US OPEN 2021, R1: Andy Murray (former Champion) v Stefanos Tsitsipas. Mon 30th Aug, 7.45pm

[Sallydaisy]

Braveheart v Sissypants.
;)

Andy Murray v Stefanos Tsitsipas
They've never met before on the tennis court so the H2H is 0-0
(https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/stefanos-tsitsipas-vs-andy-murray/TE51/MC10)
The Greek has been playing well this year with 2 Titles under his belt although his Career Title wins of 7 pale into insignificance compared to the British player who has 46 including 3 Grand Slam titles.

Both right handed, both tall and both as fit as anyone will be in this up and down Covid related time.

Who'll win?
Age and experience or youth and enthusiasm?
It won't be over until Andy Murray is beaten ...
:knight:

[RosieBear]

Awful. Could hardly have been worse. Poor Andy :sad: (actual lol if he beats him tho :rolling:)

[clancy]

Sack the tennis gods - they've got it in for Andy! x

[Genbrit]

Not a nice first round but Andy will be rested.
He has time to work out his opponent.
He will come with a plan hopefully, and if that doesn't work he will try and adapt.
His match against Tiafoe showed more of the old Andy than I've seen in a while. I believe he has worked on his game some to adjust to shortening points, although still a work in progress.
His serve has improved and his hands still work like magic at times.
Tsitsipas is rightfully the favourite so it will be the shock of the tournament if he wins, but let's hope that the tennis gods are with him and think he's up to the test.

[banskogirl]

Aw seriously..........:crying: but it's Andy so :boogie: who knows!

:rolling: I just can't wait :jitterbug: We know Andy loves a challenge

[Guerkins2]

I see the match is 2nd on Ashe on Monday after a women’s match, so I would think at about 19.00. That’s Monday evening sorted :yahoo:

[Jane]

Andy breaks and leads 2-1

[exislander]

Andy breaks for 2-1 -where is everyone?

[RosieBear]

Just Andy breaking the world no 3, that's all :worship: Nothing like a Murray match, nothing.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy breaks for 2-1 -where is everyone?
Here but watching Andy!!!
:lol:

[david1610]

Trying to find something to watch it on that is not Amazon Prime... anybody got anything? ;)
C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Trying to find something to watch it on that is not Amazon Prime... anybody got anything? ;)
C'mon Andy!
Nope, Prime only has it.

[RosieBear]

Oh my days, Andy's tying him in knots out there :laugh: Always tell Andy he can't do something :laugh:

[david1610]

Double break! Is that due to Andy or Tstisipas, or a bit of both? ;)

[Jane]

Bet365 showing it too

[david1610]

Nope, Prime only has it.

Oh dear I signed up for it in August but it did not work. Oh well...

[lovetennis]

Well this is a bit good isn't it :popcorn::popcorn::knight:

[exislander]

Trying to find something to watch it on that is not Amazon Prime... anybody got anything? ;)
C'mon Andy!

try bet365?

[david1610]

try bet365?
Thank you it wants copies of my passport and credit card. Have you done that?

[JAMES4578]

some great play from Andy which is encoraging to see however Tsitsipas a bit out of sorts, long way to go yet.

[Jane]

Andy serving for the set at 5-2

[exislander]

Thank you it wants copies of my passport and credit card. Have you done that?

Don't remember needing passport when I joined years ago.

[Jane]

First set to Andy 6-2...fantastic :yahoo: :yahoo:

[RosieBear]

Get in. Andy bags the first set 6-2, hands up who had that in forecast the match :laugh: Love to see it. Andy's eyes as he went to sit down after the set said it all, pure fire.

[lovetennis]

I am loving this. That's all I can say

[cazza99]

Trying to find something to watch it on that is not Amazon Prime... anybody got anything? ;)
C'mon Andy!

Have you tried using a VPN so it thinks you are in the UK?

[Teresa]

It’s very strange without Ball kids and Hawkeye. Very impressed so far.

[Hawkeye]

Hawkeye is here!

