AO 2012, SEMI-FINAL: Nole outguns Andy: 6'3, 3'6, 6'7, 6'1, 7'5

[Sallydaisy]

Neither of them have any challenges left do they???

*0-15, 15-15, 30-15
*15-40

[hfwardhouse]

1 more point Andy - COME ON!

[-J-]

Just one little point
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[Speedy Hawk]

HOW DOES KIM LOOK SO CALM
woops caps on sorry

She wasn't when Andy broke Nole, put her face in her arms. Lol.

[-J-]

Cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Sallydaisy]

5-5

Fabulous comeback from Andy Braveheart.

[Speedy Hawk]

5-5 all. Nole serving now.

[hfwardhouse]

Atta boy Andy - now .... 4 points and it's yours for the taking!

[Maza1987]

this is my muzz at his best.

[40-15]

you've got to be in it to win it!!

5-5

Andy is definately still in it!!

[Manaus]

5-5!!!! :cheer: What a comeback! Can he break again! I BELIEVE! :yahoo:

[david1610]

Keep the momentum going. Next point.
C'mon Andy!

[lynne]

Brilliant comeback........GUTSY!!!!!!!!

[Speedy Hawk]

Neither of them have any challenges left do they???

*0-15, 15-15, 30-15
*15-40

Nope, it like going back older tennis.

[-J-]

god, you making me nervous andy!!

15-15, phew!where you been i been nervious for hours

[RFS]

Frew - shut UP - it is NOT about hitting harder... it's about getting the balls IN!

[KnightOwl]

He's totally woken up now, this is fab!

[JAMES4578]

Fab hold from Andy to keep the pressure on, he can do it!

[Maza1987]

0-15
focus

[traveller7]

i feel sick and am shaking so excited

[hfwardhouse]

3 more points to go Andy - COME ON!

[Sallydaisy]

C'mawwwwwwwwwn.

*0-15 as Nole hits wide

[-J-]

IN FRONT
NOW PLAY YOUR GAME
patience

[Manaus]

3 more points, you can do it Andy!

[Speedy Hawk]

where you been i been nervious for hours

I been nervous most of match but 5th set is worse.

[Ace!]

:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:: swingin::swingin::p:p:p:p::p:fanning: COME ON ANDY

[-J-]

that was well in

[Sallydaisy]

hmmmmmmm in or out it's Nole's point 'cos no challenges left for Andy

*15-30 fabuloso.

[Speedy Hawk]

Nice point! 15-30.

[-J-]

little glimmer
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnn

[hfwardhouse]

:yahoo: shot

2 points Andy - COME ON!

[Manaus]

2 points to go! :cheer: Keep going Andy!

[KnightOwl]

Oh, this is the stuff!! This is what I've been waiting for!

[sid]

Cmon

[sophie900607]

I'm screaming like in idiot in fron of my computer. come ooooon!

[hfwardhouse]

1 point Andy - COME ON COME ON COME ON!!!

[Speedy Hawk]

BP!!

[-J-]

chances
2 bps
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Maza1987]

oh lord is this happening!

[40-15]

come on kit kat time again!!

[KnightOwl]

Ok, breathe!! Wow!

Edit: me, I mean!

[Manaus]

WOW WOW WOW! 2BPs! Gettit Andy!

[RFS]

Hmm...wasted challenge I think. Andy has none left and there's plenty of set left...!

yeah - that's the worrying thing...

[Speedy Hawk]

1 more to go Andy!

[-J-]

this one
bp
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[Manaus]

Still 1 more, go Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

*15-40 and 2 break points for Andy Murray.
*30-40

Andrew Castle:

Just minutes ago Nole was serving for the match and lost his serve to love ....

[RFS]

Lord - documentation reviews are NOT easy with all this going on...!

[Sallydaisy]

Deuce.

I may need resus soon

[Speedy Hawk]

29 shot and Nole saved BP.

[Maza1987]

unbelievable
deuce

[hfwardhouse]

What a rally - how can they play like that after over 4 hours :shocked:

[-J-]

still in this
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Manaus]

Deuce...:sofa:

[RFS]

29 shots.... now if those had been tequila....

[KnightOwl]

Wow, shot from Nole too. Could I be any tenser??

[sid]

that was a great point,cmon Andy

[Ace!]

omg my heart!!!!!!!

[sophie900607]

omg...omg...

[Sallydaisy]

Ad Andy!

[Maza1987]

another bp

[sid]

cmon break now please

[Speedy Hawk]

Another BP for Andy!

[-J-]

chance
BP
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnn

[ljs]

im shaking lol

[Manaus]

BP chance...this time Andy!

[KnightOwl]

I keep forgetting to breathe!

[Speedy Hawk]

Deuce. Hit net.

[-J-]

still there for the taking
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[KnightOwl]

Sloppy! Should have had that one :grrr:

[Maza1987]

concentrate
the heck was that

[Sallydaisy]

nnnnnnnrrrrrrrrrrrrr - clenched teeth.
Back to deuce.
:grrr:

[Manaus]

So nervous, duece again. :sofa:

[Speedy Hawk]

Ad to Nole.

[-J-]

one little point
cmonnnnnnnnnnnn

[hfwardhouse]

Oh my goodness this is tense

COME ON ANDY!

[Speedy Hawk]

Deuce again! 2 more Andy.

[Maza1987]

back to deuce
conmon

[Sallydaisy]

hahahaha .... nole hit it out.
Deuce again!

[-J-]

glimmering again
cmonnnnnnnnnnnn

[Manaus]

Wide from Djoko makes it deuce again.

[Speedy Hawk]

Ad to Nole again.

[-J-]

one more cmonnnnnnnn andy

[Sallydaisy]

Gutsy 2nd serve from Nole and Andy hits it out.
Ad to Nole

[Speedy Hawk]

Nole holds!

[Sallydaisy]

Nole holds eventually; Andy will have to serve to stay in the match.

[hfwardhouse]

Darnit ..... COME ON ANDY!

[-J-]

SIMPLE hold
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[Manaus]

Djoko holds! BIG game for Andy now, has to hold. :sofa:

[Maza1987]

dont go into a lull just because you didnt break. concentrate! hold

[Ace!]

First serves ANDY

[KnightOwl]

Oh well. Still on serve though!

This is where I think I was right to want Andy serving first -J- :) much trickier at this stage serving second!

[sophie900607]

hold Andy, please

[Maza1987]

focusss

[Speedy Hawk]

0-15, not best start Andy!!

:sofa:

[RFS]

dont go into a lull just because you didnt break. concentrate! hold

This. With Bells on.

[JAMES4578]

Pity Andy couldn't break through there, must focus and keep fighting! Come on Muzzah!

