AO 2012, QUARTER-FINAL: Andy nobbles Nishikori (eventually) 6'3, 6'3, 6'1

[Sallydaisy]

Andy is into the Quarter-Final of the Australian Open where he'll meet the young Japanese Kei Nishikori who beat 6th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 5 sets (and in hrs, mins).

By comparison Andy had a much easier passage to the Quarter-Final with a 49min match against Kukushkin who retired at 1'6, 1'6, 0'1.

Andy leads their H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=N552)1-0 with an easy straight sets win (6'3, 6'0) in the Semi-Final of the Shanghai Masters in 2012, Word is that Nishikori was carrying an injury back then. In fact, the 22yr old's career has featured a few injuries that have hampered his rise up the rankings and this is his best run so far.

Will Andy keep his winning momentum or will Kei kick him out of Melbourne Park ..... ???


Route to the Quarter-Final



Round
ANDY MURRAY


KEI NISHIKORI





Opponent and rank

score

Opponent and rank

score



1
Harrison, USA, 77

4'6, 6'3, 6'4, 6'2

Robert 106

6'1, 7'6, 6'0



2
Roger-Vasselin, FRA, 101

6'1, 6'4, 6'4

Ebden 94

6'3, 6'1, 4'6, 1'6, 1'6



3
Llodra, FRA, 46

6'4, 6'2, 6'0

Benneteau 39

4'6, 7'6, 7'6, 6'3



4
Kukushkin, 91

6'1, 6'1, 1'0 ret'd

Tsonga 6

2'6, 6'2, 6'1, 3'6, 6'3

[Sallydaisy]

It's Nishikori the #24th seed for Andy on Wednesday .........
:shades:

But he's just played 5 sets against JWT, looked shattered at the end and he's in a doubles match tomorrow.

[Aussie Andy]

Congratulations to Andy for making the quarters!

[SamP]

I can't believe he's got Nishikori, this has turned out to be a pretty easy run for him when things looked tough.

Obviously if he gets through, the challenges really start, but like Kuku, Nishikori has played a lot of tennis. Andy should win this in 3.

[Caro]

Andy has had some good luck with the draw - long may it continue. I am personally hoping this will be a day match so I am guarenteed to be able to see it all as I have to leave for the airport at about 11.30 - going to Dublin for a works conference.

It's the same time every year and everyone is used to me going on about the tennis the whole time and sciving the conference when Andy is playing. Last year 2 other people wanted to watch his semi and we got it put on in the bar at 8am. By 10. it was packed out in there!!

[LC the fan]

Well - at least he's had a run on Rod Laver, and what seemed to be a good practice session.
Good Luck against K N Andy

[cazza99]

5livetennis Jonathan Overend

Murray was hoping for a RLA practice hit after Serena, to get more centre court time, but they've moved Ebden/Dellacqua mixed doubs.

[Speedy Hawk]

Surprised Tsonga lost so instead Andy play against Nishikori.

I am not bothered what time he play cos Thursday my day off.

[david1610]

I really hope Andy keeps it going and can get through this in straights, suitably wary of Ken's skills, and have everything in the tank left for Nole.

[scrapaddict]

Rather Kei than Jo-Wilfrid. Should be a reasonable match to warm up for Nole whereas we have to hope that Ferrer will give Nole a good run for his money. Be nice if DP could beat Fed though I think Andy would rather play him than Rafa in a final.

[Sallydaisy]

I really hope Andy keeps it going and can get through this in straights, suitably wary of Ken's skills, and have everything in the tank left for Nole.
I chuckle when I see you calling him Ken; makes me think of Barbie's other half - probably appropriate in 'BBQ' country.
;)

[Sallydaisy]

Surprised Tsonga lost so instead Andy play against Nishikori.

I am not bothered what time he play cos Thursday my day off.
Speedy - Andy next plays on Wednesday in OZ so you won't see him at all on Thursday.
If he gets the day match on Wed (very likely) that's likely to be 2am UK time.
If he gets the night match it'll be anytime after 8am on Wed 25th.

