But, look, you know, in these conditions, at this stage of the tournament, when you're playing somebody like David, somebody that has great shots from both sides from the baseline, makes you always play over five to ten shots in the rally, your physical strength and endurance comes into question.
I think actually I'm not concerned about that at all. I'm really fit and I have no concerns of recovering for the next match. It's just a matter of breathing better through the nose.
Q. It's now Andy again, which is probably the most familiar opponent to you. How much of a psychological edge will you have after last year's final? Do you think that still counts?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's a new year, you know, new challenges for all of us. He's got Ivan Lendl now on his side. He's made some changes.
But, you know, he looks fit. He's been playing well. He's definitely, you know, I think very motivated to win his first Grand Slam. He's been playing last two years finals here. He's been proving to himself and to the rest of the people that the Australian Open is probably his best Grand Slam.
But on the other hand I have been playing quite well here in last couple years. You know, we have to expect a great match. You know, a tournament cannot ask for better matchups in semifinals. I hope that I can step out on the court trying to repeat the same thing I did last year.
But it's definitely going to take a lot of effort to be a winner from that match.
Q. Andy is going to want to get you into some long rallies, as well. Are you confident over the next two days you'll be able to get your breathing back right?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, we had last year in the finals, the first set went over an hour and was lot of long rallies. But that's what you have to expect. You know, this court, these conditions here are a little bit slower than comparing to some other tournaments.
We both are players whose games are, you know, based on the baseline. We both like to, you know, feel comfortable in the rally, kind of get slowly into the point.
But I'm sure that is going to be, you know, a tactical challenge for both of us, you know, how we gonna perform. In the end I think it's very important mentally for both of us to start off well in that match.
Q. You have a slightly shorter break heading into Friday's match. Also, if you win that, you'll have a shorter break ahead of your opponent in the final.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: That's the way it is. Last year was different. Last year I had two days between semifinals and finals.
Look, in this moment I'm not concerned about eventually not having enough time to recover physically and be ready and fit to perform my best in semifinals. That's the only match I look forward to right now. I don't see myself in the finals yet.
Q. Before the really big matches, what strategies do you employ, breathing through the nose like Yoga, something like that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, definitely, different kinds. I'll have to keep that for myself (smiling).
But I always try.
Q. Three out of the last four Grand Slams have been yourself, Roger, Rafa, and Andy. Maybe the next Grand Slam you can play a round robin. I know you talked about the issue, but it's becoming more and more clear the top four are playing at a slightly higher level than the rest of the guys. We've seen it here again.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It became more common nowadays, as you mentioned, whatever, last four or five Grand Slams is us playing in semifinals. People don't realize how difficult that is. It's not easy to get to the semifinals, even though we're expected to. There's a lot of competitive players out there, a lot of players who are very motivated to win against all of us.
So I guess that makes us a success even bigger. We have this probably mental strength and advantage. You know, we have that selfbelief on the court, playing in the finals of the majors for several times, winning some majors, especially Roger and Rafa.
It's just a different approach, a different feel about being on the center stage when you're playing somebody that hasn't had that experience. So that counts, let's say, as your advantage.
Q. Last year before the final Andy talked about you playing football with each other in Perth and here. Has there been much of that? Do you sense he's different with Lendl now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Lendl took him to golf. They're playing more golf than football (smiling). I've been waiting for him.
We haven't had a chance because there's a lot going on. But, look, we've been friends for a long time, always had lots of respect for him. I think it's mutual. I think our teams are getting along really well. We practice whenever we can.
I mean, our friendship and rivalry, you can call it, goes long time back. You know, goes to when we were 12 in France, first tournament. We played a lot of junior events together.
It's great to see that somebody who you grow up next to is doing well. This is going to be another great challenge for both of us.
Q. You knew Andy was looking for a coach. Were you surprised Ivan turned up in his box? How do you think it changes the dynamic for this meeting between the two of you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I guess it's a question for them, for him, for Andy especially, because, I mean, I don't know how much it affected him. I mean, they didn't have that much time to work on things. I am not sure how long they have a cooperation already.
But, you know, I guess him winning a title in Brisbane and reaching semifinals here says enough, you know, says that that matchup is good. You know, from my perspective it's good to see a legend, one of the greatest players ever to play the game, you know, being around the tour again.
I've been trying to convince him to play my coach a set or two. My coach hasn't been practicing a lot, so he needs to work more (smiling).
Q. You've changed coaches. Can there be a strong shortterm effect, do you think, if you change?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Again, it depends. That's why I can't really answer in his place. I have a cooperation with Murray and for last six years, and I've tried to be, you know, more creative, get some more experience from the tennis legends, from Todd Martin, from Mark Woodforde, tried to work on some specific shots in my game: serve, volley, and all.
It didn't turn out to be the best possible solution for me. I guess in my case, you know, it was important, and I realized in the end that the only way is to be very simple, to have the same team of people that I've had over the years. I have lots of trust in them. For me, they are the best, best in what they do. They're very suitable to me, to my career, my personality. That's what matters the most.
Q. From outside, what do you see that's different about Andy?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, as I said, I don't notice any significant difference. Obviously, he's always been very successful in Australia at the start of the year. He has always been very fit and very committed. He's always been one of the best players in the world. He's been proving that year over and year over and again.
So here we are again playing semifinals of a Grand Slam. That's not a big change. But I'm saying I guess the effect of Lendl being a part of his team can be felt probably in some time to come.
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16716557.stm) - Novak Djokovic sets up Andy Murray semi-final at Australian Open
Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-denies-he-has-physical-issues/story-fn77kxzt-1226253908485) - Novak Djokovic denies he has 'physical issues'
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/132908.html) - Murray looking to lay down marker against Djokovic
Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis-news/2012/01/25/australian-open-andy-murray-insists-first-serve-must-improve-ahead-of-semi-final-against-novak-djokovic-86908-23719984/)- Australian Open: Andy Murray insists first serve must improve ahead of semi-final against Novak Djokovic
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9038670/Australian-Open-2012-I-struggled-to-breathe-says-Novak-Djokovic-after-quarter-final-victory-over-David-Ferrer.html)- Australian Open 2012: I struggled to breathe, says Novak Djokovic, after quarter-final victory over David Ferrer
The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/andy-murrays-demons-look-to-have-vanished-in-charge-to-semi-finals/story-fnbe6xeb-1226253833221) - Andy Murray's demons look to have vanished in charge to semi-finals
Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/andy-hopes-third-times-the-charm-20120126-1qi59.html) - Andy hopes third time's the charm
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/132896.html) - Djokovic wary of 'eager' Murray
si.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/tennis/01/25/australian.open.andy.murray.ap/index.html) - Murray into Australian Open semis
Awwww, great to hear that Mr Lendl seems to have finally taken Andy out for a round of golf ;)
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25012012/58/australian-open-breathless-djokovic-sets-murray-semi.html)- Australian Open - Breathless Djokovic sets up Murray semi
"While Murray was back in his hotel room, a steely-eyed Ivan Lendl, the Briton's new coach, sat court-side taking notes and would have been pleased with the way Ferrer pushed Djokovic hard in a fiery opening set."
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9039069/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-v-Novak-Djokovic-head-to-head.html) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic head-to-head
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/mum-sleeps-through-andy-murray-triumph-6294239.html)- Mum sleeps through Andy Murray triumph
Sport Review (http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2012/01/australian-open-2012-andy-murray-novak-djokovic-57829/) - Australian Open 2012: DéjÃ* vu for Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic
si.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jon_wertheim/01/25/djokovic-ferrer-mailbag/index.html) - Djokovic's win over Ferrer shows Big Four dominance, more mail
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-reaches-third-successive-australian-open-semifinal-6294157.html)-Murray reaches third successive Australian Open semi-final
Tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-10/) - Notes from Melbourne - day ten
by Alex Willis
Oz Open (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qjATqfxo14&feature=BFa&list=UUeTKJSW1NTAkf27nNmjWt5A&lf=plpp_video)- When Rafa Met Rod
NickBollettieri Nick Bollettieri
In case you missed my interview on LiveSport earlier discussing the #AusOpen here's a link to it: http://www.radiolivesport.co.nz/Audio/Nick-Bollettieri-on-LiveSPORT/tabid/252/articleID/9629/Default.aspxaudio - some chat about Andy
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/25012012/58/djokovic-set-murray-test.html)- Video: Djokovic set for Murray test
news item
wriggles
25-01-2012, 22:24
Really nice words from djoko about andy there
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/25012012/58/laver-say-nadal-federer.html) - Video: Laver has say on Nadal-Federer
Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4086365/Andy-Murray-is-the-Incredible-Bulk-Australian-Open-news.html) - Murray is the Incredible Bulk
RoastLamb
25-01-2012, 23:54
From Tom Tebbutt's latest Oz Open blog: (http://www.lovemeansnothing.ca/blog/once-more-roger-rafa)
A wily 39 years old, Nestor is one of the acknowledged characters on the tour, jesting with everyone from the high and mighty – Novak-Rafa-Roger-Andy – to lesser-lights who share the doubles sub-culture.
I asked him Wednesday if he had any history with the great Ivan Lendl, now coaching Murray.
“Yeah, he’s giving me crap all the time,” Nestor replied. “Murray and I are sarcastic with each other so Lendl comes in and makes comments about singles, Canada, doubles... the usual stories. But I never knew him when I was on tour but now we chat. He likes talking about hockey and he’s a part owner of the Hurricanes – I’m not sure. Or at least he’s involved with the Hurricanes, he keeps talking about them.”
Good to see some positive comments in the video clip in this article in 'the age' - http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/for-murray-theres-a-downside-to-up-20120126-1qjqe.html
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/disability_sport/16744432.stm) - Lapthorne and Norfolk win second Australian Open title
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16735639.stm) - Australian Open 2012: Joshua Ward-Hibbert & Kyle Edmund beaten in quarter-finals
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16735658.stm)- Andy Murray plans 'patient' tactics for Novak Djokovic match
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16741809.stm)- Andy Murray needs to be tough against Novak Djokovic, says John Lloyd
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16735350.stm)- Andy Murray on how to beat Novak Djokovic
video
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16740817.st)- Andy Murray's 'easy ride' so far may hinder him against Novak Djokovic - John Lloyd
video
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/26012012/58/djokovic-murray-tested.html)- Video: Djokovic: Murray not been tested yet
Here (http://www.andymurray.com/#/community/blog/andys-oz-open-blog-5/) is Andy's latest blog on the website. Very interesting look into his psyche and friendship with Novak
interesting stuff . Like how Llendl is redirecting Andy
Metro (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/888468-andrew-castle-mature-andy-murray-faces-tough-novak-djokovic-test)- Andrew Castle: Mature Andy Murray faces tough Novak Djokovic test
Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/djokovic-wary-of-new-andy-murray/story-fn77kxzt-1226254753871) - Djokovic wary of new Andy Murray
Oz Open site (http://m.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-27/201201261327587563281.html)- Rafa press conference interview
Bleacher (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1040369-australian-open-2012-andy-murray-will-upset-novak-djokovic-in-semifinal)- Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray Will Upset Novak Djokovic in Semifinal
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9042089/Australian-Open-2012-is-this-Andy-Murrays-best-chance-yet-to-finally-win-a-Grand-Slam-event.html) - Australian Open 2012: is this Andy Murray's best chance yet to finally win a Grand Slam event?
stuff.co.nz (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/6321936/Murray-can-beat-Djokovic) - Murray can beat Djokovic
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/espn/sport/story/133117.html) - I need to take Djokovic's legs away - Murray
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9041857/Australian-Open-2012-Novak-Djokovic-plays-down-Ivan-Lendl-effect-as-ahead-of-semi-final-with-Andy-Murray.html) - Australian Open 2012: Novak Djokovic plays down Ivan Lendl effect as ahead of semi-final with Andy Murray
Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/ivan-evens-the-odds-as-andy-looks-for-parity-20120126-1qjsg.html) - Ivan evens the odds as Andy looks for parity
Metro (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/888501-rafael-nadal-downs-rodger-federer-then-offers-andy-murray-tips-on-defeating-novak-djokovic)- Nadal downs Federer then offers Murray tips on defeating Djokovic
"‘My advice to Andy is be more aggressive against Djokovic. But maybe my advice is not good as I lost the last six times against him,’ admitted Nadal."