[Speedy Hawk]

PHEW 15-15. Breathe tiny bit now. Come on Andy!

[-J-]

phew 3 more points
cmonnnnn

[Manaus]

3 more points...

[Maza1987]

forget it
concentrate

[-J-]

every point andy
cmonnnnnnnnnnn

[KnightOwl]

Pooh! No challenges left!

[Speedy Hawk]

15-30.

:sofa:

Come on Andy!

[-J-]

one point at a time
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Speedy Hawk]

NOOOOOOOOOOO! MP to Nole.

[KnightOwl]

No no no!!

[hfwardhouse]

Eeeek :sofa:

COME ON ANDY!

[Sallydaisy]

*0-15 Come on Andy, Focus.
*15-15 fantastic shot from Andy
*15-30 AM hit it long.
*15-40 Good return from Nole on 2nd serve and Andy hit it into the net.

Hold on Braveheart if you can.

[Maza1987]

2mps down

[Sallydaisy]

GSM Nole.

[Speedy Hawk]

Game over!

[-J-]

simply gutted but proud

[40-15]

gutted for Andy!!

[KnightOwl]

Wow. Well done, though - straight over to Nole with his arms out :big grin:

[hfwardhouse]

What an absolutely incredible match - tennis was the winner

Gutted for Andy :crying:

[Maza1987]

im sorry
i dont know what to say

bye

[Golden Lady]

:crying::crying::crying: so sorry for you Andy, you were so very brave.X

[Speedy Hawk]

Bummer but Andy did very well make match long as possible when he was about be served out earlier.

NOW I gotta go get ready before I be late!

[ljs]

sad but so proud of Andy

[RFS]

A good amount for he and Mr Lendl to really improve and work on. But if only a week or so has made a change to his on-court temperament... then imagine what a concentrated amount of time with him will do, come RG?

Great match...

How Nole can lie there with those bugs... ugh

[traveller7]

what a match fantastic playing
andy should be so proud i know he hasnt made it but imo he has proved he is in the top 4 for a reason and can win a GS

[Bardot]

So much to be proud of in that performance. Andy's time will come there is no doubt. :)

[Linda]

Gutted for the result but very proud of Andy's performance. What an incredible match!

Am now late for my French lesson and haven't had any lunch.

[sid]

Great match,No offense to Nadal,but this match should have been the final.Even with Andy getting beat he played a wonderfull match.Play like this Andy & it will come to you.
Amazing match.

[Ace!]

:grouphug:You will get him sooner or later Andy, keep your head up mate:grouphug:

[KnightOwl]

Good interview with Nole - he definitely knows he's been in a match, though!

[traveller7]

ps the final score is 5-7 in the fifth

[rondun]

Brilliant. my stream started buffering at Andy serving at 6-5 to Novak with his hands in the air. Utterly brilliant

[RFS]

Great match,No offense to Nadal,but this match should have been the final.Even with Andy getting beat he played a wonderfull match.Play like this Andy & it will come to you.
Amazing match.

This is the truest comment of all - that match was worthy of a final.

I want andy to have gone out to the eventual champion... I will be Ajde-ing (but was more than happy to Vamos in the Semi!)

I am really excited for RG now... I want to see what more Lendl can do for Andy ... lots, I'm sure.

[Maza1987]

he had 3 bps to serve for the match
i just cant

[dewster99]

Been at work checking scores on my phone. What happened in the 4th he seemed to have Nole on the ropes? Also after the fightback in the 5th seems he should've broken nole to serve for it?

[Manaus]

Got so nervous that I couldn't post. So gutted for Andy. Proud of him today but so gutted. He was playing so well. :sad:

[traveller7]

I just said to my mum i bet the final wont be half as entertaining think nadal will blow djokovic off the court, I wont be watching not as bothered now will check scores when I can on phone

[sophie900607]

Really no words for this match. What a fighter. How big heart this man has. Love him so much. I'll always be supporting him. Thank you Andy for everything.

[40-15]

really dissapointed - however not totally down - our man fought all the way to the end!! -
pity about the collapse in the 4th set - so thats something to look at!!

plenty for Andy - not to be too down about this - I'm sure Mr Lendl will have Andy up and ready for the coming tournies ahead

got to go and do some work now!!

[RFS]

Been at work checking scores on my phone. What happened in the 4th he seemed to have Nole on the ropes? Also after the fightback in the 5th seems he should've broken nole to serve for it?
4th was awful... all that fight to get ahead and Nole just energised and whumped him ... bit of a tank...

[greatunclebulgaria]

what a match the best he has played without winning

[traveller7]

I am disappointed for him but not by his performance I think he played the best semi final I have seen him play possibly ever

[david1610]

Had to pick my son up at 5-5. Oh well.....
A few tweaks with Ivan and confidence and he won't need the first set to work it out!
Erm no tie break in teh fifth surely. Score correct???

[Maza1987]

one way you can look at it, is that he would have been so shattered anyway, the way nadal is playing he prob wouldve beaten him anyway–so at least he wont have the losing 4th time in a row.

[Aya]

Those two break points in the 5th set.....................
Hard luck Andy. We're proud!

[Katie]

So proud of Andy! The way he fought back multiple times in that match was so good to see - his mental strength is so much improved. Even if he'd won today, I don't think he'd have been physically up to beating Rafa with only a day to recover. But he can definitely build on this performance over the rest of the year - the GS title is getting closer I'm sure.

[david1610]

Score correct? Is there a tiebreak in the fifth at AO?

[SamP]

Not gutted at all, we witnessed the best match ever that didn't include Rog or Rafa in my opinion, that was just phenomenal from both.

Surely no journalist will dare criticise Murray in any way for that performance, it was so special.

Djokovic was just a bit better. Glad that wasn't the final mind...might have been a bit weepy haha

[-J-]

I am disappointed for him but not by his performance I think he played the best semi final I have seen him play possibly evernah dominating nadal in the USO semi was better (win here would have tipped the scales}

[Sallydaisy]

Score correct? Is there a tiebreak in the fifth at AO?
sorry, it should be 7'5 and I need to set the scores right for Nole's win.

[traveller7]

Score correct? Is there a tiebreak in the fifth at AO?

Ive already posted about that its 5-7 no tiebreak in fifth

[Madeline]

one way you can look at it, is that he would have been so shattered anyway, the way nadal is playing he prob wouldve beaten him anyway–so at least he wont have the losing 4th time in a row.