[-J-]

Speedy - Andy next plays on Wednesday in OZ so you won't see him at all on Thursday.
If he gets the day match on Wed (very likely) that's likely to be 2am UK time.
If he gets the night match it'll be anytime after 8am on Wed 25th.day match tonight is third on ,so closer to 4-5

[xenon21]

What was meant to be the toughest quarter turned out to be not too bad. Mind you, considering the other 3 haven't had it too tough either and Andy had a potential banana skin 1st round, still even stevens in the luck stakes

[Sallydaisy]

Route to the Quarter-Final



Rnd
ANDY MURRAY

KEI NISHIKORI




Oppo/rank
score
Oppo/rank
score


1
Harrison, USA, 77
4'6, 6'3, 6'4, 6'2
Robert 106
6'1, 7'6, 6'0


2
Roger-Vasselin, FRA, 101
6'1, 6'4, 6'4
Ebden 94
6'3,6'1,4'6,1'6,1'6


3
Llodra, FRA, 46
6'4, 6'2, 6'0
Benneteau 39
4'6, 7'6, 7'6, 6'3


4
Kukushkin, 91
6'1, 6'1, 1'0 ret'd
Tsonga 6
2'6,6'2,6'1,3'6,6'3






Based on the above Nishikori has played 17 sets to Andy's 12 - that's the equivalent of an extra 5 set match at least. It could be a factor when they meet on Wednesday - and Nishikori is scheduled to play Mixed Doubles late afternoon on Tuesday.

[Speedy Hawk]

Speedy - Andy next plays on Wednesday in OZ so you won't see him at all on Thursday.
If he gets the day match on Wed (very likely) that's likely to be 2am UK time.
If he gets the night match it'll be anytime after 8am on Wed 25th.

Oh right, it Tuesday OOP and it Wednesday in UK. I got days mixed up, can happen lack of sleep since Aussie started!

[-J-]

TO subliment sallys Route to the Quarter-Final stats



Rnd
ANDY MURRAY

KEI NISHIKORI




Oppo/rank
time
Oppo/rank
time


1
Harrison, USA, 77
3 hrs 6 min
Robert 106
1 hr 52


2
Roger-Vasselin, FRA, 101
1hr 58
Ebden 94
3 hr 1


3
Llodra, FRA, 46
1 hr 59
Benneteau 39
3 hr 25


4
Kukushkin, 91
49 min
Tsonga 6
3 30




andy on court 7 hrs 52 , ken 11 hrs 48
by my maths thats 3hrs 56mins difference

[AllyB]

TO subliment sallys Route to the Quarter-Final stats



Rnd

ANDY MURRAY


KEI NISHIKORI





Oppo/rank

time

Oppo/rank

time



1

Harrison, USA, 77

3 hrs 6 min

Robert 106

1 hr 52



2

Roger-Vasselin, FRA, 101

1hr 58

Ebden 94

3 hr 1



3

Llodra, FRA, 46

1 hr 59

Benneteau 39

3 hr 25



4

Kukushkin, 91

49 min

Tsonga 6

3 30







andy on court 7 hrs 52 , ken 11 hrs 48
by my maths thats 4 hrs 56 difference

Alternatively it could be 3hrs 56mins ;)

(and don't think i didn't notice the accountant had thanked your post)

[-J-]

really? way out

[harriet]

kei has shown terrific resolution, won through 3 tie break sets, come from 2 sets down, and has generally battled hard to get to the quarters.
andy is not battle hardened, he's not had to fight since the first round,so i hope his easy life hasn't softened him up.
3hours 56 mins by my maths too

[Sallydaisy]

[/URL]
kei has shown terrific resolution, won through 3 tie break sets, come from 2 sets down, and has generally battled hard to get to the quarters.
andy is not battle hardened, he's not had to fight since the first round,so i hope his easy life hasn't softened him up.
3hours 56 mins by my maths too

I just took a look at how the top 4 made it to the 1/4's - [U]here. (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?518-AUSTRALIAN-OPEN-16-29-Jan-2012-Singles-(men-ladies)-Discussion-Thread.-Info-in-first-posts&p=36629&viewfull=1#post36629)
None of them has really been challenged ... number of sets in brackets.
Rafa (12) had to play a seed and otherwise he's beaten 3 guys out of the 100-200.
Federer (10) got 1 outside the top 100, and 2 from those ranked 32-64. He got a w/o in R2.
Nole (13) has played 2 from outside the top 100, 1 ranked 81 and 1 ranked 56.
Andy (12) beat players ranked between 101 and 46.