Montreal Gazette (http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/easy+match+Murray+against+three/6053393/story.html) - No easy match for Murray against the top three
Meets Djokovic; 'I hope I have improved,' says world No. 4
Bleacher (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1039508-australian-open-2012-andy-murrays-keys-to-a-massive-upset-of-novak-djokovic) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray's Keys to a Massive Upset of Novak Djokovic
Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis-news/2012/01/26/australian-open-andy-murray-vows-to-emulate-brutal-tactics-of-coach-ivan-lendl-to-destroy-novak-djokovic-86908-23720541/) - Australian Open: Andy Murray vows to emulate 'brutal' tactics of coach Ivan lendl to destroy Novak Djokovic
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9039163/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-advances-to-a-semi-final-date-with-Novak-Djokovic.html) - Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray advances to a semi-final date with Novak Djokovic
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2091763/AUSTRALIAN-OPEN-2012-Andy-Murray-warns-Novak-Djokovic-hes-brutal-semi-final.html) - Watch out, Novak! Murray warns Djokovic he's in for a brutal semi-final
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/lendls-record-in-sight-as-murray-cruises-to-victory-6294511.html) - Lendl's record in sight as Murray cruises to victory
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/26/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-australian-open) - Andy Murray earns chance to turn the tables on Novak Djokovic
Scottish Sun (http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/4086552/Andy-I-must-get-BRUTAL-just-like-Ivan-the-Terrible.html) - Andy: I must get BRUTAL just like Ivan the Terrible
can any one read these articles, i tried but the butterfly's where making to much noise to concentrate
Nick's picks (http://nickstennispicks.com/2012/01/25/2012-australian-open-semifinals-picks/) - 2012 Australian Open – Semifinals Picks
"Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. Andy Murray (GBR) – I have watched both players throughout this tournament and sum up my opinions of both in a few short sentences. Djokovic will stand close to the baseline and move Murray in all directions. He will get several quick points from his serve and will put a ton of pressure on Murray’s serve. He feels confident and this will play an important role on the outcome of this match. Murray will stand a few feet behind the baseline, will get to every ball, his serve has improved and Lendl has helped him maintain his focus.
Djokovic will not relent and will continually pressure Murray from every direction and their are going to be plenty of long rallies in this match. Their is no doubt in my mind that both men are capable of winning this tournament, but in the end I cannot pick against Djokovic. Djokovic in 4 sets."
He was wrong predicting the other semi, so hopefully he will be wrong with this one.
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/26012012/58/hawkeye-lendl-helped-murray.html)- Video: Hawkeye: Has Lendl helped Murray?
interesting video comparing Andy this year and last year
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16747978.stm) - Andy Murray can win Australian Open - Stefan Edberg
audio interview
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/australian-open-diary-tomic-drives-into-the-headlines/) - Tomic drives into the headlines
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-eleven/) - Notes from Melbourne - day eleven
Bleacher (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1040454-rafael-nadal-spaniard-should-be-praying-for-andy-murray-to-advance-to-final) - Rafael Nadal: Spaniard Should be Praying for Andy Murray to Advance to Final
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9042521/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-eyes-breakthrough-to-big-time-as-he-takes-on-great-friend-Novak-Djokovic.html)- Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray eyes breakthrough to big time as he takes on great friend Novak Djokovic
The Tennis Tipster (http://thetennistipster.blogspot.com/2012/01/australian-open-novak-djokovic-v-andy.html?utm_term=tennis+blog,+tennis+tipster,+te nnis,+betting,+gambling&utm_content=tennis,tennis+match,+tennis+tipster,+t ennis+tournament,+predictions,+gambling,+betting,+ tennis+blog+&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter) - Australian Open : Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray
BBC (Australian Open 2012 day 11 as it happened )- Australian Open 2012 day 11 as it happened
Quite an amusing article about grunting in The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/26/tennis-grunting-australian-open-women) - 'Stop grumbling about tennis grunting'. Probably the best line is near the end: Sharapova makes this point more clearly: "You've watched me grow up, you've watched me play tennis. I've been the same over the course of my career." It's not a tactic, it's a style. Like Nadal's extreme western grip, or Roger Federer's inability to be gracious in defeat.
Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4089650/Ivan-Lendl-tips-Andy-Murray-to-get-the-better-of-favourite-Novak-Djokovic.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed) - It’s no Djoke – Andy can win
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/26/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-australian-open1?newsfeed=true) - Andy Murray backed to beat Novak Djokovic in Australian Open semi-final
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/video_audio/133157.htm)- Digital Serve - Djokovic/Murray preview
video: Darren Cahill and Chris McKendry preview Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray's semifinals showdown. (02:09) January 26, 2012
Cahill predicts Nole to win :grrr:
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2092322/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-v-Novak-Djokovic.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)- Ivan's mind game: New coach helps Murray build up mental strength
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2092307/Andy-Murray-improved-Ivan-Lendl-Brad-Gilbert.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)- Why meatballs and meltdowns are off the menu
by Brad Gilbert
"Lendl was not going to make significant changes just before a Grand Slam but I do believe there is a slight alteration to the way Murray is hitting the ball from the middle of the court. His racket swing is no different but sometimes there appears to be a greater shoulder turn to get more side on. It gives him greater power on the forehand to smack anything short away. This will come from Lendl as there was nobody more ruthless in punishing opponents when they offered up something hittable.
Murray is definitely playing tighter to the baseline and trying to stay further up the court than he was, rather than spending so much time scurrying about way behind the baseline. The earlier you take the ball, the less time your opponent has to react.
This is part of a more calm and aggressive mindset he seems to have adopted. When I worked with him, getting him to concentrate just on what was at the other end of the court was a challenge, but he was much younger at the time."
the first of many on the thriller - guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/27/novak-djokovic-andy-murray-australian-open)
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-28/201201271327676349082.html)- Scot impresses despite semifinal loss
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-28/201201271327670505354.html) - Djokovic beats Murray in epic five-setter
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-28/201201271327677228095.html) - Nole press conference interview
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16754298.stm)- Andy Murray loses to Novak Djokovic in Australian Open semis
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16765739.stm) - Andy Murray 'closer' to Novak Djokovic after semi-final defeat
audio interview
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9687851.stm)- Djokovic v Murray as it happened
Oz Open Site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-28/201201271327673723322.html) - Andy press conference interview
transcript
N. DJOKOVIC/A. Murray
6‑3, 3‑6, 6‑7, 6‑1, 7‑5
Q. I think most people were astonished you had it in you to come back from 5‑2 in the fifth and have those chances. It was an unbelievable performance.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, it was obviously a very good match. Yeah, I mean, I had the chance at 5‑All, one of the points. I missed a backhand into the net.
But if you look at the stats from that game, it was probably like four or five deuces. He missed one first serve.
Again, he served really well on those points, so he was able to dictate them, which when I was getting myself into the rallies, I was dictating a lot of the points.
Yeah, it was tough at the end 'cause, you know, obviously you come back, then you get close to breaking. To lose, yeah, it's tough.
But a different player, a different attitude to this time last year. Yeah, I'm proud of the way I fought.
Q. Where does that match rate for fluctuations in emotion, drama? Must have been very hard to keep pace with it. Can you tell us what it was like.
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, I didn't think he played that well at the start. I thought I was poor the first set. Then I started to play better and managed to turn around the second set playing better, and the third set, some of the points in the second and third set, they were brutal. They were so long.
I guess it was maybe normal there was a letdown in the fourth set. That was something that I would have liked to have done better, though. I would have liked to have played a better fourth set, got off to a better start. That would have helped.
But physically both of us were obviously tired. You know, once you get behind in a set, you have to weigh out whether it's worth trying to get yourself back into it or saving yourself for a fifth set.
It was an up‑and‑down match. Both of us played well. He was just a little bit better.
Q. When you say 'different player, different attitude,' is that something that has just happened or something you think you've been working towards over a period of time?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, there's a lot of things that go into it. You know, everybody matures at different ages and different rates. I feel now like, yeah, I'm ready mentally. Physically I can still get better, for sure. But, yeah, I mean, in comparison to how I played last year, it was much, much better.
Everyone always says to me, Andy's too passive; he doesn't go for his shots enough. I think tonight I did that. I probably made more mistakes than him, but I'm quite sure I hit more winners. I think through like three sets he only hit 14, 15 winners.
So, you know, I was moving well and dictating a lot of the points, which is important.
Q. You said that your new coaching arrangement is going to take a while. What kind of things will you be doing?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I want to work on all parts of my game. I thought I played pretty well up at the net this tournament, which was good. Something I'll need to keep improving.
You know, I mean, you can always make every shot more consistent, and there's one thing I need to do way better, because that's how close I was this evening. It's minor things.
I haven't sat down and spoke to Ivan, you know, about what I'm going to work on next two or three months in the buildup to Indian Wells and Miami yet, but I'm sure we'll have that conversation when the time is right.
Probably not tomorrow, but a week or so.
Q. How would you describe your feeling right now?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, disappointed obviously. You know, but sometimes you come off the court and you've played really badly, you haven't quite been there mentally, and then you're really disappointed with yourself 'cause you've let yourself down.
I don't feel like I've let myself down today. Just a bit annoyed that I've already ‑‑ I know the players go on about it a lot, but they've changed these rules with the drug test. I've just done the drug test, the urine test.
They just told me I need to sit down for 30 minutes before I can give blood. I want to get out of here, so I'm annoyed with that, which on top of losing a match like that, it's really a frustrating thing to have to go through at 1:00 in the morning.
Q. Did you think you had the match at any moment during the competition, that you were going to win this match?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah. If you don't, I wouldn't have come back like I did in the fifth set. I wouldn't have got myself into a winning position after going behind after the first set.
So, yeah, I fought well; I believed all the way through. Just about got it at 5‑All. Next time I'll make sure I do.
Q. You've gone away from the Australian Open feeling low after the last two years. After the performance tonight, do you think you'll be in a more positive frame of mind leaving this tournament?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't think I necessarily went away the last couple of years with a negative attitude. You know, it was more, I don't know, like it knocks your confidence a little bit. I wasn't, like, really down on myself.
It's just like once you get back on the court again, you know, you're doubting yourself a little bit. I wasn't beating myself up. It's just like, Am I going to get there or not?
You know, I think after the matches that I've been through ‑ I've lost a lot of tough matches ‑ that I've learnt to deal with them better. I bounced back well from most of the tough matches that I lost last year.