My feelings exactly. I thought he had run out of gas in set 4, but he regrouped and put up a really good fight in set 5, and only just fell short. I did feel he should have made a bit more effort to hold serve at the end of set 4, so that he would have been serving first in the decider. It's a big advantage, particularly in a match where there have been several breaks of serve - if you drop yours, you always have the chance to break back. Serving second, it's sudden death.

[RFS]

one way you can look at it, is that he would have been so shattered anyway, the way nadal is playing he prob wouldve beaten him anyway–so at least he wont have the losing 4th time in a row.
well said and I think I made that point that with the inconsistencies at times from both players - the final would probably be a little anti-climactic...

I do hope it will be a competitive final though

[KnightOwl]

sorry, it should be 7'5 and I need to set the scores right for Nole's win.

Sorry, aleady done :)

Edit: oops, although I just changed the 6 to a 5 - should have swapped 'em too :)

[Jan]

Exhausted.
So close. Shame about the lapse in the 4th. Proud of the way he fought back in the 5th. I think with Lendl there we won't see the long "down" time after the AO this year. Onwards Andy - this could be a great year!

[SamP]

Exhausted.
So close. Shame about the lapse in the 4th. Proud of the way he fought back in the 5th. I think with Lendl there we won't see the long "down" time after the AO this year. Onwards Andy - this could be a great year!

Yeah absolutely!

I'd got used to the tennis season stopping between now and the clay court season, what tournaments are coming up? Miami, Indian Wells, what else?

[Bardot]

"Tim Henman" trending on twitter because most people on twitter (all present company excepted) are *******s.

[davech]

Shame. But a good match.

[Maza1987]

nah dominating nadal in the USO semi was better (win here would have tipped the scales}
agreed
that match still makes me feel warm when i remember it. lol

[SamP]

"Tim Henman" trending on twitter because most people on twitter (all present company excepted) are ********s.

Lets be honest though, for the ill informed, ignorant and just plain narrow-minded, Murrays pursuits easily look similar to Tims,

They obviously aren't, but there handful of brain cells tell them so. Bless.

P.S. davech: Thats a pithy way of putting it :laugh:

[davech]

P.S. davech: Thats a pithy way of putting it :laugh:

:) Too exhausted for long sentences.

[FoxyFi]

The Lion Rampant roared tonight in Melbourne, what a strong gutsy performance from Andy, so proud of him.

Andy can live with the big boys for sure, I'm really excited for the year ahead for Andy, with Ivan by his side.

[-J-]

So wish andy would switch nationality even if he where to become inglish, so sick of the scotish glorious defeat nonsense

[karanga]

Commiserations to Andy but well done on really making Nole work for the win. He gave it everything and no-one can ask more of him. There are many positives on his performance for him to take away and I hope he will not be down on himself. :clap: :clap: :clap:

I can't wait for Andy's next tournament. :swingin: :swingin: :swingin:

[lynne]

What a cruel loss for such a Gutsy performance, Andy has shown what a true fighter he is, so,so Proud of you Andy & that Slam is getting closer & closer............BRAVO MR MURRAY!!!!!!!:thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Perhaps a bit disappointed at this point to analyse the match too much. However, though I'm extremely gutted Andy couldn't cross the finishing line it was such a brave effort from Andy and I'm immensely proud to be a Murray fan! Of course there were parts of the match when Andy wasn't really performing to the best of his ability but there were large passages when he was absolutely superb! The lapse in 4th was disappointing but Nole raised his game and it was thrilling how Andy managed to make the decider such a fight from 5-2 down. Certainly there are many positives to build on and when Andy and Lendl reflect it has been a great start to the partnership! I'm sure though the best is yet to come! I must give credit to Nole for winning the match and he is obviously a tremendous player, but Andy really worried him today.

[Alis]

My feelings exactly. I thought he had run out of gas in set 4, but he regrouped and put up a really good fight in set 5, and only just fell short. I did feel he should have made a bit more effort to hold serve at the end of set 4, so that he would have been serving first in the decider. It's a big advantage, particularly in a match where there have been several breaks of serve - if you drop yours, you always have the chance to break back. Serving second, it's sudden death.

I thought that to begin with Madeline but he conceded his serve so easily that I thought maybe he wanted Djoko to start serving the fifth in the hope that he would break him first game. Who knows?

[davech]

It does show that there are still some things to work on - those lapses in concentration for one.

[JAMES4578]

Been at work checking scores on my phone. What happened in the 4th he seemed to have Nole on the ropes? Also after the fightback in the 5th seems he should've broken nole to serve for it?

Think it was a bit of mental lapse in the 4th, coupled with Nole finding some inspiration! At some points he did look a bit jaded but revived. Andy certainly had shot to break for 6-5 in the 5th but just couldn't make the breakthrough and Nole was tough.

[KnightOwl]

Yes, the fourth set was really disappointing, not sure where he was for that set :grrr:

Really pleased he finished so strongly though - even though he let chances go in Nole's last service game, he still showed he was fighting for it, and that was good to see.

[davech]

I think the mental lapse probably had something to do with the way Andy won the 3rd set. He had several chances to put it away, but couldn't get it done.

Er, until he did, of course.

[harriet]

i agree it's a mistake to be made to serve second in final set, and that was crucial in the end.
what does djo eat so furtively under his towel, i wonder

[JAMES4578]

Andy's PC (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-28/201201271327673723322.html) - Seems he still has to decide about DC

[Alis]

Andy perhaps just needed that little bit of luck today - unfortunately, he didn't get it but did us all proud. I am exhausted just watching that - heaven knows how he must feel.

[Sallydaisy]

i agree it's a mistake to be made to serve second in final set, and that was crucial in the end.
what does djo eat so furtively under his towel, i wonder
Looked like killer grapes to me .......

[JennieF]

Managed to watch the majority of the last set and was so heartened by Andy's fighting spirit and what looked to be real belief in himself. Although he lost, and I'm gutted for him (and me!), I hope he takes on board that he certainly is good enough to take on the three giants ahead of him, and beat them in a slam.

[silver]

Thinking back to last year's final against Djokovich, I think today showed how far Andy has come in his ability to play top players in big matches. He seems to have improved in every area of his game, I do hope he will be positive about this loss because today he demonstrated what he is all about.

[Tie-break]

Not that it was ever in doubt, to my mind, but we now know Andy will go the distance when it matters in the latter stages of a slam. Next time, Andy, next time. Didn't see the match but was glued to the Slam Tracker all morning at work and even that was exhausting. So proud of him.

[sophie900607]

So wish andy would switch nationality even if he where to become inglish, so sick of the scotish glorious defeat nonsense

Haha he shouldn't change to Hungarian, we are also masters of it! ;)

[Alis]

Sad that after a match like that he will drop 480 ranking points - doesn't seem fair!