The other 1/4 finalists had a slightly tougher path aside from Del Potro who has played a similarly ranked group as Andy.

[karanga]

Happy that Andy does not have to play Tsonga but at the same time hope Kei does not prove to be a banana skin.

Andy has certainly had his share of luck and they say to win a major title as well as good form luck is needed. Hope the luck Andy has had so far means that he will win his first gs in Melbourne. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Very best of luck to Andy. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[JAMES4578]

Andy is the day match, not before 3.30 am our time whilst Nole gets the evening slot.

[-J-]

oops put this in the wrong place,
3rd on laver after 2 ladies 1/4s
starting 11am (midnight UK)


Women's Singles - Quarterfinals


Sara Errani (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/overview/wta310761.html)(ITA)
vs.
Petra Kvitova (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/overview/wta314206.html)(CZE)[2]





then
Not Before:12:30 PM[1:30 AM UK]

Women's Singles - Quarterfinals


Ekaterina Makarova (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/overview/wta311604.html)(RUS)
vs.
Maria Sharapova (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/overview/wta310137.html)(RUS)[4]






Not Before:2:30 PM [3:30 UK]

Men's Singles - Quarterfinals


Andy Murray (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/overview/atpmc10.html)(GBR)[4]
vs.
Kei Nishikori (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/overview/atpn552.html)(JPN)[24]





So should just about be gurenteed 3:30 start

[Hawkeye]

Perfect. Nothing worse than this being on whilst I'm at work.

[Caro]

Perfect for me too, I can guarantee seeing the whole match and still watch some of Nole v Daveed before leaving for the airport ..... mind you I'll be shattered for my conference but who cares?!! Just glad I won't miss Andy! If I'm being really picky I would ideally have liked a 5.30 start

[Oscar]

andy on court 7 hrs 52 , ken 11 hrs 48
by my maths thats 3hrs 56mins difference

Plus the time in the Mixed Doubles which is another 2hrs 17 mins. It all adds up doesn't it?

[pabbers]

So Andy gets the sun again but at least it means I can see the match. Bed a 10pm for me for a few hours sleep and then off to work after the match.

Really hope this goes Andy's way and that it's in 3 but nothing's a given in a slam.

[david1610]

Andy gets the sun again but at least it means I can see the match.
???:confused:??? That sun down under must be really strong! :)

[pabbers]

???:confused:??? That sun down under must be really strong! :):confused:

[Sallydaisy]

Yesssssssssss!
:lol:
wrong thread if that was for Rafa winning ...............

[pabbers]

:lol:
wrong thread if that was for Rafa winning ...............

:shamed::shamed::shamed:oops - will move it!

[traveller7]

Not bad time I guess!

[Madeline]

Ah well, I would have had to watch this on VOD anyway, I have to go to a funeral tomorrow morning. I'll have to check the score though, there is no way I can go through to the afternoon without knowing!

[xenon21]

Hmmmm, I would have preferred either a later or earlier timing. This means we have to attempt to sleep before and after...

[Jan]

In a way I'm pleased, as I have to go out about 9am, so I'll miss the evening match, but I'm not sure I can cope with getting up at the required hour.... decisions, decisions :help:

[traveller7]

Im debating whether to go to bed at about 10.30pm for few hours then get up and stay awake for rest of day or stay awake until match starts and then go to sleep though I need to be somewhere at 11am and swimming at some point.....???

