DUBAI 2012, SF - Andy nobbles Nole 6'2, 7'5 (match report in first post)

[Hawkeye]

Shock horror! Andy's not up first! Though it is the first semi to be played. Schedule. (http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/Schedule/OOP.aspx)

This is where it gets tough. The H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=D643) doesn't make good reading, 4-7 to Nole.

Let's go, Andy, let's go! :clap:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Match Report
(copied into first post also)

Andy produced some cracking tennis to win this match and break Nole's winning run!!!
For those of you who missed it we'll point up a video rerun asap because it's well worth watching.

From the off Andy seemed confident and calm, going for shots and stepping inside the baseline to take every 2nd serve that came his way. His own first serve was firing on all six and he gave Nole no break chances in the first set at all.

Andy served first (Andy won the toss and chose to serve) and held to 30 in the first game. Games 4 and 5 went to love and it looked as though it could go to a tie-breaker but in game 6 Nole wobbled and Andy attacked to win it and go 4-2 up. There was a bit of sofa shuffling in the ranks as Nole tried to peg Andy back and had 2 break back points but Andy dug deep and held for 5-2. An error strewn game from Nole gave Andy another break - and the first set 6'2.

Serving first again Andy held to 30 with a couple of not so easy points indicating that Djokovic had still to be beaten. Nole continued to struggle with his game and Andy was quick to capitalise with an early break and a hold to go 3-0 up. The defending champion finally got onto the scoreboard but another good hold from Andy kept him in the driving seat at 4-1. Holds from both took the score to 5-3 with Andy serving for the match. However, there'd been signs in the previous 2 games that Nole was finding some confidence and he broke Andy then held for 5-5.

Were we headed for a tie-breaker? Or even a 3rd set?
And would Andy get down on himself for letting that chance to take the match slip away.

Well no, he didn't - Muzzah walloped down 3 service winners and held to 15 and didn't look remotely bothered. He then set about breaking Nole and began the process with a stunning rally for the first point.
Wonderful tennis from both but Andy came out the winner for *0-15; *0-30, *15-30, *15-40 ... 2 match points but Andy only needed the one to break Nole and take the 2nd set 7'5 - and the match!

BBC - As it happened link (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17235217)

Stats:
Andy first (Nole in brackets)

71% first serves in (68%)
85% first serve points won! (68%)
2/3 (1/5)
32% first return points won (15%)

[xenon21]

Huge surprise to see who is in the 2nd semi time slot :shocked: :p

Good luck Andy! Hope he plays well and wins!!!

[Madeline]

This is where it gets tough. The H2H doesn't make good reading, 4-7 to Nole.

Let's go, Andy, let's go! :clap:

Nor did the H2H with Berdych - 1-3 in Berdych's favour, with the one won by Andy being their first meeting! 7 years ago!

[-J-]

Huge surprise to see who is in the 2nd semi time slot :shocked: :p

Good luck Andy! Hope he plays well and wins!!!i comfort my self with the knowledge that the Goat is only getting the best time slots as its only right he gets top billing in his farewell tour
#fed free by 2013

[patmoren]

Nole is vunerable at the moment, hasn't been playimg his best. Andy needs to stay focused and remember his new state of mind. Go Andy Go!!!!

[Fina]

Good luck, Andy. I've got everything crossed for you!

[Mandiemoo]

Good luck Andy! Will be at work but will endeavour to use covert methods to keep up with what is happening!

[david1610]

In his interview yesterday, Andy said he would look forward to playing Nole if both got through (yesterday....) as it would give him a chance to see how his game was shaping up and what might be needed to be tweaked for Indian Wells and Miami.
I found that quite interesting. Dubai for me has almost been made worthwhile just by beating Berdych and avoiding Berdych becoming the third player to get four straight wins against Andy (the two being Nole and Rafa - Fed. managed three at one point, as did Berdy and Fish) and if he meets Berdych in a GS that will be important.
Otherwise it seems to be me Andy is not putting a lot of pressure on himself but sees this as a stepping stone to bigger things, which, while I would love the W, is how I also see it!
Having said that, turn on the style tomorrow. C'mon Andy!