[SamP]

Sad that after a match like that he will drop 480 ranking points - doesn't seem fair!

True, but with Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami coming up, he has absolutely nothing to defend, he should make that up in no time. Heres hoping.

[JAMES4578]

Sad that after a match like that he will drop 480 ranking points - doesn't seem fair!


True, but with Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami coming up, he has absolutely nothing to defend, he should make that up in no time. Heres hoping.

Yes unfortunate when Andy has played so much better this year but Andy should recover the ground!

[wriggles]

Havnt had my usual torrent of abusive txt messages even from the murray haters, these are all from people who dont even follow tennis

"im so sorry, he played so well it was fab and if he continues to play like that he will win"

" ****** hell he did great, great match" (that was from a proper murray hater!)

"that was an epic match, such a shame, i dont think djoko will have much chance in the final andy fought as hard as he could"

i watched the beeb and the praise for andy was complete turn around from castle and lloyd, not that that makes a difference but it seems everyone has woken up to his talent now. i cant wait to see some sort of interview just to make sure he's ok! im sure he will be lol. he dug in so much..and he really could have won (that back into the net break point ouuuuucchhh), im not sure if being so close will hurt more or less than a 3 set hammering, its gotta be painful, but i think llendl will help to oust any negativity, sure he will have nothing but praise for how he played

"dont cry, your boy played awesome"

[supergran]

Didn't post towards end of match as had a lunch date with friends. Luckily they arrived to pick me up after match ended. Just like to say that I am so proud of Andy. Playing the No 1 title holder and taking him to five sets was immense. I know he could have won it at various stages of the match but he gave his all. He knows what he needs to do. I am not going to criticise him because it was obvious that he was going all out to try and win. Well done Andy...you were awesome and one day soon you will be a Grand Slam Champion. Of that I have no doubt. Love being an Andy Murray supporter!!

[rouges]

I'm still recovering from Andy's loss, when the hell will Andy's luck change, he was a far better and fresher player than Nole, Nole had lapses of brilliance but was not a better player today, Andy's broke him many times, it all came down to luck, soooooo frustrated, the poor lad gave it his all and he still loses. Who said life was fair ? And to lose so many points in the Ranking, CRUEL all I can say. Chin up Andy, there is a massive change in your demeanour and attitude this tournie. Keep it up. Three cheers for Mr Lendl. :angry::angry::angry:

[rouges]

It does show that there are still some things to work on - those lapses in concentration for one.
He is human, how can anyone be expected to hold focus and concentration for hours and end ? Remember Nole had them too but he was luckier.

[Alis]

There is always an element of luck in any match and, sadly, as is so often the case, it just didn't go Andy's way today. By the law of averages though, surely he has to get his stroke of luck one of these days. I don't know how I want the final to go now. One part of me wants Rafa to win and end Novak's run but another part of me wants Novak to thrash Rafa just to show how well Andy is playing!

[supergran]

Braveheart Andy! So many positives from this match. Keep the faith....I will!!

[wriggles]

There is always an element of luck in any match and, sadly, as is so often the case, it just didn't go Andy's way today. By the law of averages though, surely he has to get his stroke of luck one of these days. I don't know how I want the final to go now. One part of me wants Rafa to win and end Novak's run but another part of me wants Novak to thrash Rafa just to show how well Andy is playing!

ditto. i guess either way, we will be able to console ourselves! (look how tired novak is / look how amazing novak is)

[harriet]

novak's fortitude and resolve is amazing. in my book, andy didn't lose by bad luck, but because his opponent held his nerve in crunch points.
novak earned the victory by his courage.

[Hawkeye]

My tuppenceworth.

Andy was more than good enough to win that. Whilst I can understand him chucking the 4th set (whilst disagreeing with his decision to do so), failing to make Nole serve the set out was inexcusable, and in my opinion is why he lost the match.

[RoastLamb]

Really sad Andy lost. Those two break points 5-5 in the final set kill me. :crying: So close to taking him out. But he did great taking Djoko to the limit. So much better than last year's final. Very proud of him.

Only got two hours of sleep last night. will be so happy when this tourney is all over. But I think that was defo the match of the tournament. So worthy of a final!

[wriggles]

My tuppenceworth.

Andy was more than good enough to win that. Whilst I can understand him chucking the 4th set (whilst disagreeing with his decision to do so), failing to make Nole serve the set out was inexcusable, and in my opinion is why he lost the match.

Disagree but each to their own.

[davech]

He is human, how can anyone be expected to hold focus and concentration for hours and end ? Remember Nole had them too but he was luckier.

As you say, it's perfectly understandable for a player to lose focus every now and then, but unfortunately Andy lost focus more than Novak did. 86 unforced errors in a match is too many. Luckily for Novak, he hit fewer unforced errors than Andy, hit more winners, won more points - the list goes on.

[LC the fan]

Only just come on here because of the bitter disappointment.
But so proud of him - can anyone criticise him after that - what a contest.

Must say I would rather he lost today than to lose out again in a third final. And Rafa must have the upper hand on Sunday
Well done Andy - onwards and upwards - it has to come for you soon

[KnightOwl]

I have to agree - while I would obviously prefer that he had won today, on the opposite side of the coin, I can imagine that a semi-final loss will be easier for him to recover from emotionally than losing another final would have been - and hopefully the media will give him less grief as well!

Having said that, he might have won the final :big grin:

[JAMES4578]

I think if Andy had reached the final and not performed particularly well, that would have been more demoralising that a narrow defeat in the semis. Though of course Andy may have played another fab match!

[supergran]

Was sitting thinking about the match and agree that I would have been distraught if he had lost another final....but he may have won it as KnightOwl says but as the press had in the main written him off I'm hoping they're full of praise for his efforts!! To be cynical they love a brave loser.:big grin:

[Sallydaisy]

A lot of people have sent tweets to Judy to say how proud they are of Andy. Not aware if she's replied to any forum folk but she's sent tweets to Brad Gilbert's wife and Michelle Mone (fellow Scot, creator of Ultimo lingerie).

Michelle

Just finished BBC World News, being on for 1 hour¬ being able to hear was hard.WOW the amount of emails coming from all over the World
Judy

@MichelleMone (https://twitter.com/#!/MichelleMone) I switched on tv in hotel room, south Israel.....and there u were! Wasn't expecting that...u looked fab! X
Michelle

Thanks Judy. So sorry that Andy didn't win. We are all proud �� RT @judmoo (https://twitter.com/#!/judmoo): @MichelleMone (https://twitter.com/#!/MichelleMone) I (cont)
Judy

@MichelleMone (https://twitter.com/#!/MichelleMone) me too! He was awesome. Novak was just a tiny wee bit awesomer :). Next time!!!!