[david1610]

Have you tried using a VPN so it thinks you are in the UK?
Thank you. Have in fact found ESPN in 4K! A couple of games behind. Not sure if I can post the link. I have forgotten what the policy is. Anyway, come on Andy!

[Hawkeye]

I'm watching a dodgy stream too, just a few points behind.

[RosieBear]

Gritty hold :clap: Nice of Stefanos to request a review that won't change when Andy's trying to save bps :rolleyes:

[cazza99]

Thank you. Have in fact found ESPN in 4K! A couple of games behind. Not sure if I can post the link. I have forgotten what the policy is. Anyway, come on Andy!

Glad you have found something. I used a VPN when I was in the Canaries once - Prime definitely worked with it. Also BBC red button etc.

[Jane]

3-3 in second set

[Hawkeye]

4-4. Just feel Andy needs to hang in there this set.

[Hawkeye]

15-30, should have been three break points but a glimmer...

[Jane]

It’s very strange without Ball kids and Hawkeye. Very impressed so far.

There are ball kids - wearing brightly coloured clothing!!;)

[Hawkeye]

Hope Andy doesn't regret those missed chances. Come on, a nice hold needed here.

[Teresa]

There are ball kids - wearing brightly coloured clothing!!;)

Ah see it now.

[Hawkeye]

Tie break. A must win, I feel.

[Sallydaisy]

3-3 all at the change of ends.
A break apiece ... very level at the moment.
Winning this set would help Andy no end methinks.

[Sallydaisy]

Lob!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy breaks 5-3*
What a rally, Andy falls but is OK (humidity making the court a bit wet)

BUT BUT BUT
Andy still has the mini-break ... serving at *5-4. Needs 2.

[Sallydaisy]

2 set points
:sofa:

[Sallydaisy]

Andy hits the net ... ST to serve to stay in the 2nd set *5-6

[Sallydaisy]

6 games all ...

Andy's have trouble with the dampness and humidity and it's distracting him.

[Sallydaisy]

Set point Stef. Andy to serve.

*7-7
*8-7 DF from Andy, so frustrating that his footwear isn't dry!

2nd set to the Greek. 1 set all.

[Jane]

I can almost hear Andy's shoes squelching!!

[Teresa]

Rats��

[Jane]

One set all - blame the wet shoes!!

[RosieBear]

:crying: That fall really knocked his confidence. Poor Andy, so unfortunate. What a shame he couldn't take that set point.

[Sallydaisy]

One set all - blame the wet shoes!!

Stuart Fraser

(https://twitter.com/stu_fraser)
Andy Murray on his sweat-soaked trainers: "I need shoes and I don't have any other shoes". Does anyone sitting in Arthur Ashe Stadium have a pair of Under Armours they could lend him?

[JAMES4578]

Good quality set with chances for both, pity about problem with humidity though. Hopefully Andy can focus on the positives and start the 3rd well.

[Jan]

Seriously? He hasn't got any spare shoes?

[harriet]

shades of wimbledon, new shoes please!
doesn't andy look absolutely huge - legs, torso
really good game, enjoying this - tho at 1-1 instead of 2-0 i expect tsitsipas to run/swim out the winner
great practice for andy

[clancy]

Tight tie break and pity it went the wrong way. Stef on toilet break, probably ringing his dad, should be checked that phone not going with him! Hopefully Andy can get the upper hand again in the 3rd set. Shoes a problem!! x

[Sallydaisy]

Shoegate ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-ETOJ0XoAE_Shr?format=jpg&name=small

[Sallydaisy]

Muzz holds 1st game, 3rd set.

Andy breaks for a 2-0 lead.
:knight:

[Sallydaisy]

Murray 3-0, 3rd set.
:shades:

[Jane]

Andy leads 3-0 in the third set

[Jane]

I would have thought there would be a sports shop in the complex where players could buy equipment (shoes for example) but what would I know.

[Sallydaisy]

Twitter banter ...