Obviously not after the Australian Open, but after the French, Wimbledon, US I did well. Hopefully that will be the same again.
Q. Towards the end of the fifth set, if you had any other challenges in your back pocket would you have used any of those in the last couple of games?
ANDY MURRAY: No. There was not really any really close, close balls. Yeah, I mean, the linespeople were excellent tonight. They didn't make any mistakes that I'm aware of. They were really good.
No one ever talks about them doing a good job. I thought tonight the umpire was great, and I think the linespeople did really well.
Q. Nadal has an extra 24 hours' preparation. What effect do you think that will have on the final Sunday night?
ANDY MURRAY: It's going to help. Novak has recovered well before; sometimes he hasn't. You never know how you're going to pull up. I mean, I'm sure both of us will be sore tomorrow.
I mean, I hope it's a good match and he recovers 'cause he deserves to have a good final. That's the thing, you know, unlike the US Open when you play the Saturday, Sunday finals.
I mean, I wouldn't be fancying his chances if he had to play tomorrow, that's for sure. But we'll wait and see.
Q. When you've had time to reflect on tonight's match particularly, do you think you will feel that you're closer than ever to winning a Grand Slam title, better equipped to do that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think so. You know, tonight's match was important for many reasons. Obviously I wanted to win first and foremost.
But, you know, also sort of after last year, the year that Novak's had, I think there's a very fine line between being No. 1 in the world and being 3 or 4. I think that gap, I feel tonight I closed it.
My job over the next two or three months is to surpass him and the guys in front of me. So take a lot of hard work, and hopefully I can do it.
Q. You and Ivan haven't been together long, but has he had an impact during this slam already?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I enjoyed it. I feel like, you know, when you look up at someone like that in the stands it helps.
You know, obviously for me, I want to try and repay the sort of faith that he's shown in me by coming to work with me. So I would have liked to have done obviously better here.
But, you know, I haven't spoke to him too much yet. Hopefully he was happy with the way I did and how I acted on the court. Hopefully at the French Open I'll do a little bit better.
Q. Was there kind of one little nugget before the match tonight that he said or did?
ANDY MURRAY: He told me it was going to be painful. And, yeah, I mean, he said, You'll win, but you're going to have to go through a lot of pain to get there, so be ready for that.
He told me a couple nights ago, Prepare yourself mentally for that, to go through a lot of pain, a lot of tough points to play when your legs are sore and your legs are burning. That was probably the main thing.
Tactically, I mean, by the end of the match you're not really thinking about the tactics. You're thinking about where you serve, and then you're kind of going on instinct after that.
So it wasn't one specific thing that I would have changed tactically tonight. I don't know if Novak would say the same thing. So many long points. He's obviously a great mover. I move well, too, so it's very difficult to penetrate our defense.
Andy's press conference tanscript continued
Q. What are your plans at this point for the next four weeks?
ANDY MURRAY: I'm going to go home. I've been away since December the 5th or 6th, close to two months now. Go home, spend a bit of time with my family and friends, and then see what I do after that.
My body's sore. I've had a few problems during the tournament, niggles and things. I had a problem with my back, like a nervy [oops] thing in my back that 's not really gone away. I need to get that fixed. Hopefully I'll do that sooner rather than later.
Then I need to decide on Davis Cup first, 'cause that's the next thing that's coming up. I've got a bit of time off after that.
Q. How well were you aware of his physical presence, especially in the fifth set? He was breathing heavy.
ANDY MURRAY: He's done it many times before. He runs very well even when he's breathing heavy. That's something we spoke about before the match.
Even if he looks tired or he's breathing heavy, you just kind of got to put your foot down on the accelerator and not wait for him to miss because he's hitting the ball so cleanly, as well.
If he is tired, which both of us will have been tired at different points during that match, you know, he's hitting the ball so cleanly, he's going for shots and making them, shortening the points.
I was ready for that. He was similar in the last match. But he moved fine.
Q. The external pressure on you playing in Australia compared to Wimbledon, what's the difference for you?
ANDY MURRAY: To be honest, when you're on the court it's more of like a blur. You're not thinking about anything else. I mean, the crowd were excellent here tonight. That always helps. I didn't feel like there was a huge difference from playing at Wimbledon to playing here.
I mean, it's just that you're not in the paper every day. Everyone's more interested in Novak and Rafa and Tomic than they are me. So that's something that I've always preferred to be out of the spotlight rather than in it. So I guess that helps a little bit.
Q. What was Ivan putting in your drink?
ANDY MURRAY: Ivan is not doing it. It's my fitness trainer. It's just an energy drink that I've been using for four years now.
Q. If you give yourself a score, how would you score your performance tonight out of 10? What would you give yourself?
ANDY MURRAY: Like eight and a half probably. I think for a lot of the match it was close to a 10, but at the start of the match I didn't play as well as I would have liked.
And then start of the fourth set I would have liked to have been a bit better. But apart from that, I can't really complain too much.
I think I can still improve, and that's why I can't give myself a 10. But, yeah, it was close to a really great match.
Q. It's a match of almost five hours. Novak said it was one of the hardest matches he ever played. How did you feel physically towards the end of the match?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, that's the thing. I actually felt okay towards the end. You know, I was tired. You have the huge adrenaline rush at the end of the third set. Then you have a bit of a letdown and things start aching and are sore.
Towards the end of the fifth set I was actually feeling okay because the adrenaline gets back up and everything feels all right.
I'm sure that when I stand up from this seat, my body's going to be pretty painful.
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16754310.stm) - Australian Open 2012: Brits Broady and Ward-Hibbert win doubes title
si.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jon_wertheim/01/27/novak-djokovic/index.html?eref=si_tennis&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fsi_tennis+%28SI.com+-+Tennis%29) - Djokovic prevails over Murray in test of nerves, fitness; more mail
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9044346/Australian-Open-2012-Novak-Djokovic-edges-Andy-Murray-in-five-set-epic-to-set-up-Rafael-Nadal-final.html) - Australian Open 2012: Novak Djokovic edges Andy Murray in five-set epic to set up Rafael Nadal final
Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/weird-news/2012/01/27/stray-pup-called-andy-murray-waits-217-days-or-four-dog-years-to-find-a-home-86908-23722976/) - Stray pup called Andy Murray waits 217 days, or four dog years, to find a home
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2092772/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-proud-Novak-Djokovic.html)- Murray proud of battling performance despite falling just short against Djokovic
Fox Sports (http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/andy-murray-gives-novak-djokovic-biggest-test-yet-at-australian-open-012712)- Murray gives Djokovic biggest test yet
The Star (http://www.thestar.com/article/1122357--andy-murray-upset-with-drug-testing-after-near-5-hour-loss-to-novak-djokovic-at-australian-open) - Andy Murray upset with drug testing after near 5-hour loss to Novak Djokovic at Australian Open
Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/novak-djokovic-beats-andy-murray-in-five-set-epic/story-e6frg7mf-1226255855279) - Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray in five-set epic
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-defeated-by-novak-djokovic-in-epic-semifinal-6295539.html) - Andy Murray defeated by Novak Djokovic in epic semi-final
Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2012/01/27/australian-open-andy-murray-defeated-by-novak-djokovic-in-epic-semi-final-battle-86908-23722340/) - Australian Open: Andy Murray defeated by Novak Djokovic in epic semi-final battle
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/andy-murrays-greatest-defeat/)- Andy Murray's greatest defeat
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-twelve/) - notes from Melbourne - day twelve
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/01/4/Australian-Open-Friday-Djokovic-Murray-SF.aspx)- Djokovic Edges Murray In Pulsating Contest
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/01/4/Australian-Open-Friday-Murray-Reaction-To-Djokovic-Loss.aspx) - Murray: "I'm Proud Of The Way I Fought"
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/01/4/Australian-Open-Day-12-Diary-Ball-Kid-Catch.aspx)- Down Under Diary - Ball Kid Catch Goes Viral
"NOT THIS YEAR FOR MURRAY
Speculating in the Channel 7 commentary box, both Lleyton Hewitt and Jim Courier said they did not think Andy Murray would win his first Grand Slam title this year due to the staggering competition he faces from Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Both were quick to add, though, that they believe the Scot will taste Grand Slam glory at some stage in his career, with his best chances coming at the Australian Open or the US Open."
Federer versus Nadal has been superseded. Another, less sexy rivalry has quietly supplanted it between a Spaniard and a Serb, a lefty and righty, a baseliner and a baseliner.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/in-the-new-order-its-the-battle-of-the-baseline-20120128-1qm7j.html
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16770114.stm) - Andy Murray is not a 'boy' any more - John Lloyd
video interview
errr hope that doesn't mean he is a girl now ;)
Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/othersports/tennis/andy-murray-upset-with-late-night-drug-testing-after-near-5-hour-loss-to-djokovic/2012/01/27/gIQAIWmpVQ_story.html) - Andy Murray upset with late-night drug testing after near 5-hour loss to Djokovic
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/tramlines/improvement-fails-reap-rewards-murray-144510234.html) - Improvement fails to reap rewards for Murray
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/27012012/58/djokovic-outlasts-murray-epic.html) - Video: Djokovic outlasts Murray in epic
3 min match summary
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/27012012/58/murray-toys-djokovic.html)- Video: Murray toys with Djokovic
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/27012012/58/murray-claims-brilliant-point.html)- Video: Murray claims brilliant point
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/27012012/58/murray-acrobatic-smash.html)- Video: Murray's acrobatic smash
Oz Open site (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/video/index.html?tabName=latest)- video of Andy's press conference
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9043608/Australian-Open-2012-British-pair-Liam-Broady-and-Joshua-Ward-Hibbert-win-boys-doubles-title.html)- Australian Open 2012: British pair Liam Broady and Joshua Ward-Hibbert win boys' doubles title
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9045363/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-trades-in-tantrums-for-positive-energy-with-Ivan-Lendl-on-his-side.html)- Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray trades in tantrums for positive energy with Ivan Lendl on his side
Sky Sports (the comments are worth a little look):)........http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7460023/
That ballkid's amazing catch has gone viral on youtube! More than 3 million views and over 2000 comments! Check out all the comments here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjyfMCTAqKU)
Can watch that catch again and again! Awesome reflexes!
Times of India...............http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/australian-open-2012/interviews/Murray-can-be-world-number-one-Nadal/articleshow/11661692.cms
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9045363/Australian-Open-2012-Andy-Murray-trades-in-tantrums-for-positive-energy-with-Ivan-Lendl-on-his-side.html)- Australian Open 2012: Andy Murray trades in tantrums for positive energy with Ivan Lendl on his side
Loving this article!
Jonathan Overend's blog is well-considered and says a lot of good, sensible things:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanoverend/2012/01/murray_defeat_could_still_be_a.html
traveller7
28-01-2012, 23:12
What a load of ****!
Madeline
28-01-2012, 23:32
:confused: What did you not like about it? I thought it was fair comment.
:confused: What did you not like about it? I thought it was fair comment.
Me too............:confused:
supergran
29-01-2012, 00:46
So did I.:confused:
LindyDRed
29-01-2012, 01:13
Tennis-Nadal and Djokovic fire shots ahead of final
http://eurosport.yahoo.com/28012012/2/tennis-nadal-djokovic-fire-shots-ahead-final.html
"It's funny, no? I saw the match yesterday on the TV show on the channel seven when he was in the fifth set moving fantastically well, and they show images from two hours fifty (minutes) before and seems like he was destroyed," the 10-times grand slam champion said on Saturday.