"@mrsgnation (https://twitter.com/#!/mrsgnation): @judmoo (https://twitter.com/#!/judmoo) Andy Rocks ... You know that:)" he does...and I do :) x

[HoopGirl]

What an amazing match. Missed the last half hour of the match so was disappointed when i heard that he had lost the match.

The good news is that he put up an amazing fight - played out of his skin and showed great mental strength.

These were all things we, and he, had concerns about.

Now he knows that he can work on the other areas of his game. This looks like the beginning of some great things to come!

[Mandiemoo]

My view:

I am gutted that Andy didnt win because he really did have all the cards lined up after the 2nd & 3rd set wins. I can only console myself with the fact that he was able to match Novak much more closely than last year. A few points here & there, he would have dont it. I am proud of the way he came out & how he recovered after the 1st set loss & how he roared back in the 5th set from 5-2 down. But the 4th set was a real low. I have to say I didnt watch the match, I listened to the commentary all the way through on 5live (didnt even have my lunch, remained seated at my desk listening!). The crowd were really getting behind him as were my work colleagues (who had been promised cream cakes if he won*). I really though he was going to do it & it hurts that he didnt. But I know he gave his all.

Thank you for reading my ramblings

* My colleagues rallied round & got cakes, I think they saw a whole new side to me with my passionate support & frequent finger-crossing!

[johnkiernan35]

I missed the whole thing lol... I seen the highlights...great match Andy onwards and upwards

[Maza1987]

I'm still upset. At work now.
Darn it. Just think of the kudos Andy would, rightly so, be getting from all corners if he had broke then held. He's still getting kudos now but, unfortunately, it's being said in that same ol' commiserations tone from many corners.

Andy deserves to be the man! He deserves to be the one saying "it was a close match, but I'm glad I managed to come through". I feel like Rafa and Nole are being condesending or insincere when they keep on saying the same benile comments after coming out on top in their big meetings (in Rafa's case the majority, not always) with Andy.
Does anyone else feel this way, or am I reading too much into it?

[Mandiemoo]

Maza, I always find it hard to 'marshall' my thoughts after a big loss like this - it took me nearly 20 minutes to compose my last post! We invest a lot of our emotions into following Andy. I keep wondering why oh why oh why it just couldn't go Andy's way for once, why the headlines don't say 'Murray outclasses Djokovic in 5 set thriller'. I read what the winner (normally Djoker, Rafa or Fed) has said, usually along the lines of 'Andy played a great match, he deserved to win but I was able to keep fighting' & think 'Yes, yes YES Andy deserved to win, WHY DIDN'T HE?!'. I normally then envisage various scenarios which involve nasty trips over a wrongly placed raquet bag for the person who beat Andy..... but anyway, the bottom line is Andy didn't win & there isnt really anything Novak or the other 2 can say which can change the fact that Andy wasn't able to do it but they ought to watch out because Andy's & our day is coming......

[wriggles]

I'm still upset. At work now.
Darn it. Just think of the kudos Andy would, rightly so, be getting from all corners if he had broke then held. He's still getting kudos now but, unfortunately, it's being said in that same ol' commiserations tone from many corners.

Andy deserves to be the man! He deserves to be the one saying "it was a close match, but I'm glad I managed to come through". I feel like Rafa and Nole are being condesending or insincere when they keep on saying the same benile comments after coming out on top in their big meetings (in Rafa's case the majority, not always) with Andy.
Does anyone else feel this way, or am I reading too much into it?

Reading into it too much! i dont think theyre being condescending at all. nole knows he was 1 or 2 points away from losing this he admitted it in his presser. no one has got anywhere near as close to him as andy has (ruling out french open). dont feel sorry for him...i think he's gained so much from this match win or lose, it was a whole new level compared to the rafa/roger match...nole set the bar in 2011 and andy is keeping pace!

[pippadaisy]

What can I say. Andy Murray I love you, you were magnificent.

[diamond gal1]

Hi Strangers,

Lot going on the last few months, sorry this is just me catching up. Was overwhelmed by this game today, thought
Andy displayed a great maturity, brilliant tenacity, pity that Nole just got the upper hand in the final set.
Good things to come from Andy, no doubt about it. Onwards and upwards. Hope you are all well xx

[Maza1987]

^Welcome back. Nice to have you back.:)

[patmoren]

Andy should be proud and so should we, Andy climbed to great heights today forcing Nole to do the same and there was so little between them. You are alomost there Andy, just need the killer punch.

[VamosVixs]

Heartbroken but very proud!

I was a wreck trying to work and watch this, kudos to my colleagues for putting up with me as I felt sick with nerves and had to keep walking away from the computer several times. Really thought he was going to do it when he won the 3rd set TB so was extremely disappointed the way he lost the 4th set. But I was proud of him for not giving up in the 5th and fighting back, ooooh so close just 1 point and he was serving for the match!

Next time...

[xenon21]

Had a while to mull over the match. Am still gutted yes, but overwhelming pride at how Andy played! He was amazing! His mental side was great as proved by his almost comeback! So close and yet so far. So little to choose between them. In fact a few crucial points here and there. His best performance in a grand slam to date?

This has just emphasised my opinion that Andy will win a GS and soon!

Onwards and upwards Andy! Standing by you all the way! Amazing person and amazing tennis player! :)

[diamond gal1]

Yes onwards and upwards, he really did do himself proud. Things can only get better from here I have
no doubt.
How has everyone been ? who is all going to the Davies Cup this year ? x

[pabbers]

Just read through the thread and what strikes me most is how positive everyone is in Andy's loss. That's often not been the case. It's a delight to see that we all appreciate the already visible change in Andy and the improvement since Lendl's brief appearance on the scene. If he can make this much difference to Andy in 10 days, what can he do for him in 10 months? And the great thing is that it's relatively easy to see that a) there is still room for improvement and b) where that lies - to my mind until I can sit there when Andy has broken someone and be at least 90% confident that it's set over because he'll hold serve, I feel he's not going to win (or perhaps even deserve to win) a GS. But that should be something he can work on much more easily than his temperament (and he already seems to be on top of that), so fingers crossed. I think when Nole's serve went awol after the Todd Martin period he said he just had to hit thousands of practice serves to get it back on track. So Andy needs to take a leaf out of that book IMHO.

All I can say is that once Andy had won the second set I told myself that no matter what happened I was happy he'd improved on his last GS encounter with Nole. Now I can happily say that, whilst I'm disappointed for Andy, I'm in no way disappointed with him. Other than winning, I couldn't have asked for more, given the short time he's been with Lendl. I thought what we saw today was the first step in the right direction and that was moving up to the baseline with intent and more importantly the mental thing - he never gave up and he didn't get down on himself. Now he has to work on that serve.