[Golden Lady]

Probably won't be able to get up for this so, all the best Andy!! :cheer: I'm sure you'll be fine. :)

[ChrisMac]

Setting the alarm again, don't know why I bother really, when I know Andy is due to play I don't sleep properly, keep waking up every hour and a bit, so annoying wish I could have a sleep till the alarm does go off.

[rondun]

Will probably fall asleep just as it starts and wake up when it's over so it's decision time: record from 4am but on Eurosport 1 or 2?
They switched one of his matches to Eurosport 2 without announcing it and I just managed to catch it by chance

[LC the fan]

Setting the alarm again, don't know why I bother really, when I know Andy is due to play I don't sleep properly, keep waking up every hour and a bit, so annoying wish I could have a sleep till the alarm does go off.

I know exactly what you mean. Tell myself that I need my sleep and wont set the alarm, look at the clock and think 'it must be just about starting' and up I get- every time. Aint love grand :)

[Murray_Mania86]

Hello guys long time no speak I am over in Melbourne. Kei looked a little bit tired by the end of the Tsonga battle I will expect Andy to steam roll him in 3. But we all know Tennis can be a funny game. I predicted Federer to win the Australia Open between my friends and I don't see many reasons to change my mind at the moment but hoping Andy can up his game more and "Pics" tires the "Joker"

[Caro]

I'll get up with hubby who gets up at 4.45 for work. Means I'll miss some of it but have to fly to Dublin later tomorrow and stay awake at a conference so 3.30 is pushing it a bit.

Am praying Wilander won't be commentating - he was seriously getting on my nerves during Rafa's match. He just wouldn't shut up for one minute!!

[JAMES4578]

Hello guys long time no speak I am over in Melbourne. Kei looked a little bit tired by the end of the Tsonga battle I will expect Andy to steam roll him in 3. But we all know Tennis can be a funny game. I predicted Federer to win the Australia Open between my friends and I don't see many reasons to change my mind at the moment but hoping Andy can up his game more and "Pics" tires the "Joker"

Hi, hope you're having a great time Murray Mania!

[rouges]

:Just to wish Andy good luck before retiring to bed for an early wake up call.
Good Luck Andy, you can do it. :

[rouges]

good luck andy

[Alis]

Maybe this is the slice of luck that Andy needed to get him to that first elusive GS title. On paper he looked to have had the worst draw of the four but it hasn't turned out that way. Not that I think he wouldn't have beaten Monfils and Tsonga but it would have been so much more tiring. Perhaps. at last, the stars are aligning for Andy and Ferrer will take out Djoko or at least run him ragged. C'mon Andy - this is your time - you can do it!!

[Jane]

Off to bed now to get some sleep before the match. All the best of luck, Andy:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::)

[patmoren]

Off to bed now back at 3.30. Have a great match Andy

[Jan]

Hope I catch at least some of this. Come on Andy!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[KnightOwl]

I was planning to go to bed about 10pm and get a couple of hours sleep so I could watch the women's singles matches, then Andy - trouble is I'm not even slightly sleepy :sad:

How come I sometimes get sleepy in the afternoon, when I've got better things to do, and then when I want to be sleepy in the evening, I'm not!

[Linda]

I tried to do that for Andy's last match. Went to bed at 8 or 9pm but just couldn't sleep. When the alarm went off at 1.30 I just switched it off and went back to sleep as I actually hadn't been asleep for very long. Then I woke up at 3.30 and went straight to the computer, to find that the match had finished. Anyway, I then did some work for about 3 hours, that I needed to do to meet the tax deadline, so that was OK. And I found out that it wasn't a very good match anyway 'cos Andy's oppo was injured. Will set the alarm for 3.30 tonight but don't know if I'll be able to get up.

[40-15]

good luck Andy!! - what happened to all the french?!!

going to try and get up and watch - go Andy!! :swingin:

[RoastLamb]

Good time for me. I can stay up and watch it live. Had to watch Rafa's match taped this afternoon.