"Two hours fifty later he was in perfect condition. So it is difficult to imagine that he has these problems. I don't know."
david1610
29-01-2012, 12:18
Me too............:confused:
Me four!
Don't know if it's been already posted, but there are some nice things here (even if it's the Fail!): http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2093186/Australian-Open-2012-Now-Ivan-Lendl-make-Andy-Murray-champion.html
Inside the privacy of the locker room at Melbourne Park, Ivan Lendl placed a consoling hand on Andy Murray’s shoulders.
‘I’m proud of you,’ said Lendl. ‘You did a great job.’
‘If anyone doesn’t think Andy can walk out of here with his head held high, they ought to have their head examined,’ said Lendl.
"Inside the privacy...." :banghead:
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16771735.stm) - Rafael Nadal says Andy Murray can be world number one
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9046533/Australian-Open-2012-improving-Murray-targets-No-1-spot-by-end-of-season.html) - Australian Open 2012: improving Murray targets No 1 spot by end of season
"Murray’s next appointment is still unclear. He has until Tuesday to inform Leon Smith, the LTA’s head of men’s and women’s tennis, whether he plans to take part in the Davis Cup tie against Slovakia in Glasgow on the weekend of February 11-12. But while he has yet to reveal his intentions, it seems unlikely that he will take part. "
Independent - (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-can-see-summit-despite-latest-fall-on-climb-6296217.html) Andy Murray can see summit despite latest fall on climb
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/andy-murrays-greatest-defeat/)- Andy Murray's greatest defeat
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-thirteen/)- Notes from Melbourne - day thirteeen
by Alex Willis
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/notes-from-melbourne-day-14/) - Notes from Melbourne - day fourteen
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/top-10/top-10-tennis-diets/) - Top 10 tennis diets
“I don’t know a tennis player who doesn’t love sushi,” Serena Williams has said, and no one loves it as much as Murray does. In fact, Murray seems proud of how much he eats. “Andy’s record is about 50 pieces of sushi in one sitting,”said a spokesman for Murray, which made the Scot sound like a competitive eater rather than a tennis player. Murray has also copied Djokovic in going gluten free. “The diet has given me more energy. I miss being able to pick up a menu and order what I want, or to eat what I want – like bread when you’re waiting for your food to come in a restaurant. It can be quite frustrating when everyone else is dunking their bread in olive oil or smearing it with butter. It’s also a bit of pain not being able to eat a regular yoghurt, but it’s been worth it.”
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/jan/29/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-australian-open?newsfeed=true)- Novak Djokovic has raised the bar – will rivals react or fade away?
si.com - (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jon_wertheim/01/29/australian-open-50-thoughts/index.html) 50 thoughts from wild Aussie Open
"If you're Andy Murray, do you leave encouraged by your fitness, by coming so close against the World No. 1? Or do doubts come screaming back, coming this close to a signature victory in a major and not closing the deal? If nothing else, his stock is a lot higher than it was after the U.S. Open."
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16782987.stm)- Djokovic v Nadal: Emotional Novak hails historic Australian Open win
I do hope that The Telegraph comment that 'it seems unlikely that he will take part' in Davis Cup is wrong. Obviously if Andy is injured then so be it.
But it would be so disappointing not to get to see him play. I've got everything crossed he'll be there.
Sallydaisy
29-01-2012, 23:59
I do hope that The Telegraph comment that 'it seems unlikely that he will take part' in Davis Cup is wrong. Obviously if Andy is injured then so be it.
But it would be so disappointing not to get to see him play. I've got everything crossed he'll be there.
Perhaps this extract from the Timesonline today, written by Neil Harman, might help ...
Yesterday, Murray departed for Britain and Lendl had one last round of golf on the sand-belt before setting off back to Florida. They will not meet until the next significant stop on the ATP World Tour, the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells, California, in March, where Murray lost in the first round last year to Donald Young, an American qualifier, and spoke of not knowing exactly what was going on with his game. Do not expect a repeat.
Clearing out e-mail again, I'll post just a few odd one's..............Sorry Cazza if any has been posted before...
Sabotage times:confused: http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/stop-sneering-at-andy-murray-and-he-might-actually-win-a-grand-slam/
Bleach Reaport...http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bdCQb?utm_source=&utm_medium=newsletter
Daily Record.....http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis-news/2012/01/28/australian-open-andy-murray-reckons-epic-battle-with-novak-djokovic-proves-he-s-closing-in-on-holy-grail-86908-23723626/
Independant.....http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-can-see-summit-despite-latest-fall-on-climb-6296217.html
TheRoar...http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/29/andy-murray-must-get-ruthless-to-win-grand-slams/
TennisNow....http://www.tennisnow.com/News/Mind-The-Gap--Andy-Murray-Made-Strides.aspx
NewYorkTimes..http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/29/sports/tennis/australian-open-mixed-doubles-remains-an-afterthought.html?_r=1
New Zealand Hearald....http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10781861
Daily Record.http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/weird-news/2012/01/27/stray-pup-called-andy-murray-waits-217-days-or-four-dog-years-to-find-a-home-86908-23722976/.
Scotland on Sunday ran an article yesterday with a comment from Andy, the gist of which was that he had 10 days off before Dubai and was heading to practise. He didn't specifically mention Lendl or the Davis Cup but, given that the DC is 10th -12th Feb and Dubai is 27th (I think), I would guess that would mean he intends to play DC. You would think that, if Andy is practising in Florida for 10 days, he is likely to meet up with Lendl then wouldn't you?
supergran
30-01-2012, 15:28
Well as he is due to do that Sport thingy with Judy and Jamie on the 7th in Glasgow surely he will stay for DC. Gosh...I hope so.
Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7518147/maria-sharapova-andy-murray-how-lose-beautifully-australian-open-finals)- How to Lose Beautifully in Australia
Herald Scotland (http://www.heraldscotland.com/x/x/andy-murray-will-soon-be-as-big-as-the-bay-city-rollers.2012011334) - Andy Murray will soon be as big as the Bay City Rollers
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/davidbond/2012/01/tennis_gladiators_continue_to.html) - Tennis 'gladiators' continue to set new standards
wsj.com (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204652904577191363735354208.html?m od=wsj_share_tweet)- Why Tennis Rules the Earth
Tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/australian-open-review-our-favourite-moments/) - Australian Open review: our favourite moments
"Andy Murray’s face when a Chinese journalist asked him if he ever thought he would win after coming within five points of beating Novak Djokovic."
............
"Andy Murray’s transformationFirst, there was the joke, with teetotal Murray suggesting after his third-round win over Frenchman Michael Llodra that he was planning to get “hammered”. Then there was the reaction from the crowd on Rod Laver Arena when Murray levelled at 5-5 in the fifth set of his semi-final with Novak Djokovic. Only two people stayed seated – the umpire and ‘Mr Lendl’.
Those two moments showed the changing public perception of Murray. There was proof that Murray does not take himself too seriously, that he can laugh at himself. The standing ovation during the match with Djokovic was the moment when the Australian tennis public first truly appreciated that Murray is a force at the slams, someone serious. Never mind that he has played in two Australian Open finals before, that was the moment. So that was Murray’s tournament, a jokey and serious triumph (of sorts)."
Sallydaisy
30-01-2012, 15:44
I doubt Andy will have given any of the press his plans; and bear in mind that he'll have probably said a few words off the cuff which some have picked up on but he might not have meant. Not for the first time. What he mostly said was that he'd take a few days to work out what he was doing ...
None of the other papers have picked up on Neil Harmans report written late last night and in the Timesonline today which does seem to make a more specific statement regarding Andy and Ivan.
Yesterday, Murray departed for Britain and Lendl had one last round of golf on the sand-belt before setting off back to Florida. They will not meet until the next significant stop on the ATP World Tour, the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells, California, in March, where Murray lost in the first round last year to Donald Young, an American qualifier, and spoke of not knowing exactly what was going on with his game.
Do not expect a repeat.
Scotland on Sunday ran an article yesterday with a comment from Andy, the gist of which was that he had 10 days off before Dubai and was heading to practise. He didn't specifically mention Lendl or the Davis Cup but, given that the DC is 10th -12th Feb and Dubai is 27th (I think), I would guess that would mean he intends to play DC. You would think that, if Andy is practising in Florida for 10 days, he is likely to meet up with Lendl then wouldn't you?
Well as he is due to do that Sport thingy with Judy and Jamie on the 7th in Glasgow surely he will stay for DC. Gosh...I hope so.
I hope Andy won't disappoint his Scottish fans at either of those 2 events ...
Harman seems clear it'll be March before player and coach hook up again.
Dubai is w/c 27th Feb so there's 15 days between starting there and finishing DC. + after Dubai there's another few days before he'll have to play in IW. Nothing to stop Andy practising anywhere he likes before that and if he plays Dubai he'd be better having a few extra days there than zipping over to Florida and back.
I'm sure he and Ivan can work out where 'practice' together might best fit in but tbh my money is on a few days in California before the next Masters...
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/5/Weekly-Snapshot-30-January-2012.aspx) - Weekly Snapshot: Djokovic Reigns Supreme
by Matt Fitzgerald
Oz Open site - (Slam Tracker: can Novak go all the way? ) Slam Tracker: can Novak go all the way?
By Alexandra Willis
Well as he is due to do that Sport thingy with Judy and Jamie on the 7th in Glasgow surely he will stay for DC. Gosh...I hope so.
Isn't it Edinburgh?
'It's obviously something Ivan and I are going to work on when we resume training again in a couple of weeks in Miami'
Taken from his latest blog (http://www.andymurray.com/#/home/news/post-oz-blog/)
That infers that he'll play Davis Cup unless injured, then go straight to Miami.
:thanks: SamP - an interesting read.
Think I would add the entire Llodra match in my Oz Open favourites [to those mentioned in post 860]. So good to see Andy's flair; his relationship with Llodra; and the great spirits in which it was played. A joy to see Andy obviously enjoying playing.
There's a great article in today's Times. It includes this quote from Lendl about how things are going:
"He is asking a lot of questions and he works hard. I have no problems with any of those things. It's going to be important to have some practice time together, almost more important than the tournaments - some really good training blocks when he is not actually playing.
I had given a lot of thought about how this might work before I got into it. The only thing I wouldn't have liked was if I had misjudged Andy, that he didn't want to work when I believed that he did; that perhaps we misunderstood each other, but we didn't. It has been just the way I thought it would be, so I'm enjoying it, yes."
Think this smilie best sums up my feelings right now - :excited:
Nick's Picks (http://nickstennispicks.com/2012/01/30/2012-australian-open-recap/)- 2012 Australian Open Recap
"Djokovic vs. Murray – Frank Sinatra had an old hit entitled, “What a Difference a Day Made,” well we should change that too “What a Difference Ivan Lendl Made!” No one ever doubted Murray’s ability, but what Lendl has made a world of difference with his game. Murray is in better control of his mind and body, he is standing closer to the baseline and his forehand is much more aggressive. Very nice to see. Yes, Djokovic won the match, but this is exactly what Murray must do to win a Grand Slam. He is so close, but getting over that Djokovic hump is going to be difficult!"