Cambers: "Message Evo", Murray tells his team, regarding his shoes....
Ryves: literal midmatch dial-a-Dan @TennisPodcast!
Steven: Or is it "Can I phone a friend" ...
Stu Fraser: Gerry Armstrong delivers a couple of fresh pairs of socks to Andy Murray at the change of ends. Not sure if they are Gerry’s...

[Jane]

4-1 in the third set

[clancy]

4-1 to Andy, can we say this set in the bag? let's hope so! x

[Sallydaisy]

Well, Andy finally held that serve for a 4-1 lead.

[HoopGirl]

So great to see Andy looking and playing confidently!
Loving it!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy takes the 3rd set!
:yahoo:

He leads 6'2, 6'7, 6'3 ... but it ain't over yet.
:cauldron:

[Jane]

Andy gets the third set 6-3 - fantastic stuff

[exislander]

Does this not just make you smile?

[clancy]

Andy has wrestled 2 sets from the no 3 seed, just 1 more!! (Don't really want him to go to 5). x

[Sallydaisy]

Meanwhile, the match between P-H Herbert and Mannarino has
just gone into a fifth set (winner plays Tsitsipas or Murray)

[david1610]

C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

:lol:
the background music from USO just drowned out Greg ...
;)

Tsitsipas has the physio on for his foot/toes.

[Sallydaisy]

Does this not just make you smile?
Actually, it's made me giggle a LOT!!!
:big grin:

[JAMES4578]

Andy holding that long game at 3-1 may well have been crucial and playing some great tennis,impressive shotmaking from Murray and strong serving. However Stefanos missing some chances, need to see if Andy can sustain this form.

[lovetennis]

I would have thought there would be a sports shop in the complex where players could buy equipment (shoes for example) but what would I know.

I don't think you can buy Under Armor tennis shoes any more so I guess Andy has them specially made. I wonder if Evo has raced back to the hotel for spares?

[clancy]

Not a good start 2-0 down 4th set.

[Sallydaisy]

Humph! Tsitsipas breaks so is 2-0 up.
The Greek looks like he's still got a foot problem.

[Hawkeye]

Chucked that game away.

[clancy]

Think we can say goodbye to this set!

[Sallydaisy]

Think we can say goodbye to this set!
You think?
:whistle:

[Sallydaisy]

Tsitsipas takes the 4th set 6'3 and we're into a 5th to decide it.

[clancy]

Sadly yes, but Andy will serve 1st in the 5th. x

[RosieBear]

Stefanos off to phone daddy in one of his 20 minute breaks :rolleyes:

[clancy]

How is he allowed to do that?

[RosieBear]

How is he allowed to do that?

He's not. As Andy has just said to his box, "it's cheating".

[lovetennis]

I used to like Stef, but I can go off people

[Sallydaisy]

Andy holds and it's only one break of serve ...

[RosieBear]

Andy to tournament ref: "The toilet is just there. What took him so long. I've never taken that long to go to the toilet in my life. What is he doing in there"?

Good question Andy.

[RosieBear]

Anyway, hope Andy can but his clear agitation aside and get the break back. Let's go!

[lovetennis]

Crowd definitely on Andy's side as Stef changes racket at 0-30

[Sallydaisy]

Andy holds for 3-4.
Really needs to break Stef asap and came close in the last game.

[HoopGirl]

This has turned out to be a mammoth match!

[Teresa]

He so deserved to win this, but I don’t think he is going to pull it off:sad:

[david1610]

Four hours forty five minutes and counting! I certainly did not expect that! C'mon Andy. One more push!

[HoopGirl]

He does but regardless it’s been a great performance by him!

[HoopGirl]

I love how he’s been using the crowds energy

[Sallydaisy]

Tsitsipas to serve for the match, *5-4 up in the 5th set.
:pillows:

[Sallydaisy]

That net is soooooooo in the way!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy Murray holds serve for 4-5, sits down and says to the umpire,
'Can I have the trainer now?' A beat.
'Nah, it's OK, I'm joking.'