[davech]

I've only seen one set of one of Andy's live matches so far and I won't be seeing any of this one. Work is overrated...

[traveller7]

Ive been out walking to my rehearsal and back hoping it would tire me out but it didnt mmmm not sure how to play this....


PS Still need 2 more players to play my penguin toss tournament if anyone else is as bored as me!

[Manaus]

Have to wake up semi early tomorrow so debating with myself whether to watch this or not. Might try to go to bed earlier and get up at ~3.30-4am. Decisions, decisions...

[cazza99]

5livetennis Jonathan Overend

Murray v Nishikori not before 0330 UK. Full commentary on 5 Live. Much cooler here this morning, max temp 26 later. Big change up.

[DaveArneRiise]

So what time roughly will it start then?

[supergran]

I was planning to go to bed about 10pm and get a couple of hours sleep so I could watch the women's singles matches, then Andy - trouble is I'm not even slightly sleepy :sad:

How come I sometimes get sleepy in the afternoon, when I've got better things to do, and then when I want to be sleepy in the evening, I'm not! My problem also..but that may be because I've been watching half the night!!

[ljs]

Will be watching :cheer::cheer::cheer:

Cmon Andy !!!!!!!!!!!!

[supergran]

Saying on EuroSport Andy not before 4.30!

[Sallydaisy]

Saying on EuroSport Andy not before 4.30!
I think that's in Europe i.e. Germany/France who are 1 hour ahead of us.
4.30 there is 3.30 here.
Andy is on not before 14.30 Oz time and Melbourne is 11hrs ahead of us so 3.30am here.

[supergran]

Of course!! Phew...had set alarm and wondering whether to change it. THANKS.

[traveller7]

Dont scare me! 3.30am is bad enough lol

[Sallydaisy]

Good luck to everyone staying up; I'm going to try and get 3hrs kip before alarm goes off at 3.30am as I'm working 9am-4pm tomorrow. Will sleep when home!

[lynne]

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

[DaveArneRiise]

**** **** **** ! Not going to able to see watch this, well I could but will mean I screw up my work duties in the morning and get in trouble from the boss.

Annoying this is I seem to have a dose of insomnia and I can't for the life of me get to sleep and I need to leave for work at 7, open up and answer all the calls! So looks like I'll **** up tomorrow at work anyways. *Shakes Fist*

Best of luck Andy :)

[patmoren]

Up and raring to go and it hasn@t started yet!

[david1610]

Sharapova one game away from victory.... woken up just about at the right time...... unless Makarova does at amazing comeback...

[ljs]

almost time :cheer:

[traveller7]

starting to feel sleepy already, must get my coffee and hot water bottle ready before match starts!

[-J-]

went to bed about 9 and slept till 3, so not to bad

[ljs]

almost time :cheer:

or maybe not :doh:

[traveller7]

Ive not been asleep yet
Sharapova has just finished come on Andy!

[david1610]

Yeah! Andy next!

[sid]

Both on court now.

[-J-]

Both in red

[RoastLamb]

Vamos Andy!!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[-J-]

not to warm only 77 degrees

[Sallydaisy]

Excellent timing; alarms went off at 3 and 3.10am and I dozed back until 3.50.
Pot of tea on the go, desktop for forum, laptop for livestream.
Perfick.
;)

[traveller7]

Coffee made, hot water bottle done, snuggled up here we go!

[RoastLamb]

I'm going for a choc marzipan cupcake. Really have the munchies at the mo.

[-J-]

they may as well put the first five minutes commentary on tape and use it every match
lendl moody Andy now bit better poor major finals yada yada

[ljs]

I know J , im about ready to throw something , cannot stand that Mats guy

[david1610]

Sharp from the first point please. C'mon Andy!

[jaysee]

Mats... Well, at least it isn't Andrew Castle, I suppose!!

[-J-]

oooo burns night inn it

[traveller7]

my stream was basically focusing on the umpire and not moving for last ten mins lol

[Jane]

Good morning all - let the fun begin - Andy starting well

[ljs]

my stream was basically focusing on the umpire and not moving for last ten mins lol

mine too grrrrr

[KnightOwl]

Great start - looking relaxed & confident...!