Reuters (http://blogs.reuters.com/sport/2012/01/30/best-australian-open-semis-and-final-rusedski/)- Best Australian Open semis and final – Rusedski
Tennis Now (http://www.tennisnow.com/News/My-Favorite-Things--The-2012-Australian-Open-in-Re.aspx)- My Favorite Things: The 2012 Australian Open in Review
"Murray-Djokovic: Speaking of an air of inevitability, this one had it too. But by the end of the match, it was replaced by an air of hope. Andy Murray may very well be for real this year, and he proved that against Djokovic in the semifinals, producing a gritty, spirited effort, and hitting out with verve in the latter stages of this match. Murray showed us a whole new side of himself in this semifinal. We’ve always known he was a pugilistic battler, but we never knew he could do it so constructively, and with such tactical purpose. Call it the Lendl effect, maturity, or newfound courage – whatever it is, it served notice to Djokovic that he better come to play next time he and Murray meet. "
'the gist of which was that he had 10 days off before Dubai and was heading to practise' - this should have read that according to Scotland on Sunday Andy said he was heading off to Miami to train for 10 days before Dubai because he wanted to practise in the sun - I can't believe he would be in Florida and not meet up with Lendl.
DavidaBrent
30-01-2012, 23:44
Thought that all of Andy's AO blogs were excellent - particulary uplifted by the last one which was written after his semi final defeat . All in all Brisbane champ and AO semi finalist is a solid start to 2012 - hope its Andy's best year yet :trophy:
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/olympics-exclusive-andy-has-to-ask-me-to-play-with-him/)- Olympics exclusive: "Andy has to ask me"
"And speaking exclusively to The Tennis Space, Robson said the world No 4 will have to take the initiative if he wants to go for gold in the mixed when the Olympics is played at Wimbledon this summer. “He’s going to have to ask me again,” Robson laughed. “But I don’t even know if he wants to play, so we’ll see. I haven’t said anything to him yet.”"
......
"“I think I’m not really in the position to ask Andy,” Robson said. “There’s a bit of a ranking difference so I think he should be the one to ask me. And there are also a lot of other girls who would love to play with him.”"
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/wimbledon-exclusive-the-players-are-not-underpaid/) - Wimbledon exclusive: "The players are not underpaid"
RoastLamb
31-01-2012, 17:52
Si.com's final thoughts from the Oz Open: (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/bruce_jenkins/01/31/australian-open-thoughts/index.html)
Similarly, Andy Murray absorbed a loss that proved inspirational to himself, new coach Ivan Lendl and the ever-skeptical British press. "Andy's greatest defeat," wrote the Telegraph's Mark Hodgkinson on his website, typical of the sympathetic reaction back home. "One of the oldest caricatures in tennis is the brave British loser, (but) Murray is in a wholly different category. He lost, but he showed that he has what it takes -- both in terms of talent and mental fortitude -- to win a Grand Slam."
Speaking of backhand misses: In his mind, Murray will forever replay the routine baseline shot that settled horribly into the net against Djokovic on a break point at 5-5 in the fifth. He needed that point in the worst way. But it was the positive energy from Murray, evident at most every turn, that showed the makings of a new man.
Sallydaisy
31-01-2012, 18:27
Posts regarding the DC tie are being moved to the relevant thread so it's all in one place.
Ditto some posts off the block booking thread have been moved over.
:thumbup:
5livetennis Jonathan Overend
Still recording an audience programme with Andy next week, to be broadcast on Thursday week.
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/andy_murray_to_miss_davis_cup_clash_1_2087767) - Andy Murray to miss Davis Cup clash
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-to-miss-davis-cup-tie-in-order-to-recover-6297482.html) - Andy Murray to miss Davis Cup tie in order to recover
10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/01/31/why-a-semi-final-defeat-heralded-the-best-ever-era-in-men%E2%80%99s-tennis/)- Why a semi-final defeat heralded the best ever era in men’s tennis.
Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news?slug=ycn-10909201)- Andy Murray was a Different Animal at the 2012 Australian Open: A Fan’s Opinion
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2092307/Andy-Murray-improved-Ivan-Lendl-Brad-Gilbert.html
No more meat balls...
Don't know if it's been already posted, but... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9052977/Fed-Cup-captain-Judy-Murray-puts-focus-on-fun-in-turning-Great-Britains-fortunes-around.html :)
Telegraph (Fed Cup captain Judy Murray puts focus on fun in turning Great Britain's fortunes around) - Fed Cup captain Judy Murray puts focus on fun in turning Great Britain's fortunes around
"“No, I didn’t watch on TV, I never do, so I didn’t see a ball hit in the Djokovic match,” explains Murray at the team’s seaside hotel here. “When someone said it had gone into a fifth, I said, ‘Look don’t tell me any more, I don’t want to know’.
“We were concentrating on the training and I knew the physio and fitness trainer who were sitting at courtside were checking on live scores. When they never said anything, I knew he must have lost.”
Goodness, it must have been hard for her to feel such sinking anti-climax this way. Murray, though, has never been anything if not relentlessly positive. “Everybody has told me since how fantastic he was. I had a really nice email from Ivan Lendl saying he was so proud of Andy’s effort and of how he’d fought. "
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2095019/Judy-Murray-flyer-Anne-Keothavong-Elena-Baltacha-record-Fed-Cup-wins.html) - Capitan Murray off to a flyer as Keothavong and Baltacha record Fed Cup wins
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9052542/Laura-Robson-admits-to-a-secret-passion-for-darts-ahead-of-Fed-Cup-EuropeAfrica-Zone-Group-One-matches-in-Israel.html) - Laura Robson admits to a secret passion for darts ahead of Fed Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group One matches in Israel
Guardian (Baltacha and Keothavong give Judy Murray a winning start in Fed Cup) - Baltacha and Keothavong give Judy Murray a winning start in Fed Cup
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/16779703) - Elena Baltacha: Fed Cup promotion bid is a tough challenge
(also posted on the Baltacha thread)
A little late, but I've been really enjoying the Bryans' AO blog in The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/locker-room-a-great-place-to-meet-the-stars-20120127-1qls4.html)
ATP (Bob Bryan)...http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/Features/Bob-Bryan-Welcomes-Baby-Daughter.aspx?utm_source=ATPMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ATP%20World%20Tour%20Insider%20#5 - February 2 2012 (1)
Bleacher (Nadal)....http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bdKM1
Mail......http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2095019/Judy-Murray-flyer-Anne-Keothavong-Elena-Baltacha-record-Fed-Cup-wins.html
London Evening Standard.......http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/article-24032679-plenty-of-promise-but-the-brit-boys-are-facing-a-critical-point.do
10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/02/02/murray-the-fed-cup-captain-is-calm-during-rubbers/) - Murray, the Fed Cup Captain is Calm During Rubbers
NeilHarmanTimes Neil Harman
Hope to have some interesting news to impart next week but for the moment my lips are sealed #sorrytobesosecretive
The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/glory-in-golden-era-of-mens-tennis/story-fnbe6xeb-1226262260411) - Glory in golden era of men's tennis
"Nowhere is this more pronounced than the return of serve; the only match statistic where you'll find Djokovic, Andy Murray and Nadal at the top of the tennis tree, and Federer not far behind."
ESPN (http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/7528836/tennis-length-aussie-open-final-add-up) - Length of Aussie final didn't add up
Please discuss Andy's talk in Edinburgh/5 live on this thread - http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?602-ANDY-MURRAY-TALK-National-Museum-of-Scotland-Edinburgh-February-7th.&p=42289#post42289
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2096579/Murray-Djokovic-copycat-rule-world-says-Henman.html?ito=feeds-newsxml) - Murray can be Djokovic copycat and rule the world, says Henman
"Tim Henman has told Andy Murray that, if Novak Djokovic can suddenly become the most dominant tennis player in the world, then so can the Scot."
Herald Sun (http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/tennis/davis-cup-gives-british-underdogs-chance-to-emerge-from-murrays-shadow.1328411196)- Davis Cup gives British underdogs chance to emerge from Murray's shadow
10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/02/04/5-inspiring-moments-from-australian-open/) - 5 Inspiring Moments from Australian Open
Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/tennis-busted-racquet/behind-big-three-murray-tsonga-rest-faring-142917499.html) - Behind the big three: How Murray, Tsonga and the rest are faring
10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/02/02/tennis-europe-to-honor-spanish-federation/) - Tennis Europe to Honor Spanish Federation
Tennis Europe has announced that Spain is to be presented with the 2011 European Tennis Trophy for Overall Tennis Performance.
Elsewhere in the Professional Tennis category, 2010 winners Russia slipped to second place, ending just 22 points ahead of third-placed Czech Republic, who finished in the top three for a second time in three years. Neighbors Slovakia made the biggest climb, rocketing eight places to enter the top 10 for the first time since 2005, at #9.
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/6/Weekly-Snapshot-6-February-2012.aspx?utm_source=ATPMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ATP%20World%20Tour%20Weekly%20#5%20-%20February%206%202012%20%281%29) - Weekly Snapshot: Djokovic Arrives In London For Laureus Sports Awards
by Matt Fitzgerald
Tennis Earth (http://www.tennisearth.com/news/tennisNews/Tim-Henman-says-Andy-Murray-can-imitate-Novak-Djokovic-and-get-Grand-Slam-success-406288.htm) - Tim Henman says Andy Murray can imitate Novak Djokovic and get Grand Slam success
|
Laureus 2012 World Sports Awards winners
http://www.laureus.com/
Think Djokovic must have read Tim's article. Don't they realise it's pointless bombarding Andy with their 'advice' - he has his own mind, plus the nous of Mr Lendl in his corner: http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/135177.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/16928028) - Anne Keothavong beats Dominika Cibulkova in Pattaya Open
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2097786/Novak-Djokovic-Andy-Murray-way-top.html)- Murray must plot his own route to the top, warns Djoko after grabbing another gong
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/andy_murray_in_edinburgh_to_give_motivational_talk _at_museum_event_1_2101809)- Andy Murray in Edinburgh to give motivational talk at museum event
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/nastase-nadal-can-learn-to-deal-with-djokovic/) - Nastase: Nadal can learn to deal with Djokovic
Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karthika-muthukumaraswamy/tennis-season_b_1259006.html) - Professional Tennis Today: A Grueling Season or a Grueling Style?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/16935552 (video)
Andy hasn't watch THE (SF AO) match yet....
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/16935551): Murray's Bring Set4Sport to Edinburgh
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/16943432) - Andy Murray praises instant impact of new coach Ivan Lendl
article to go with video a couple of posts back
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/135249.html) - Murray lost sleep over Djokovic defeat
Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/richard-berry/andy-murray-2012-london-win-one-for-britain-_b_1258427.html) - Medal 48: Will Andy Murray Win One for Britain at London 2012?