[Sallydaisy]

The Greek wins ...
:hmm:
... not the friendliest handshake from Andy!

2'6, 7'6(7), 3'6, 6'3, 6'4
Such a close match and that shoe episode is really what cost Andy the win IMHO.
Sad for him but wasn't it a joy to see him playing so well???
No hint of any physical problems, even after he fell over.

I won't be watching the oncourt interview ...

[lovetennis]

Would have loved a different result but this match has really proved Andy can play top level tennis. To stay competitive right to the end of 5 sets in a top quality match is massively encouraging. Onward and upwards

Agree about the shoes Sally. Bet he'll never take the court without spares again. Also disappointed Tsitsipas antics

[HoopGirl]

Andy not happy with Tsitsipas

[RosieBear]

Wow. What can you say. Simply phenomenal. Once a legend, always a legend. If someone had offered this incredible showing before the match I'd have bitten their hand off so absolutely taking nothing but positives, but the win was there but for that terrible piece of luck in the tiebreak. Groan. A real pity Andy couldn't quite get the W, but oh my word Andy is back. I've never felt so upbeat after a loss. I'm blown away - one extremely happy fan tonight. Thanks for yet more amazing times Andy.

Andy deeply unhappy with Stefanos' conduct.

[HoopGirl]

The Greek wins ...
:hmm:
... not the friendliest handshake from Andy!

Such a close match and that shoe episode is really what cost Andy the win IMHO.
Sad for him but wasn't it a joy to see him playing so well???
No hint of any physical problems, even after he fell over.

Such a joy! Really a joy to see him again!

[HoopGirl]

Wow. What can you say. Simply phenomenal. Once a legend, always a legend. If someone had offered this incredible showing before the match I'd have bitten their hand off so absolutely taking nothing but positives, but the win was there but for that terrible piece of luck in the tiebreak. Groan. A real pity Andy couldn't quite get the W, but oh my word Andy is back. I've never felt so upbeat after a loss. I'm blown away - one extremely happy fan tonight. Thanks for yet more amazing times

Andy deeply unhappy with Stefanos' conduct.

I agree - and add that I’m another happy fan too! Smiling despite the loss!
Night, night - happy dreams. Our dreams of Andy keep going!

[clancy]

A great pity as I felt he was the better player over virtually the whole of the match. Andy isn't the only one not pleased with Tipsy; such behaviour should be stamped on! But still a terrific result for Andy and shows the world he can still make his mark at the highest level of tennis. Well done, Sir, a thoroughly enjoyable match. xx

[patlowe]

I'm quite lost for words! Where to start?
Firstly, what a performance from Andy. I don't think anyone expected this level of play from him, shame on us! We should really know better, it's Andy after all. He just rolled the years back and treated us all to another thrilling rollercoaster. So so proud of him.
We're also left in no doubt as to his feelings on extended bathroom breaks!
:bravo:

[jackie55]

Wow!! Andy is amazing, so near to beating the no. 3 seed, obviously disappointed that he didn't get the win, but so encouraged with his performance, really hope that he can recover OK and take alot of encouragement going forward

[JAMES4578]

Great effort from Andy and certainly exceeded my expectations, even if not quite enough in the end. obviously bad luck with the shoes in the 2nd set and felt he lost his way a bit for a while in the 4th. He let the bathroom break get to him too much and until the rules tightened up not much that can be done. Anyway I would give credit to Tsitsipas for the way he fought back,even if many may not feel like doing that. Despite the loss a lot of positves for Andy.

[banskogirl]

What a match! What a guy! Yes laughter in the first set when Andy was just buzzing and sissypants (hope I can borrow that) was being reminded that he wouldn’t have a chance if the big 4 were at their best.

I have never been a fan of the Greek, as you all know, and tonight hasn’t changed my mind! Ok he hasn’t broken a rule with his toilet break but imho he knows exactly what he’s doing, even if it’s only to annoy his opponent!