[diamond gal1]

Well just to fill everyone in, been absent for a few months as my youngest sister Rachel is expecting ! She is
due in April, found it very difficult to take in as she is only 21 and I regard her still as my baby sis", anyhoo she
is keeping well and happy so thats what counts. Diamond Guy moved job is October last year which was
unexpected and quite stressful as he is still in probation! Mum celebrated her 60th birthday in November which was good. As for me? still in the same job, getting on OK, still Andy daft! Nice to see that you have a new home, miss the old forum, but will keep it touch. Best wishes to all xxx

[Golden Lady]

Tried to keep buoyant after the loss and do totally believe in the positives, but just been watching the recording of the match and oh my Andy could have taken it, should have taken it! Hope he's ok and I hope that in the not too distant future we are looking back on this as the spring board to greatness.X

[Madeline]

In the last FIVE slams, Andy has only been beaten by Novak and Rafa; in the last four, they were both ranked either #1 or #2, with the first of the five Novak being ranked #3 at the start of the tournament but #2 by the end of it. Not a bad record: I think the rest of the players bar the ones ranked above him would kill for such a statistic.

The improvement over the last year or so (even before Lendl) is SO marked; Ivan being there seems to have controlled the "getting down on himself" which has held him back so often, so instead of being discouraged by the loss I'm encouraged to hope for more improvement in the months to come.

Just think - if slams were best of three he would have won this match.

[banskogirl]

Hi GL :) I feel exactly the same! Feel positive about the match as a whole but really feel for Andy! I know he will win a slam one day but I just want it now!

[Linda]

Welcome back Diamond Gal! Good to hear from you!

[banskogirl]

Hi GL :) I feel exactly the same! Feel positive about the match as a whole but really feel for Andy! I know he will win a slam one day but I just want it now!

[40-15]

All I can say is that once Andy had won the second set I told myself that no matter what happened I was happy he'd improved on his last GS encounter with Nole. Now I can happily say that, whilst I'm disappointed for Andy, I'm in no way disappointed with him. Other than winning, I couldn't have asked for more, given the short time he's been with Lendl. I thought what we saw today was the first step in the right direction and that was moving up to the baseline with intent and more importantly the mental thing - he never gave up and he didn't get down on himself. Now he has to work on that serve.

you know -
as well as Andy played today - and as close as Andy came to winning!!
I also think this time Andy has it in him - to raise his game to another level - and to play even better than he did today!! - which was awesome!! -

I know this has been discussed many times before with suggestions of Andy having to do this, work on that or overcome...etc etc - which he must do!! -

but I've seen a different Andy this tournament - I don't know what exactly it is or if its just the calmer on court approach - but whatever it is - I am really encouraged and totally confident about Andy and this coming year - and beyond!!

[traveller7]

Its great to hear such postive comments about Murray today. When he lost against rafa in the us open and wimby I felt so much more disappointed and in todays match the 'old' andy would of got down on himself when he lost that set 6-1 and let nole fly away with it but not this time.
Unfortunately there are still murray haters about and neil harman tweeted that though andy was trending on twitter a lot of it was negative and I read some and some supposed 'fans' of tennis are still slating him. However on facebook the majority of comments have been really supportive and positive and they can be just as negative sometimes.
This was a great day for Andy though the outcome wasnt what he or us wanted, but he has taken positive from it and I am glad he is not down on himself too much.
We all love him and support him no matter what anyway!

[david1610]

When it looked like he might be railroaded in three straight sets I posted that more important than winning or losing was showing the real Andy on the tennis court. He seemed to be playing an image of Nole in his head, rather than the guy the other side of the net.
He then did that. Today was not an end (of a tournament) but the beginning of a new phase in Andy's career. And next time Andy plays Nole in a situation like this, he should realise the difference between them is a few points on the day, and possibly with Ivan, Andy can develop and go past Nole. But he should never again step on court intimidated by Nole.
Today was a new beginning I really do believe.
The disappointment of one loss, difficult to take in the moment as it was, will be compensated for by the long term gain.

[Aussie Andy]

I am disappointed that Andy lost, since he could have won. But it was an epic match, he fought like a lion, and so I'm proud of him. Novak said in his press conference that he had noticed differences in Andy's attitude compared to last year's AO.

Somehow I just can't see Andy going into a slump this time. Anyway, apparently he's going home for a holiday or something, and I think that after Brisbane and the AO semi's he truly has earned it.

[Sallydaisy]

Anyway, apparently he's going home for a holiday or something, and I think that after Brisbane and the AO semi's he truly has earned it.

As far as we know he's got a PR commitment in Edinburgh on February 7th when he, Jamie and Judy will feature in a discussion hosted by SportScotland. I'm pretty certain Andy will honour that and it was probably set up to fit in with the need for him to be in Glasgow on the 8/9 to practice with the GBR team ahead of Davis Cup from 10-12 February at Braehead. It's also been said somewhere that he wants a few days with family (he'd see them in the week above^) and friends, and fit in some training in Miami with Ivan.

Schedule Currently:-
w/c 30/1: week off
w/c 6/2: travel north? 7th in Edinburgh, 8/9th team practice, 10/12 Davis Cup (+ see family)
w/c 13/2: 0
w/c 20/2: 0
w/c 27/2: Dubai 500 (but there is also Acapulco 500 that week on the Pacific coast - see below)
w/c 5/3: I/Wells (Cali) starts Thurs 8th but top players get a R1 Bye so don't play until Sat 10th
w/c 12/3: Indian Wells full week
w/c 19/3: Miami starts Wed 14th but top players get a R1 Bye so don't play until Sat 17th
w/c 26/3: Miami full week
w/c 2/4: possible Davis cup 6-8 April?
w/c 9/4:
w/c 16/4: Monte Carlo Masters and the start of the clay season

Just my view here but in a way it's a shame Andy didn't enter Acapulco instead of Dubai ... 'cos it makes sense to train with Lendl in Miami w/c 13/20th Feb giving them 2 weeks clear but then he'd need to come back East to Dubai only to have to travel right across the Atlantic/America again to reach Indian Wells in California. Whereas Acapulco is on the Pacific coast so he could more sensibly have a week playing there and be in the same time zone as I/Wells the following week.

The main downside is that Acapulco is on clay rather than hard courts as in Dubai - and it doesn't pay anything like the same money. But the upside is that it would make more sense for Andy to be in the States for 7 weeks non-stop w/o the need to travel back to the Middle East for a week in the middle. And the entry list in Acapulco currently only has 3 top 20 players with Ferrer top seed so it'd be an easier place to 'test' any tweaks to his game.