[-J-]

phew long point close it now
cmonnnnnnnnnn

[patmoren]

And we are off 1-0

[JAMES4578]

Morning all, a confident start for Andy-come on!

[-J-]

nice hussle andy
cmonnnn

[-J-]

little glimmer
cmonnnnnnn

[-J-]

chance
BP
cmonnnnnnnn

[traveller7]

Wish the commies would shut up, chattering away about northern lights, there being no sun etc etc SHUT UP!

[Hawkeye]

Take it this time Andy!

[sophie900607]

Back home from an Erasmus party and watching Andy! Let's go Andy!! :)

[-J-]

another chance
BP
cmonnnnnn

[KnightOwl]

Wow, what a rally :clap:

[patmoren]

There's the first break 2-0

[sophie900607]

KITKAT!! :clap::clap:

[-J-]

kitkat :boogie:

[Hawkeye]

Nishikori just ran out of steam there...

[david1610]

Well done! Now...
Focus. Safe hold.
C'mon Andy!

[traveller7]

woop 2--0

[JAMES4578]

What a rally and Andy breaks- come on!

[supergran]

Come onnnnnnnnnnnnn Andy!!!!!!!!!!!!

[-J-]

nishi looks like he isnt going ro miss much need a lot of winners from andy today
focus safe hold & consolidate
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[KnightOwl]

Couple of sloppy points there, c'mon, focus!

[Sallydaisy]

Nishikori just ran out of steam there...
Tactics ....
Team Murray will know Kei has played long matches and he was in the dubs yesterday so likely to be tired.
And a bit nervous at being in a Slam Q/Final for the first time?

[supergran]

1st mention of Fed from Mats!

[Hawkeye]

Double BP down...

[patmoren]

Andy not serving well at the moment

[Hawkeye]

One saved...

[Hawkeye]

And the second.

[KnightOwl]

Great serve for deuce...

[-J-]

so far behind need to look for a stream

[Hawkeye]

And held.

[patmoren]

3-0 that's the way to do it!!

[Hawkeye]

so far behind need to look for a streamhttp://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=79233&tid=238163&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327

[Sallydaisy]

3'0 to Andy who came back from *15-40. Good work.

[ljs]

http://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=79233&tid=238163&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327

[KnightOwl]

A little sloppy early on in that game, but he played himself out of trouble, 3-0 :clap:

[traveller7]

Nice keep it going
Not going to be much of a challenge I fear

[ljs]

wow great forehand

[-J-]

little glimer
cmonnnnnnnn

[Hawkeye]

Double BP again.

[-J-]

chances
2 BPS
CMONNNN

[RoastLamb]

****** good stuff!! :thumbup:

[-J-]

1 left
bp
cmonnnnnnn

[Hawkeye]

Well saved by Nishikori.

[patmoren]

Andy let him off the hook, poor game by Andy

[david1610]

Now the sunny end....
Focus. Safe hold.
C'mon Andy!

[supergran]

Focus Andy...come on quick game.

[KnightOwl]

Nishikori is n the scoreboard, but he had to work pretty hard to do it!

[traveller7]

I have a bad feeling Nish might pull out he looks done in

[-J-]

sok
focus safe hold & CONSOLIDATE
CMONnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[supergran]

Oh sugar...Come onnnnn Andy!!

[Hawkeye]

0-30.

[patmoren]

Focus Andy, need some serves!!

[KnightOwl]

C'mon, get your focus back!

[Hawkeye]

Got lucky with the dropper there but back to 30-30.

[-J-]

got away with that
2 points
cmonnnnnn

[KnightOwl]

Much better serve, now c'mon, hold!

[-J-]

get this finished
cmonnnnnnnnn

[KnightOwl]

Oooh, jammy :clap:

[Hawkeye]

And held again.