Anyway enough about him, 2 points in the second set tie break and our Andy would be through to the next round, past the world number 3! Oh what a night! :knight:

[david1610]

A great pity as I felt he was the better player over virtually the whole of the match. Andy isn't the only one not pleased with Tipsy; such behaviour should be stamped on! But still a terrific result for Andy and shows the world he can still make his mark at the highest level of tennis. Well done, Sir, a thoroughly enjoyable match. xx
This was a tweet after his match with Ruud this month:

"new toilet break record today in Toronto.

Tsitsipas wins the 1st set in 23 minutes with Ruud, takes a 9 minutes toilet break, comes back, change is racquet (another full minute) and goes to receive."

and a week later Andy Roddick was pretty certain he was being coached:
oilet break coaching?
After the end of the 1st set, there was an interesting episode after Zverev won the opener 6-4. Sascha was extremely upset after Tsitsipas got one of his lengthy toilet breaks.

The German player raised strong suspicions that Tsitsipas was cheating since he brought an entire bag with him with a cellphone plausibly in it. According to Zverev, Tsitsipas might have been taking so much time in the bathroom because his father coached him via text. Eventually, Stefanos’ father Apostolos was caught texting frantically during the toilet break to raised more suspicions.

During an exchange on Tennis Channel, former world no1 Andy Roddick stressed that even if it was difficult to prove it, all the evidence was for Stefanos being coached by his father during the break.

Also, Andy pointed out that his father continuously coaches Stefanos and believes that coaching should always be allowed.

Roddick said:

“Let’s get to the facts before we get to an opinion. He has a history of coaching violations with his father; that’s factual. He has been going off the court a lot this week more than normal after catching some heat last week in Canada.

[RosieBear]

Exactly, David. It's not just the timing/duration /frequency of toilet breaks (which are bad enough) it's what all the players believe he is getting up to in there. A lot of damning evidence that he breaks the coaching rules in private, which is hardly surprising given he's been given coaching violation warnings in sooo many matches.

[Speedy Hawk]

Shame he lost. Match went lot better than I expected. Only able watch 2 and half sets before go bed since I need get up early for babysitting.

Just see BBC Sports news about toilet break and Andy didn't like it.

[jackie55]

Interested to know if anyone has seen or heard Andy's press conference

[themass15]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWH8JbzyLqc

Can't get the sound but here it is

[jackie55]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWH8JbzyLqc

Can't get the sound but here it is

I managed to get the sound, thanks and Andy was totally honest as usual

[Gary D]

It's a pity when he was arguing with Gerry Armstrong that he was suggesting "20 minutes" because he was ranting, but his delivery & explanations in the Presser are very good.

[clancy]

A lot of very incensed posts on fb, 99% in Andy's favour, and advocating a specific ruling on a) toilet breaks which seem to rile players to fury and b) on-court coaching which obviously Tsipitas and his father regard as being acceptable. I had heard/read other players ranting about it in the past as it seems to be happening at all of his tournaments but until last night hadn't realised how blatant it was. x

[Rosalind]

I have only just managed to catch up on match due to power cut yesterday. Amazing match and Andy's level is right up there. Very enjoyable. I have been a fan of Tsissy Pants up until now. Have changed my mind today. However, if there is no set rule eg 10 minutes, no bags, toilet monitors etc, I feel the fault is with the rule makers not those pushing the boundaries. If you're not back in 10 mins, first game to other player, coaching you lose the game etc. Re Andy's shoes - why only one pair?!!! Why all the unnecessary drama?! Oh man!:popcorn:

[RosieBear]

Tim Henman and Jim Courier calling the Barty match. Courier asked Tim if he'd heard how Andy's body was holding up after last night's battle. Tim said Andy had text him to say he was feeling good and pleased with how his body was recovering. That is a really, really good sign.

[Gary D]

Tim Henman and Jim Courier calling the Barty match. Courier asked Tim if he'd heard how Andy's body was holding up after last night's battle. Tim said Andy had text him to say he was feeling good and pleased with how his body was recovering. That is a really, really good sign.