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/edinburgh-east-fife/andy_murray_i_owe_success_to_swingball_1_2102532) - Andy Murray: I owe success to swingball
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2097915/Andy-Murray-family-enjoy-great-success.html)- Keeping it in the family! Judy joy caps a fine 10 days for Murrays
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/tennis_andy_murray_believes_an_elusive_grand_slam_ title_is_now_within_his_reach_1_2102999) - Tennis: Andy Murray believes an elusive Grand Slam title is now within his reach
Herald Scotland (http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-tells-andy-murray-to-chart-his-own-road-to-the-top.1328670374) - Novak Djokovic tells Andy Murray to chart his own road to the top
ESPN (http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/7552875/tennis-double-ranking-period-atp-tour-trouble) - Double ranking period could be trouble
stv (http://sport.stv.tv/tennis/296740-andy-murray-i-will-win-a-grand-slam-title/) - Andy Murray: I will win a grand slam title
Independent (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?493-Andy-Murray-coaching-by-Ivan-Lendl&p=43534#post43534) - Andy Murray vows to win grand slam title
Edinburgh Evening News (http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/edinburgh/around-the-capital/jambo_woes_are_shame_says_murray_1_2103748)- Jambo woes are ‘shame’ says Murray
stu_fraser Stuart Fraser
Murray now heads to USA for training block with Lendl which begins on Sat. Taking place halfway between Miami & Vero Beach (Lendl's home).
supergran
08-02-2012, 16:12
Read that Cazza....think of the sunshine. sigh.
JAMES4578
08-02-2012, 21:05
stu_fraser Stuart Fraser Murray now heads to USA for training block with Lendl which begins on Sat. Taking place halfway between Miami & Vero Beach (Lendl's home).
Thought it was unlikely but we now know for a fact that Andy won't be making an appearance at Braehead. Let's hope the training goes well in a slightly warmer climate!
I thought he'd be better off going for training in Florida.
Has anyone seen what Nole is doing whilst not playing DC? He's going skiing!
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/welcome-back-japan/) - The return of the Japanese
Sky (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7499544/Evans-leads-off-for-GB)- Evans leads off for GB
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanoverend/2012/02/into_the_mind_of_murray.html) - Into the mind of Murray
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09022012/58/davis-cup-andrew-castle-gb-face-tough-task-murray.html) - Davis Cup - Andrew Castle: GB face tough task without Murray
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/arts-blog/meeting_the_murrays_uncovering_the_friendly_rivalr y_between_andy_and_jamie_1_2104699)- Meeting the Murrays: Uncovering the friendly rivalry between Andy and Jamie
10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/02/08/a-disappointed-but-enthusiastic-murray-is-preparing-a-bounce-back/) - A Disappointed but Enthusiastic Murray is Preparing a Bounce Back
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/16969780)- Davis Cup: GB captain Leon Smith predicts tough Davis Cup battle against Slovakia
Metro (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/889913-leon-smith-backs-andy-murrays-decision-to-miss-davis-cup-tie-with-slovakia) - Leon Smith backs Andy Murray's decision to miss Slovakia tie
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9072784/Davis-Cup-captain-Leon-Smith-plays-down-Great-Britains-hopes-against-Slovakia.html) - Davis Cup captain Leon Smith plays down Great Britain’s hopes against Slovakia
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/john-lloyd-my-new-life-as-an-estate-agent/) - John Lloyd: my new life as an estate agent
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/60-seconds-with-heather-watson/) - 60 seconds with Heather Watson
LTA (http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Davis-Cup/Video/) - videos from each players in GB vs Slovakia tie and Leon Smith
Madeformums (http://www.madeformums.com/celebs/judy-murray-reveals-secret-to-andy-and-jamies-tennis-success/21374.html) - Judy Murray reveals secret to Andy and Jamie’s tennis success
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2099010/Davis-Cup-James-Ward-equipped-lead-Britain.html?ito=feeds-newsxml) - Finally, No 2 Ward is equipped to lead Brit pack in Davis Cup showdown
Bleacher (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1060961-what-can-stop-novak-djokovics-reign-in-2012) - What Can Stop Novak Djokovic's Reign in 2012?
"Nadal and Roger Federer can't crack Djokovic, but Murray, under the new tutelage of Ivan Lendl, may acquire the iron focus he needs to die with Djokovic in a match and return from the dead in that same match, victorious over Djokovic. Murray needs to win Wimbledon to evince a nearness to Djokovic, given his slim chances at the French Open. "
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10022012/58/davis-cup-smith-ll-work-harder-murray.html)- Davis Cup - Smith: We’ll work harder without Murray
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2099631/Andy-Murrays-mother-Judy-hits-domineering-accusations.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)- 'Hate mail fans tell me I shouldn't back Andy at matches': Judy Murray hits back over 'domineering' accusations
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/16997739)- Davis Cup: Great Britain take 2-1 lead into final day against Slovakia
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9076653/Davis-Cup-all-eyes-on-Dan-Evans-as-British-doubles-pair-serve-up-a-treat-against-Slovakia.html) - Davis Cup: all eyes on Dan Evans as British doubles pair serve up a treat against Slovakia
Madeline
12-02-2012, 11:59
That Mail article about Judy is heart-breaking. How can people who claim to be fans of Andy send hate-mail to his much-loved mother? (well, how anybody can send hate-mail to anybody else is beyond me). All the media griping about "Team Murray" is ridiculous - have you ever counted the number of people in Rafa's box? Or Fed's, or Nole's, for that matter?
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17003564) - Dan Evans guides GB to Davis Cup win over Slovakia
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17004710) - Anne Keothavong beats Heather Watson to reach Qatar Open
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7516794/Smith-so-proud-of-Evans) - Smith 'so proud' of Evans
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2100269/Andy-Murray-play-Queens-Club.html): Andy has confirmed he'll defend his queens title this year
BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/16996460): Andy targets 3rd Queens title
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/135977.html) - Murray to attempt Queen's treble
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/Features/London-Murray-Confirmed-For-Title-Defence.aspx) - Murray Targets Third AEGON Championships Title
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17021193)- Anne Keothavong progresses in Qatar Total Open
Telegraph (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/alexwillis/100023692/britains-band-of-merry-men-and-women-keep-on-delivering-now-they-just-need-to-keep-it-up/)- Britain's band of merry men and women keep on delivering…now they just need to keep it up
by Alex Willis
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/meet-the-dogs-helping-murray-chase-a-slam/) - Meet the dogs helping Murray chase a slam
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/we-are-officially-in-a-golden-age/)- We are officially in a golden age
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7518740/Ward-vows-to-return)- Ward vows to return
Tennis Alternative (http://www.tennisalternative.com/marias-corner-hottest-junior-players-rn1063.html) - Maria's Corner: hottest junior players
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2100681/Leon-Smith-wants-know-Andy-Murray-play-Davis-Cup.html)- Murray's poser over extra Davis Cup duty: Captain Smith wants to know if World No 4 will play
CNN (http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/14/sport/tennis/tennis-top-romances-love/index.html) - 15-love: Top tennis romances
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/why-davis-cup-ranking-points-are-hugely-unfair/) - Why Davis Cup rankig points are hugely unfair
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/136033.html) - Britain back on the map
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/ask-dmitry-agony-uncle-dmitry-tursunov/) - Ask Dmitry: agony uncle Dmitry Tursunov
:rolling:
supergran
15-02-2012, 17:03
Cazza, many thanks for those. Very interesting article re Leon and Davis Cup and Supergramps and I have just been laughing our heads off at Uncle Dmitry. Have put them on my fb page.
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2012/02/San-Jose/San-Jose-2012-Tuesday-Feature-Ladies-Day.aspx) - video -ladies day at San Jose
Si.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120215/davis-cup-mailbag/) - Jon Wertheim >TENNIS MAILBAG
Have you noticed that Andy Murray's post-Australian Open funk has catapulted the careers of three Americans? Fish in Miami '10, Donald Young in Indian Wells '11, Alex Bogomolov in Miami '11.
-- Cam, Burlington, Vt.
• I know Andy Murray loves the United States. But this might be exceedingly gracious of him. That's an interesting observation but the cynic would say: 1) Fish was already a fine player. Did this really catapult him?; 2) Young backslid after that win, as his Twitter timeline would confirm; and 3) Bogomolov is no longer American.
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/djokovics-brother-to-be-one-heck-of-a-player/) - Djokovic's brother to be one heck of a player
RoastLamb
16-02-2012, 20:08
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/on-court/djokovics-brother-to-be-one-heck-of-a-player/) - Djokovic's brother to be one heck of a player
That's all we need: another Djokovic. :eek:
Fox Sports (http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/Andy-Murray-Davis-Cup-ATP-tennis-points-rule-causing-a-stir-021612) - Davis Cup points rule big issue for
"Murray opted not to play for Britain in their Zonal Davis Cup tie against Slovakia, which they won, and would not have received any ranking points if he had.
“It’s not something I think about when I make a decision whether or not to play,” he said. “But that doesn’t alter my opinion. We had a young player, Dan Evans, who did really well and won both his singles but has a low ATP ranking. He really could have done with some points. But the system doesn’t allow for that. It needs to be looked at.”"
Tennis Grandstand.........http://www.tennisgrandstand.com/archives/12174
Bo'ness Journal.............http://www.bonessjournal.co.uk/sport/local-sport/tennis_star_colin_fleming_keeps_on_rising_1_212286 8
M & B Herald(Judy)........http://www.milngavieherald.co.uk/sport/tennis_starlet_maia_finds_mrs_murray_is_andy_to_ha ve_around_1_2119356
Tennis.com.................http://blogs.tennis.com/thewrap/2012/02/fan-club-rafa-ii.html
supergran
18-02-2012, 17:38
Some interesting articles here lynne.:thanks:
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/oddballs-and-oddities-6/) - Oddballs and Oddities
Tennis.com...............http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=16515&zoneid=25 (Brad Gilbert)
http://network.yardbarker.com/tennis/article_external/robin_soderling_has_found_peace_but_his_return_to_ tennis_is_in_doubt/10001773?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/marat-twitter-and-the-new-safinettes/)- Marat, Twitter and the new Safinettes
david1610
23-02-2012, 01:41
PseudoFed last week.... love it!
Just discovered that Del Potro's first name is Won! How? The tournament has not finished yet. Will make official complaint
http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/people-of-influence-no-18-ivan-lendl/
The economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2012/02/tennis-olympic-games): Why tennis is thriving at the Olympics
Great read
The tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/champion-rafa-and-rogers-appearance-fees/): Just how much are Rafa and Roger paid for interviews? :shocked:
Interesting fact that Andy has the 8th best ATP indoor win-loss record ever! :)
lloyd truly is a world class muppet
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/22/lloyd-reflects-on-tennis-different-eras/
lloyd truly is a world class muppet
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/22/lloyd-reflects-on-tennis-different-eras/
Prize plonker!
ChrisMac
24-02-2012, 10:52
lloyd truly is a world class muppet
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/22/lloyd-reflects-on-tennis-different-eras/
What a muppet!! :dunce:
supergran
24-02-2012, 15:10
lloyd truly is a world class muppet
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/22/lloyd-reflects-on-tennis-different-eras/Silly man!
david1610
24-02-2012, 19:58
Not trying to make excuses for Lloyd, but in this case the journalist is even MORE of a muppet for not doing enough background research to realise Lloyd and Andy cannot really be compared the way the article tries to
Totally agree with you David1610. Two muppets together I think!