[traveller7]

Game murray 4-1

[-J-]

that will do

[40-15]

4-1 good hold

[patmoren]

4-1 made it in the end. Too many UEs at the moment.

[supergran]

Good stuff Andy!

[david1610]

mmm... happier with the score than with Andy's timing at times, but hopefully that can get better. Like the fact he is trying to drain Kei of energy.
Just would like a double break to make sure as Andy is not holding that easily.
C'mon Andy!

[traveller7]

4-1 made it in the end. Too many UEs at the moment.

9murray 10 nish to be precise :)

[-J-]

little glimmer
cmonnnnn

[-J-]

what was he doing :rolling:

[KnightOwl]

BP c'mon!!

[-J-]

chance
BP
cmonnnnnnnnn

[-J-]

still in this andy
next point
cmonnnnnnnn

[Hawkeye]

Nishikori getting desperate during the long rally there.

[ljs]

this Nishikori has some great stuff at times

[-J-]

another chance
BP
cmonnnnn

[KnightOwl]

this Nishikori has some great stuff at times

He certainly does! Hopefully not more than Andy, tho :big grin:

[supergran]

Right Andy...get this game

[KnightOwl]

Lovely shot - good overrule:dance:

[-J-]

this time
BP
cmonnnnn

[KnightOwl]

Oh, shut the ******* up about Harry Enfield :grrr:

[-J-]

oh SHUT UP MUPPET

[david1610]

Mmm.... oh well...
Focus. Safe hold.
C'mon Andy!

[ljs]

what a serve hes got

[40-15]

pity Andy didn't get the break there!!

[KnightOwl]

Good hold from Nishikori - Andy really should have had that - safe hold needed now, please!

[-J-]

still got the break andy
just focus safe hold & consolidate

[supergran]

Oh, shut the ******* up about Harry Enfield :grrr: He is pathetic isn't he. He's disgusting. He talks about it all the time.

[Hawkeye]

Andy off to a bad start on serve again.

[ljs]

cmon Andy , take it up just a notch :cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

I've turned off the commies - just good to watch the tennis.
Kei producing some interesting moves out there and his serve is pretty good.
He got out of jail in that game but Andy now needs to focus on getting his own games over quickly!

And not go 0-30 as he just is!!!

[Linda]

Come on Andy, don't have a wobble now!

[traveller7]

Nish holds onto his serve

0-30 again on his serve argghh

[ljs]

SHUT IT MATTS we dont care what u think

[Hawkeye]

0-40. sigh.

[KnightOwl]

Oh, come on! 0-30 again - really need to concentrate C'MON!!

Edit: 0-40 now :grrr:

[supergran]

Better!! Come on Andy!!

[Sallydaisy]

What a face from Ivan ............
:big grin:

Andy claws back to 30-40

[KnightOwl]

Now that's more like it :clap:

[MurrayAOne]

Come on Andyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!

[traveller7]

deuce lucky come on!

[KnightOwl]

Phew, great stuff - deuce!

[Hawkeye]

Oof thankfully that was just long...

[-J-]

finish it
cmonnnnnnnnnnnn

[Hawkeye]

Held again. Not a single easy hold so far though.

[traveller7]

and game murray phew

[Linda]

Well held!

[40-15]

great hold from 0-40 down
come on Andy!!

[patmoren]

4-1 made it in the end. Too many UEs at the moment.

[-J-]

big big recovery , wouldn't want to give nishi receiving any encouragement

[ljs]

:cheer::clap::cheer: good comeback

[supergran]

Despite the errors Andy is wearing him down. And these ******* commies are wearing me out!

[Jane]

Huh - LS ahead of TV!!!!!

[traveller7]

needs to up his first serve down at 44% compared to Nish 64%

[david1610]

Phew! Andy is flirting with danger. C'mon now. Let's get a break and get this set before anything happens....
Concentrate please.
C'mon Andy!

[Tie-break]

It's as if he needed a wake up call, being 0-40 down. Much better after that. Now the set!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy needs to capitalise more on Nishi's tiredness, keep his own service games a lot shorter ('cos we know he can!) and get off the court in 3 sets. Prolonging points isn't good out on that court even it if isn't as hot today.