Unfortunately, I don't think Andy can now get out of Dubai w/o incurring a penalty ...

[Caro]

Well, I am home from my conference in Dublin & wanted to belatedly comment on the match as didn't have chance to get on here! I will read through the thread later ...

I got the hotel in Dublin to put the match on the big screen in the bar and I didn't move! I was joined by several colleagues all cheering for Andy! Had to leave at 2-1 in the final set to go to the airport .. I couldn't believe it! But a colleague texted me point by point updates as I travelled to the airport in the back of a taxi ... not sure if it was worse watching but that was torture I can tell you!!


What a match!! I am so, so proud on how Andy played ... devastated of course but he was sooo close, closer than he has been to the top 3 in a long time in a GS. I have never stopped believing in Andy but after that performance I now firmly believe his 1st GS title will be this year. I hope he is as proud of that performance even though it was a loss, because he should be.

[Sallydaisy]

Well, I am home from my conference in Dublin & wanted to belatedly comment on the match as didn't have chance to get on here! I will read through the thread later ...
We've done match summaries for each day of the AO and the Andy/Nole one is here. (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?566-Andy-at-the-Australian-Open-Match-Summaries-and-Stats&p=40004&viewfull=1#post40004)
Might save you a bit of time .........
;)

[Alis]

Listened to an interview with Nadal this morning who was saying that Andy could well be number one by the end of the year. He certainly has the other 3 worried!

[-J-]

Listened to an interview with Nadal this morning who was saying that Andy could well be number one by the end of the year. He certainly has the other 3 worried!other 2 fed is no longer a credible force , in fact i am willing to bet that they will want to be in feds half of the draw in future events

[david1610]

Been saying for years that Andy should do the American swing rather than Dubai in between the AO and Indian Wells and Miami. Now we all can see the importance of Ivan, and the fact he is "down the road from Miami" so to speak, makes even more sense!
Your coach is really important but due to family commitments will only be on the road with you for a certain number of weeks of the year. You have a house near him.... Maximise the time together! Bring your family to Miami if necessary, work permitting.

I would incur the penalty because we are not talking about scrambling for points to stay no. 4, or go no. 3. It frankly does not matter because we are talking about beating two of the other three whatever the 1 -4 ranking.

[Alis]

As far as we know he's got a PR commitment in Edinburgh on February 7th when he, Jamie and Judy will feature in a discussion hosted by SportScotland. I'm pretty certain Andy will honour that and it was probably set up to fit in with the need for him to be in Glasgow on the 8/9 to practice with the GBR team ahead of Davis Cup from 10-12 February at Braehead. It's also been said somewhere that he wants a few days with family (he'd see them in the week above^) and friends, and fit in some training in Miami with Ivan.

Schedule Currently:-
w/c 30/1: week off
w/c 6/2: travel north? 7th in Edinburgh, 8/9th team practice, 10/12 Davis Cup (+ see family)
w/c 13/2: 0
w/c 20/2: 0
w/c 27/2: Dubai 500 (but note that there is also Acapulco 500 that week on the Pacific coast - see below)
w/c 5/3: I/Wells (California) starts Thurs 8th but top players get a R1 Bye so don't play until Sat 10th
w/c 12/3: Indian Wells full week
w/c 19/3: Miami starts Wed 14th but top players get a R1 Bye so don't play until Sat 17th
w/c 26/3: Miami full week
w/c 2/4: possible Davis cup 6-8 April?
w/c 9/4:
w/c 16/4: Monte Carlo Masters and the start of the clay season

Just my view here but in a way it's a shame Andy didn't enter Acapulco instead of Dubai ... 'cos it makes sense to train with Lendl in Miami w/c 13/20th Feb giving them 2 weeks clear but then he'd need to come back East to Dubai only to have to travel right across the Atlantic/America again to reach Indian Wells in California. Whereas Acapulco is on the Pacific coast so he could more sensibly have a week playing there and be in the same time zone as I/Wells the following week.

The main downside is that Acapulco is on clay rather than hard courts as in Dubai - and it doesn't pay anything like the same money. But the upside is that it would make more sense for Andy to be in the States for 7 weeks non-stop w/o the need to travel back to the Middle East for a week in the middle. And the entry list in Acapulco currently only has 3 top 20 players with Ferrer top seed so it'd be an easier place to 'test' any tweaks to his game.

Unfortunately, I don't think Andy can now get out of Dubai w/o incurring a penalty ...

I wouldn't mind betting that Andy will just take the penalty and not go to Dubai. The money certainly doesn't matter to him and he may well take the view that a 7 week stretch with Ivan - whether or not he plays Acapulko - is of much greater benefit to his year than jetting half way across the world for one tournament.

[Katie]

Yes I also think it would be much better for Andy to not play in Dubai. It's such a long journey out there. Rafa's taking the whole of February off without playing any tournaments so maybe that would be a good thing for Andy too - having a long stretch training with Ivan would be so beneficial for him.

[pabbers]

Listened to an interview with Nadal this morning who was saying that Andy could well be number one by the end of the year. He certainly has the other 3 worried!

Does Roger worry about anyone up there in his rarified atmosphere?

[DaveArneRiise]

Haven't had my two cents worth since the loss but I'm very proud of Andy. First of all for giving the worlds best player the match of his life. 2nd of all for the tremendous fighting spirit he showed. 3rd of all because it looks as if he has definitely taken on board some of Lendl's advice and that was clear to see. Like Andy said, it will take time for Lendl's ideas to transfer onto his game but if that was a sneak preview of what we are going to see then I am extremely excited. This wasn't one step backwards this was undoubtedly one step forwards. Stunning match from both players and Andy did us all proud. Take a bow son!

[Jan]

Haven't had my two cents worth since the loss but I'm very proud of Andy. First of all for giving the worlds best player the match of his life. 2nd of all for the tremendous fighting spirit he showed. 3rd of all because it looks as if he has definitely taken on board some of Lendl's advice and that was clear to see. Like Andy said, it will take time for Lendl's ideas to transfer onto his game but if that was a sneak preview of what we are going to see then I am extremely excited. This wasn't one step backwards this was undoubtedly one step forwards. Stunning match from both players and Andy did us all proud. Take a bow son!
very well said David - I couldn't agree more.

[banskogirl]

Hi guys :) anyone think Andy may be hinting at playing Acapulco as he mentioned on his blog about being asked by Ferrer to have a practice week together? just my thought ;) feeling great about Andy's play yesterday although it feels so long to the next slam!