Mail (http://worldoftennisblog.dailymail.co.uk/2012/02/planet-tennis-by-mike-dickson.html)- Planet Tennis by Mike
Murray On Top Of The World
(http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/News/Tennis/2012/ATP-Tournament/Murray-Burj-Khalif.aspx)andy soccer skills
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7545915/Murray-to-face-qualifier)- Murray to face qualifier
That's all we need: another Djokovic. :eek:
We've got another two of them - middle brother Marko is in the Dubai draw. :rolling:
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17163550) - Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins lose Memphis semi-final
LC the fan
26-02-2012, 01:16
lloyd truly is a world class muppet
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/22/lloyd-reflects-on-tennis-different-eras/
What a bitter twisted - and wasted - wally Lloyd is. No wonder Chrissie divorced him and was double quick to drop his name !
supergran
26-02-2012, 01:17
That's a real shame.....but well done to them for reaching another semi.
LC the fan
26-02-2012, 01:26
A semi final should take them up a couple of places in the rankings though - If my workings are right. Would just love to see them in the top ten
supergran
26-02-2012, 01:30
What a bitter twisted - and wasted - wally Lloyd is. No wonder Chrissie divorced him and was double quick to drop his name !Ooh a bit strong.:lol: Don't forget Chris has divorced two since.:lol:
Ooh a bit strong.:lol: Don't forget Chris has divorced two since.:lol:
Yes and what Greg Norman said about her doesn't make pretty reading. Maybe she and Lloyd deserved each other!
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/buoyant-murray-says-skys-the-limit-7441040.html
Sorry if this has already been posted - it's great to hear Andy sounding so up-beat!
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2106666/Andy-Murray-Dubai.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)- The sky's the limit for Murray as British No 1 looks ahead to Dubai Championships
National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/sandstorms-delay-the-qualifying-games-of-tennis-championships)- Sandstorms delay the qualifying games of tennis Championships
supergran
27-02-2012, 00:00
Interesting to read this in "Seven", Sunday Telegraph..written by Tim Key, English actor and comedy writer in the column entitled "My Heroes and Heroines": "ANDY MURRAY: He's feisty, fiercely determined and has an unbending dry wit. He's gonna start tearing into those other three chumps soon, too. People are gonna see. Murray is a monumental sportsman and person." Don't know much about Tim Key but I like him.:)
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9106949/Andy-Murray-is-ready-to-take-the-next-step-in-his-quest-for-a-grand-slam-title.html)- Andy Murray is ready to take the next step in his quest for a grand slam title
Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-still-on-a-high-after-heroics-down-under-7441275.html) - Murray still on a high after heroics Down Under
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17171313) - Murray returns to action in Dubai
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12111/7550264/Dubai-contenders) - Dubai contenders
Gulf News (http://gulfnews.com/sport/tennis/murray-sets-his-sights-on-winning-olympic-gold-1.986703) - Murray sets his sights on winning Olympic gold
"The talented Scotsman will play the singles, doubles and mixed doubles during the event which will be held at Wimbeldon, and he hopes that he can cash in on the home advantage. "
.....
"Murray is likely to partner with Colin Flemmings, who is in the Top 20, but says that he would have loved to play with his brother Jamie.
"Colin and Ross (Hutchins) are both good friends, so I'm really looking forward to that. I'd feel bad if I chose Jamie over Colin, as I don't want to take the opportunity away from them." "
Interesting comments on the Olympics in the Gulf News article.
Does this mean Colin and Ross couldn't make a pairing? Andy will be disappointed if Jamie unfortunately isn't in the mix. I think I read that Elena B. was hoping to maybe play mixed with Andy? - if it's based on something to do with ranking then you would think hers would be a stronger case than Laura's?
Does anyone know the rulings; or indeed when the decisions have to be made?
[please move to Olympics thread if more relevant there]
Interesting comments on the Olympics in the Gulf News article.
Does this mean Colin and Ross couldn't make a pairing? Andy will be disappointed if Jamie unfortunately isn't in the mix. I think I read that Elena B. was hoping to maybe play mixed with Andy? - if it's based on something to do with ranking then you would think hers would be a stronger case than Laura's?
Does anyone know the rulings; or indeed when the decisions have to be made?
[please move to Olympics thread if more relevant there]
From what I have read from Stu Fraser, it goes by ranking and also some WCs. If Andy and Jamie played, technically they should make it through ranking. Because the Olympics is only 1 week, is unlikely that he would be able to realistically play 3 events. In order to be able to play mixed doubles, you have to be down to play in either the singles or doubles which means that Laura would have to qualify
Is harder for Ross and Colin, so we need to hope on rankings or WCs. Also unfortunately Ken will have little or no chance of playing in Olympics as there is a maximum of 2 pairings for doubles. And he can't play in mixed if he's not in men's doubles. Hope this makes sense
It seems a bit unfair that you can't play mixed unless you're in the men's/women's doubles.
From what I have read from Stu Fraser, it goes by ranking and also some WCs. If Andy and Jamie played, technically they should make it through ranking. Because the Olympics is only 1 week, is unlikely that he would be able to realistically play 3 events. In order to be able to play mixed doubles, you have to be down to play in either the singles or doubles which means that Laura would have to qualify
Is harder for Ross and Colin, so we need to hope on rankings or WCs. Also unfortunately Ken will have little or no chance of playing in Olympics as there is a maximum of 2 pairings for doubles. And he can't play in mixed if he's not in men's doubles. Hope this makes sense
Sorry probably being thick but who is "he"? Cos Andy seems to be playing all 3 from what the Gulf News item says.
National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/andy-murray-takes-time-out-from-tennis-to-talk-about-rangers-struggles)- Andy Murray takes time out from tennis to talk about Rangers' struggles
National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/andy-murray-takes-time-out-from-tennis-to-talk-about-rangers-struggles)- Andy Murray takes time out from tennis to talk about Rangers' struggles
"I wasn't shocked, but I was disappointed," said Murray,:shocked: the PMS should stick to tennis, muppet
david1610
28-02-2012, 03:10
"Evaluating Roger's cocky comments" http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfhAW?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=tennis
"Evaluating Roger's cocky comments" http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfhAW?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=tennisthe fed fans comments are brilliant , you can feel their pain :rolling:
With adoring fans who are so blind to his many faults it's no wonder he's so smug and arrogant. Pity because he is such
a great player. I like to watch his matches, but with the TV on mute.
supergran
28-02-2012, 15:08
With adoring fans who are so blind to his many faults it's no wonder he's so smug and arrogant. Pity because he is such
a great player. I like to watch his matches, but with the TV on mute.I like to watch his matches.....praying he'll lose. I know, I know...not sporting but at my age don't care.:big grin::boogie::lol:
david1610
28-02-2012, 16:05
I posted the article because ultimately Federer could harm his own reputation if he continues like this - he will be become subject to increasing derision.
In some ways Federer is the mirror image of Andy - some people will never be persuaded of Andy's virtues, and some people will never be convinced of Roger's lack of virtue in this regard.
Pity because Roger has now played over 1000 ATP matches, which is very, very special.
RoastLamb
28-02-2012, 17:14
"Evaluating Roger's cocky comments" http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfhAW?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=tennis
"I came so close [to breaking Sampras' record] and I could have chased it if I had wanted to. I didn't choose to.''
This is why we play the game. Federer didn't break Pete's No. 1 record because he didn't want to. Not because Rafael Nadal took it away from him or Novak Djokovic denied him two Grand Slams last year. Nope, Roger chose not to pursue the record, just as I choose not to be a billionaire.
That's a corker. :lol:
Is there a link to Andy's post-match comments?
I came across this http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/138544.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
Hope he's feeling 100% tomorrow - especially with not having met Chiudinelli before. Good luck, Andy :luckyfourleafclover:
I posted the article because ultimately Federer could harm his own reputation if he continues like this - he will be become subject to increasing derision.
In some ways Federer is the mirror image of Andy - some people will never be persuaded of Andy's virtues, and some people will never be convinced of Roger's lack of virtue in this regard.
Pity because Roger has now played over 1000 ATP matches, which is very, very special.
I like that article and agree it is a shame that Roger is demeaning himself in this way because he is a great player.
If his remarks are to be taken seriously then he chose to lose the final in 2008 at Wimbledon against Rafa and to suffer the humiliation at Rafa hands in the French Open in the same year. :confused: :lol:
supergran
29-02-2012, 00:02
I posted the article on facebook.
Sorry not had time to do all the newspaper reports today. Here are one or two.
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17193676) - Andy Murray struggles past qualifier Michael Berrer in Dubai
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9110891/Andy-Murray-overcomes-stomach-upset-beat-Michael-Berrer-at-Dubai-Tennis-Championships.html) - Andy Murray overcomes stomach upset beat Michael Berrer at Dubai Tennis Championships
tennisTV (http://www.tennistv.com/page/Video/0,,11444~1936513,00.html)- Andy's post match interview - video
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7553257/Murray-edges-Berrer-opener) - Murray edges Berrer opener
Independent - (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-feels-a-little-better-after-beating-berrer-7462497.html)Murray feels a little better after beating Berrer
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/slow_starter_andy_murray_takes_three_sets_to_see_o ff_michael_berrer_1_2143113) - Slow-starter Andy Murray takes three sets to see off Michael Berrer
ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/9/Dubai-Tuesday-Murray-Battles-Past-Berrer.aspx) - Murray Battles Past Berrer; Tsonga Outclasses Baghdatis For Second Round Berth
Dubai site (http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2012/02/Dubai/Dubai-2012-Round-Tables.aspx) - Dubai Round Table - video
5 min introduction to Dubai - includes Andy
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/feb/28/andy-murray-michael-berrer-dubai)- Andy Murray shows rust in three-set win over Michael Berrer in Dubai
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2107621/Andy-Murray-struggles-Dubai-opener-Michael-Berrer.html) - Rusty Murray misses Lendl as Brit struggles through Dubai opener against Berrer
Madeline
29-02-2012, 09:54
Exasperated by all the articles seeming to think Andy's patch of poor play was not so much because he was feeling sick as because Lendl wasn't there to hold his hand. . .
I like Lendl very much and am delighted he is working with Andy, but come on!
As far as I know, not one commentator commented on the fact that Andy was feeling nauseous yesterday.
supergran
29-02-2012, 14:42
Exasperated by all the articles seeming to think Andy's patch of poor play was not so much because he was feeling sick as because Lendl wasn't there to hold his hand. . .
I like Lendl very much and am delighted he is working with Andy, but come on! The newspaper journalists are really silly with these kind of comments. What has been getting on my nerves recently is the way that Marcus in the studio always brings up "Andy's attitude" in a negative way but strangely, today Bouncy was very circumspect when answering. Wish they'd all change the record.:grrr:
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17204163)- Andy Murray beats Chiudinelli to reach Dubai quarter-finals
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17186224)- Novak Djokovic's younger brother Marko feeling the heat
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9113179/Andy-Murray-through-to-quarter-finals-after-defeating-Marco-Chiudinelli-in-Dubai-Championships.html)- Andy Murray through to quarter-finals after defeating Marco Chiudinelli in Dubai Championships
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2108140/Andy-Murray-beats-Marco-Chiudinelli-reach-Dubai-Duty-Free-Championships-quarter-final.html) - Improved Murray makes light work of Chiudinelli to reach last eight in Dubai
Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/29022012/58/murray-eases-eight-dubai.html) - Murray eases into last eight in Dubai
Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/andy_murray_through_to_dubai_quarter_finals_1_2144 508) - Andy Murray through to Dubai quarter-finals
The National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/andy-murray-and-novak-djokovic-progress-in-dubai) - Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic progress in Dubai
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/9/Dubai-Wednesday-Murray-Reaches-Quarterfinals.aspx)- Djokovic To Meet Tipsarevic In Dubai QFs; Murray, Berdych On Song
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7554985/Murray-back-to-form-in-Dubai) - Murray back to form in Dubai
LC the fan
29-02-2012, 21:53
Exasperated by all the articles seeming to think Andy's patch of poor play was not so much because he was feeling sick as because Lendl wasn't there to hold his hand. . .