[patmoren]

Andy needs to focus, not playing well enough.

[-J-]

Despite the errors Andy is wearing him down. And these ******* commies are wearing me out!wilander wants Andy to lose .......... just to see lendll reaction

[Linda]

Just looked at the match stats and Andy's first serve % is only 48%, so no wonder he's struggling a bit on his serve. Still, it can't be that bad as he's the one with a break!

[ljs]

Despite the errors Andy is wearing him down. And these ******* commies are wearing me out!

Id be thrilled if that Matts guy ever came to Rogers Cup , I would seek him out and it would not be pretty

[-J-]

Id be thrilled if that Matts guy ever came to Rogers Cup , I would seek him out and it would not be prettycanuck him

[-J-]

two set points
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnn

[KnightOwl]

BPs & SPs here - would be good not to have to serve it out...!

[-J-]

one left
set point
cmonnnnnnnn

[Sallydaisy]

Nishikori working hard to peg back to deuce.

[Linda]

Mats is leaving the commentary box for half an hour, hooray!
I already had to suffer Mats rooting for Berdy yesterday and now I have to suffer him rooting for Nishi! I know the commies usually take the part of the underdog, but he takes it to ridiculous lengths.

[KnightOwl]

Woohoo, Mats is leaving the commentary box :cheer:

[supergran]

Mats has gone to salivate interviewing Federer.

[Hawkeye]

Nice hold for 6-3 please Andy! :shades:

[40-15]

break points missed again - 5-3

[david1610]

Oh well...
Focus. Safe hold.
C'mon Andy!

[patmoren]

Another game Andy threw away. 5-3

[KnightOwl]

Right - now this time listen - safe hold please!

[-J-]

simple HOLD

[KnightOwl]

Wow, thumping good ace:dance:

[-J-]

first point in bag
3 more please

[KnightOwl]

Much much better - 3 set points!

[supergran]

That's it Andy...sock it to him!

[Jane]

:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer: 6-3

[Hawkeye]

Game and first set Murray 6-3.

[-J-]

three set points
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[Linda]

First set in the bag :clap: :clap:

[-J-]

getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[ljs]

that a boy :cheer:

[40-15]

first set 6-3!! - good hold Andy!

[supergran]

:clap::clap::clap:

[-J-]

saved one of the safest service games for the decider nice to see

[KnightOwl]

Fab! Some parts could have been better, but one set in the bag, and hopefully that will help him focus for the 2nd

:clap:

[patmoren]

Andy took the set 6-3 , made it harder than it could have been, Maybe he is trying to entertain the crowd!!

[traveller7]

This set is longer than his whole last match hahaah
well done murray keep it up

[david1610]

Well I suppose he held to love when it mattered.
Just hope Andy stays focused. If he can and get an early break, and hold more easily, Kei might become disheartened.
Not sure Andy is playing that well, and would like a bit more of a safety margin, but at least the score is what we want.
C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Only three people predicted 6-3 for the first set in the FTM surprisingly.

[Sallydaisy]

saved one of the safest service games for the decider nice to see
Would have been nicer to see him get one of those BP's on Kei's service game and break him for the set so he'd be serving first in this one ...
But i won't be picky; well only a little bit.
That was quite a weird set of tennis from Andy because he didn't really capitalise on Nishi's obvious tiredness and was fluffing a lot of his own service games as if he were the more nervous guy out there.

[JAMES4578]

Fab game from Andy to close the set out! You can argue it could have been easier and a bit worrying at one point but important thing is Andy held firm and will hopefully now be more solid on serve and capitalise on opportunities.

[KnightOwl]

Wow, super play from Nishikori - Andy still has some hard work to do...!

[-J-]

nish is gona throw everything at the next couple games to try getting back nto thiss

[KnightOwl]

30-30

Early break would be nice...!

[Hawkeye]

BP. Let's step this up.

[40-15]

break point come on Andy!!