@RosieBear......the Barty match....on where, Prime?

[RosieBear]

@RosieBear......the Barty match....on where, Prime?

Yep, Prime.

[HoopGirl]

Tim Henman and Jim Courier calling the Barty match. Courier asked Tim if he'd heard how Andy's body was holding up after last night's battle. Tim said Andy had text him to say he was feeling good and pleased with how his body was recovering. That is a really, really good sign.

This is such great news. I really felt we had Andy back last night. I hope he can keep building on this!

[banskogirl]

Tim Henman and Jim Courier calling the Barty match. Courier asked Tim if he'd heard how Andy's body was holding up after last night's battle. Tim said Andy had text him to say he was feeling good and pleased with how his body was recovering. That is a really, really good sign.

:yahoo::crying::swingin: these are happy tears! That is the best news to hear!

[david1610]

Watched Andy presser. Honest as always. The takeaway is he stated he has lost his respect for Tsitsipas. How many players has Andy said that about in a career where Andy may not be kind on himself (or even his team at times in a match) but always shows respect for his opponent?

[suttontennis]

Watched Andy presser. Honest as always. The takeaway is he stated he has lost his respect for Tsitsipas. How many players has Andy said that about in a career where Andy may not be kind on himself (or even his team at times in a match) but always shows respect for his opponent?

Solution to toilet problem, for big venues at least. Have a portaloo installed just outside the court, purely for use by players. no excuses for having to go far to find a suitable facility.

[cazza99]

Solution to toilet problem, for big venues at least. Have a portaloo installed just outside the court, purely for use by players. no excuses for having to go far to find a suitable facility.

Andy said the toilets were close to the court.

[pabbers]

Took me nearly all morning to watch the replay yesterday. What a match performance from Andy. Just F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S! As for Tssisy pants (love it) OK he didn't break the rules but he sure broke the spirit of them. It's like the people who take every sick day they're "entitled" to, simply because it's in their contract while the rest of us battle on even when not feeling 100%.

[banskogirl]

Did everyone see the other interview? I think it might have been on the BBC website, where Andy said they actually spoke to tournament officials about what they were expecting, before the match! As well as among themselves. That sounds pretty serious. Maybe Andy is making a point to stop Sissy (or others) doing this messing about forever on his peers.

[RosieBear]

Did everyone see the other interview? I think it might have been on the BBC website, where Andy said they actually spoke to tournament officials about what they were expecting, before the match! As well as among themselves. That sounds pretty serious. Maybe Andy is making a point to stop Sissy (or others) doing this messing about forever on his peers.

Totally agree. Andy's not doing this just for himself. Tsitsipas' antics have been upsetting a lot of players for a long time. Andy's such a good guy, he'll use his status to try and improve the situation for everyone. Last night Mannarino takes tight tiebreak 3rd set, Tsitsipas does his usual trick of looooong toilet break, comes back and bagels Mannarino in 4th. Shameless. Crowd booed him heavily but he just doesn't care. And to think he's probably a future no 1 and "ambassador" of the game. It's got to change.

[banskogirl]

Totally agree. Andy's not doing this just for himself. Tsitsipas' antics have been upsetting a lot of players for a long time. Andy's such a good guy, he'll use his status to try and improve the situation for everyone. Last night Mannarino takes tight tiebreak 3rd set, Tsitsipas does his usual trick of looooong toilet break, comes back and bagels Mannarino in 4th. Shameless. Crowd booed him heavily but he just doesn't care. And to think he's probably a future no 1 and "ambassador" of the game. It's got to change.

Yes and all this just after Anabel C says he didn't know it annoyed people and was shocked at annoying his hero Andy. Then she admitted she had no basis for this..........and then he walked off for another 7 minutes! Unfortunately his antics are working for him.

[WimbledonWestie]

I loved watching Andy play this match. So hope it gives him the belief he can carry on at this level. And love his 'I'll just say what I think' attitude in order to improve the sport.