[-J-]

Hi guys :) anyone think Andy may be hinting at playing Acapulco as he mentioned on his blog about being asked by Ferrer to have a practice week together? just my thought ;) feeling great about Andy's play yesterday although it feels so long to the next slam!Possibly, also think he dropped a massive hint he will skip the DC in his presser

[johnkiernan35]

Possibly, also think he dropped a massive hint he will skip the DC in his presser
really ? :sad: I was hoping he would be there I just really want to see him again oh well
and by the way folks I look forward to do some match posts here.. Im sorry I havent been able to to posts since I was at school at most of Andy's AO matches but I hope I will post more frequently here in the near future :)

[-J-]

really ? :sad: I was hoping he would be there I just really want to see him again oh well
and by the way folks I look forward to do some match posts here.. Im sorry I havent been able to to posts since I was at school at most of Andy's AO matches but I hope I will post more frequently here in the near future :)
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.sounds like it to me

[banskogirl]

Oh well I will not be going to that but would enjoy watching on tv! I see Lloyd on tv with a big turn around about Andy!

[AllyB]

I'd like to think he'll play if 100% fit, but if he has any lingering niggles then he'll put himself first (rightly so IMO)

[SamP]

I'll be disappointed if he skips the Davis Cup. It'll mean the last two ties he's played in will have been a waste of time, the Slovakia tie will end in defeat, and will he then want to come back and play in the relegation dogfights at the end of the year again? I'd be surprised.

I'd give up on Dubai rather than Davis Cup to have a training block with Lendl/Ferrer, whoever. We should at least have a real crack at Davis Cup this year after the efforts he made last year.

Just my opinion though, and I suppose its one that doesn't exactly focus on whats best for Andy in this situation. I just think it'd be a real shame.

[rondun]

He needs to get his back sorted before he does anything - if that means skipping DC then so be it.
And I think given the choice of switching to clay for 1 tourney or a flight to Dubai, he'd go for the latter.
It's a place he seems to enjoy, plus he's always avoided surface changes wherever possible.

[JAMES4578]

Andy has loved the DC on the last few occassions and I'm going again next month but I'm all in favour of Andy putting his best interests first and if Andy has doubts about it he may have to make a difficult decision, though he may be ok to play this time at any rate. Of course should he decide against playing likely he would get some stick from the media but that shouldn't be his prime concern! This is a busy year and after all Nadal is not playing it in 2012. I really enjoy DC but tbh the tour is more important and Andy will want to maximise his chances of winning a slam.

[LC the fan]

Did Ivan Lendl play Davis Cup regularly ? That might be an influence one way or the other. Be interesting to see John Lloyd do an about turn if Andy doesn't play !!!

Reading through the thread everybody is very upbeat about the obvious change in Andy but must admit real disappointment has hit me today :grrr:

[david1610]

Yes I also think it would be much better for Andy to not play in Dubai. It's such a long journey out there. Rafa's taking the whole of February off without playing any tournaments so maybe that would be a good thing for Andy too - having a long stretch training with Ivan would be so beneficial for him.
A couple of months ago I pointed out that the top four played in very, very few 250s and 500s last year. If the SFs of the AO are anything to go by, the trend is for matches between the top four to get even harder. They are also only really interested in Slams, and Masters (and Roger probably not interested in the latter) and this year, the Olympics. There are the "home" tourneys - Roger in Dubai (kind of home) and Basle, Nole in Belgrade, then the "warm-up" tourneys like Queens and the other one on grasse (is it Halle), which obviously make sense before Wimbledon but other than that, I would not be surprised to see them basing their year around the AO, Indian wells and Miami, Monte Carlo Rome, Madrid and RG, Queens/Halle and Wimbledon twice this year, Montreal/Toronto, Cincinatti and USO, try and get out of Beijing, Paris and the O2 and VERY little else.
Plus Davis Cup....
And so go west young man! You can take the family with you if necessary!

Oh and am I the first to say this... After the SF, let's whisper it and not put Andy under pressure but, Olympic medals anyone???

[banskogirl]

Oh and am I the first to say this... After the SF, let's whisper it and not put Andy under pressure but, Olympic medals anyone???



shhhhh yes! I even clicked 'yes' on a question this a.m. about looking forward to the Olympics! I don't normally :)

[Alis]

For what it's worth, I think he will play DC if he is fit because he has to be in Glasgow about that time anyway. Perhaps he will go to Miami to train after that and miss both Dubai and Akapulco - he doesn't need the money and, a this stage, the points aren't that important either. To my mind a good long training slot with Lendl would far outweigh any benefit gained from playing a tournie.

[Caro]

I agree it would be a shame if all the hard work put in by Andy and the rest of the team were to go to waste if Andy doesn't play DC and we lose. He likes playing DC and I hope and believe he will play if he can

[hfwardhouse]

He'll be in Edinburgh on the 11th ..... with Judy and the Set4Sport roadshow so he'll definitely be in Scotland that weekend :big grin:

[traveller7]

In my mind the top 3 players now are Djokovic, Nadal and Murray. Judging from the matches from the AO fed has slipped off the top 4 now and I personally think his GS wins are over now. Just my opinion!

[Alis]

In my mind the top 3 players now are Djokovic, Nadal and Murray. Judging from the matches from the AO fed has slipped off the top 4 now and I personally think his GS wins are over now. Just my opinion!

Mine too, Traveller. His 'sublime' run at the end of the year flattered to deceive as all the other big boys were either crocked or exhausted - not that you would have know that from the journo hype. If he begins to slip down the rankings I can't see him staying around much after this year, especially when the Olympics are out of the way. He's made no bones about being after the gold medal - can't see him getting it personally but as it is at Wimbledon you just never know- I'll go into sackcloth and ashes if he does!

[Linda]

Listened to an interview with Nadal this morning who was saying that Andy could well be number one by the end of the year. He certainly has the other 3 worried!

I've put a link to the interview on the Rafa thread.


In my mind the top 3 players now are Djokovic, Nadal and Murray. Judging from the matches from the AO fed has slipped off the top 4 now and I personally think his GS wins are over now. Just my opinion!

I think Fed slipped off the radar some time ago - I've just realised that he hasn't beaten Rafa in a slam since Wimbly 2007!!!! Nearly 5 years ago!!!!

[banskogirl]

I've put a link to the interview on the Rafa thread.



I think Fed slipped off the radar some time ago - I've just realised that he hasn't beaten Rafa in a slam since Wimbly 2007!!!! Nearly 5 years ago!!!!


No way!! can't believe that hasnt been mentioned by a presenter at some time! I'm sure it would if it was the way around!