I like Lendl very much and am delighted he is working with Andy, but come on!
Sadly it was always going to be that way. I said when the news of his appointment first came out, if/when Andy goes on to win a slam it will be Lendl's achievement as much as Andy's according to the press. Must say I am very impressed with Ivan's comments - he has said that Andy has been much more willing to listen than he expected and the partnership is everything he hoped for ...and more. He wont take any credit but as for the commentators.....well ....we all know what they are like
tennis tv - (http://www.tennistv.com/page/Video/0,,11444~1937200,00.html) - Andy's post match interview (video)
tennis tv (http://www.tennistv.com/page/Video/0,,11444~1937105,00.html)- Player party (video)
Interesting. They interviewed Feli and then Fish - I think they are the same age but Fish looks way older. What is Feli's secret - does he have a really ugly picture in the attic?
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/tenniss-dirty-secret-habit-the-underground-smokers/) - Tennis's dirty, secret habit - the underground smokers
Tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/review/quirky-olympic-tennis-stories/) - Quirky Olympic tennis stories
Tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/how-to/petchey-how-to-blag-a-career-as-a-tv-commentator/) - Petchey: How to blag a career as a TV commentator
Tennis space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/60-seconds-with-laura-robson/) - 60 seconds with Laura Robson
Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/tenniss-dirty-secret-habit-the-underground-smokers/) - Tennis's dirty, secret habit - the underground smokers
Surprising they don't mention Ferrer, who is a well known smoker.
Just a reminder of the fascinating Fedex Reliability stats on the atp website http://www.atpworldtour.com/Reliability-Zone/Reliability-Zone-Landing.aspx
So good to see Andy's stats - and pitch them in the mix of both career and current players. :thumbup:
my chance to get here before cazza, from the guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/01/andy-murray-djokovic-tomas-berdych)
it's a routine match report, but what a great result
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17221038)- Andy Murray beats Tomas Berdych at Dubai Championships
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9115529/Andy-Murray-defeats-Tomas-Berdych-6-3-7-5-to-reach-semi-finals-of-Dubai-Championships.html) - Andy Murray defeats Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5 to reach semi-finals of Dubai Championships
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/138894.html) - Murray shrugs off injury concerns
National Post (http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/03/01/andy-murray-makes-it-into-dubai-championships-semi-final/) - Andy Murray makes it into Dubai Championships semi-final
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2108625/Andy-Murray-reaches-Dubai-Duty-Free-Championships-semi-finals.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)- Murray marches on in Dubai as Scot sees off Berdych to reach semi-finals
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/9/Dubai-Thursday-Murray-Beats-Berdych.aspx) - Murray Beats Berdych For SF
Tennis TV (http://www.tennistv.com/page/Video/0,,11444~1939691,00.html) - Andy's post Berdych QF match interview
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7557341/Murray-ends-Berdych-hoodoo)- Murray ends Berdych hoodoo
that weird pic that crops up on most match reports, that shows andy applauding an extraordinary winning shot from berdych
this is the 'as it happened from the beeb (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17218159)
patmoren
01-03-2012, 20:10
Some good reports, liked Andys interview, haven't heard him talk for so long without stopping.
sportal.co.nz (http://www.sportal.co.nz/tennis-news-display/murray-slams-hawkeye-164165) - Murray slams Hawkeye ruling
The National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/why-the-best-tennis-players-in-the-world-keep-coming-to-dubai) - Why the best tennis players in the world keep coming to Dubai
The National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/great-rivalry-in-store-as-novak-djokovic-meets-andy-murray-in-dubai) - 'Great rivalry' in store as Novak Djokovic meets Andy Murray in Dubai
The National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/tomas-berdych-shocked-after-chair-umpire-makes-wrong-call-in-dubai) - Tomas Berdych 'shocked' after chair umpire makes wrong call in Dubai
10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/03/01/dubai-sees-another-controversy-between-murray-and-berdych/) - Dubai Sees Another Controversy Between Murray and Berdych
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/9/Dubai-Thursday-Murray-Beats-Berdych.aspx) - Murray To Face Djokovic in Blockbuster Semi-final
tennis TV (http://www.tennistv.com/page/Video/0,,11444~1940022,00.html)- Djokovic post match (and pre Andy) interview
Madeline
01-03-2012, 22:13
I don't think that actually was a wrong call by the umpire. The tennistv commentators, while the argument was still going on, said that they had just watched a replay of it on their equipment and the call came after the ball was hit. But I agree it is a very fine line, and one the umpire can frequently get wrong.
david1610
02-03-2012, 00:47
I don't think that actually was a wrong call by the umpire. The tennistv commentators, while the argument was still going on, said that they had just watched a replay of it on their equipment and the call came after the ball was hit. But I agree it is a very fine line, and one the umpire can frequently get wrong.
There had been a similar one earlier which had gone against Andy, which upset him and when this one happened it crossed my mind that the umpire was evening things up!
Very tricky.
Mmmm ... Berdych may well have felt he had a grievance but I couldn't help feeling that the fuss he made was pure gamesmanship. He knew full well that Mohamed wasn't going to change his mind but he also knew that, given Andy was serving for the match, any fuss and delay could well disrupt his rhythm. My impression is that Tomas isn't above playing mind games!
Surprising they don't mention Ferrer, who is a well known smoker.
Really???!!!!!! :surprised:
How's this for the latest example of Fed's arrogance:
http://twitter.com/#!/simonrbriggs
Asked if he (Fed) uses much video analysis, he replied "I used to do a lot of that early on. I don't know if so much for tactical reasons .
... but more for just pleasure and looking at my own technique".
Classic don't you think?
Sometimes it's hard to believe that it's the real Federer saying these things - maybe he's trying to compete with PseudoFed!
patmoren
02-03-2012, 14:45
How's this for the latest example of Fed's arrogance:
http://twitter.com/#!/simonrbriggs
Asked if he (Fed) uses much video analysis, he replied "I used to do a lot of that early on. I don't know if so much for tactical reasons .
... but more for just pleasure and looking at my own technique".
Classic don't you think?
Silly twit!
from the beeb a (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17235217)gain, the 'as it happened' on andy's great win today, took djo in straights!
ATP Dubai (http://www.tennistv.com/page/Video/0,,11444%7E1940552,00.html): Murray Interview Semifinal
more from the beeb (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17237683), decent report of the game. still excited, that's why i want read all about it, recall the excitement.
and the guardian, also excited (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/02/andy-murray-defeats-novak-djokovic-dubai)
from the guardian - "he has hunted down Federer in the past, even though the Swiss overtook him in the rankings at the end of last year. Nadal is the opponent he enjoys playing more than all the others. And now Djokovic is another notch on his racket.
They have always respected Murray, because they recognise his potential to play so well from time to time. If he can hit a vein of form, if he can get that first grand slam title, they will genuinely fear him. He deserves it. Not many have worked harder at their game than the enigmatic Scot."
Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7559954/Murray-dethrones-Djokovic)- Murray dethrones Djokovic
The National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/andy-murray-relishes-his-meeting-with-roger-federer-in-dubai-final) - Andy Murray relishes his meeting with Roger Federer in Dubai final
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9118820/Andy-Murray-gains-sweet-revenge-with-straight-sets-win-over-Novak-Djokovich-in-Dubai.html) - Andy Murray gains sweet revenge with straight-sets win over Novak Djokovich in Dubai
The National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-tips-hat-to-andy-murray-after-dubai-defeat)- Novak Djokovic tips hat to Andy Murray after Dubai defeat
ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/139046.html)- Murray buoyed by Djokovic scalp
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/9/Dubai-Friday-Murray-Beats-Djokovic.aspx) - Murray Ends Djokovic Dubai Run
ESPN (http://espn.go.com/tennis/blog/_/name/bodo_peter/id/7638297/tennis-why-roger-federer-andy-murray-best-rivalry) - Why Federer-Murray is the best rivalry
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2109275/Andy-Murray-beats-Novak-Djokovic-reach-Dubai-final.html) - Sweet revenge for Murray as Scot sees off Djokovic to reach Dubai final
Sorry probably being thick but who is "he"? Cos Andy seems to be playing all 3 from what the Gulf News item says.
I was thinking about Andy. Purely because though he would want to participate in all 3 events, it would be very hard to do so when the tournament is only a week long I think unlike Wimbly. If he plays mixed too, would it reduce his chances in the other two... I don't know. Will be interesting to see
Is there a link to Andy's post-match comments?
I still feel disappointed about the match today - I guess I was so hoping that Andy could show he could get consecutive wins over the top 3, pity it was not to be.
But Andy's comments usually help me to put a loss into perspective.
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17245570) - Roger Federer beats Andy Murray to win Dubai Championships
tennistv (http://www.tennistv.com/page/Video/0,,11444~1941268,00.html) - Andy on court post match interview
ATP site (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/02/9/Dubai-Saturday-Federer-Wins-Fifth-Dubai-Title.aspx)- Federer Wins Fifth Dubai Crown
Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9121115/Andy-Murray-is-beaten-but-not-bowed-after-losing-to-Roger-Federer-in-straight-sets-in-the-Dubai-final.html) - Andy Murray is beaten but not bowed after losing to Roger Federer in straight sets in the Dubai final
Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/mar/03/andy-murray-roger-federer)- Andy Murray still has some work to do after Roger Federer's desert win
Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2109722/Andy-Murray-beaten-Roger-Federer-Dubai-Championships-final.html)- Djokovic win goes to waste as Murray falls to fizzing Federer in Dubai final
10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/03/03/the-ice-cool-lendl-effect/) - The Ice Cool Lendl Effect
Thankyou cazza for the links.
Good to see Andy looking and sounding so positive after his loss to Federer.
Madeline
04-03-2012, 00:11
Is there a link to Andy's post-match comments?
I still feel disappointed about the match today - I guess I was so hoping that Andy could show he could get consecutive wins over the top 3, pity it was not to be.
But Andy's comments usually help me to put a loss into perspective.
You will find it on this page http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/News/Interview-Transcripts/Interview-Transcripts.aspx
Why do the Beeb always seem to manage to get it wrong? According to Breakfast this morning Andy 'is still waiting for his first title of 2012' - what happened to Brisbane?
Madeline
04-03-2012, 09:45
I can remember when the Beeb was accurate and well-respected. But then, I am old.
Mandiemoo
04-03-2012, 11:12
You will find it on this page http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/News/Interview-Transcripts/Interview-Transcripts.aspx
I have had this problem all week, i cannot access the tourneys website. Not idea why, just get 'Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage'
Madeline
04-03-2012, 14:48
Strange. I have no problem, but I use Firefox.
Andy has stressed the importance of seeing the bigger picture following the disappointment of his defeat to Roger Federer in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.
http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/139280.html
Andy has stressed the importance of seeing the bigger picture following the disappointment of his defeat to Roger Federer in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.
http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/139280.html
Thanks for this - I'm really encouraged by Andy's attitude :thumbup:
Hi. Happy Tuesday to all!
From The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-is-out-to-copy-lendls-work-ethic-7537660.html
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