[-J-]

a W against nole could stand andy in good stead for bigger matches to come, would aso be nice to get a crack at the goat

ps

Novak Djokovic ‏ @DjokerNole (https://twitter.com/#!/DjokerNole) Happy to be through to semis. I'm looking fw to a new challenge vs Andy, i'm sure it will be great!w/ @dusanVemic (https://twitter.com/#!/dusanVemic) say.ly/ohR1vGy (http://t.co/MqW312KX)

[JINESU5]

This is very complicated, but we must trust him! C'mon Muzz!!! :)

[-J-]

This is very complicated, but we must trust him! C'mon Muzz!!! :)not complicated, just win the last point simplessss

[JINESU5]

'He must have temperance in the important points, it's the key.

[-J-]

'He must have temperance in the important points, it's the key.100% play his own game

[Linda]

I was assuming he would be playing at 10am again and I would be able to watch, but he's playing later and I'll be out! :crying: :crying: :crying:

[Jan]

I might be able to catch quite a lot of this one - have to go out in the morning, but should be here for most of pm :)

[supergran]

Glad for Andy this one's a bit later in the day.

[Alis]

As I see it all the pressure is on Nole. Andy would love to win and we would love him to win but Djoko is EXPECTED to win and that is a very different thing. Hopefully, Andy can just go out there, swing freely and enjoy the challenge.

[lynne]

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

[JAMES4578]

At the start of the week was hoping Andy would play himself into some decent form and have good preparation for the upcoming Masters events. Happy he is in the sdemis bit I'd like him to go further and boost his confidence with a win over Djokovic. Don't expect Nole to be anything other than fired up for this and Andy will need a consistently high level to come through if the Serb is approaching top form. Needs to have a good serving day and get the balance right between defence and attack. Above all of course he must be mentally tough and not have too many lapses in concentration. Of course it should be easier over 3 sets but Andy will sill need to be in top form. Just hope that Murray is fine psychically and whatever happens gives it his best shot.

[ljs]

Well Said James !!!

[LC the fan]

GOOD LUCK ANDY. Focus, Serve Well and en joy. Proud of you to have come further than ever before

[Alis]

Looking at Andy's H2H with Nole - 7-4 in Nole's favour - it maybe isn't as one sided as it looks on first sight. Although they are the same age, Nole joined the main tour 2 years before Andy and won the first four of their meetings - I would think his greater experience came into play there. Andy has actually won 4 of their last 7 meetings and has won over 3 sets in their last 2 meetings - Cincinnati, which was over 3 sets and the Aussie Open where Andy won 2 out of the first 3 sets. With all the pressure being on Novak, it gives me added hope for today!

[lankster2003]

Looking at Andy's H2H with Nole - 7-4 in Nole's favour - it maybe isn't as one sided as it looks on first sight. Although they are the same age, Nole joined the main tour 2 years before Andy and won the first four of their meetings - I would think his greater experience came into play there. Andy has actually won 4 of their last 7 meetings and has won over 3 sets in their last 2 meetings - Cincinnati, which was over 3 sets and the Aussie Open where Andy won 2 out of the first 3 sets. With all the pressure being on Novak, it gives me added hope for today!

Good points raised there. Novak is of course the overwhelming favourite (and rightly so) but if Andy can make a strong start to the match then who knows. A 3 set match is to Andy's favour in terms of looking for a win.

If you look at 2 of their last 3 meetings (Cincinatti wasn't really much of a contest) in Rome and in Aus, both were played at an extremely high standard and matches which could (and perhaps should have, particularly in Rome) won. I don't expect it to be a classic today, but lets wait and see.

No viewing for me today as parents don't have Sky Sports and are having trouble with internet at the moment

[pabbers]

Yes, I was going to say that if hte Oz final had been a 3 setter, Andy would have won. It took him a while to beat Nole when Nole first got into the top 4 and so it may take Andy a little time to catch up again now that Nole has kicked up a gear and especially with that 2 year gap between them. However, I'm actually anticipating that the gap will close much more quickly this time. Fingers crossed for a competitive match even if Andy doesn't win. Course an Andy win in 2 sets would be a dream come true.........ok I AM dreaming.

[Alis]

If they both bring their A game, I think there is actually very little difference in the standard of their play. Certainly, they have different strengths and weaknesses and some conditions might suit one more than the other but IMO the overwhelming difference is in their confidence. Since the Aussie Open last year Nole has oozed the confidence that comes from constantly winning. I'm sure that if Andy could string together a series of wins - particularly if one of them was a major win - he and Novak would be on a par. A win in Dubai today would be a great starting point!

[Jane]

Best of luck Andy:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[40-15]

good luck Andy!!

have to go out for an hour or so!! - really really poor planning on my part!!
back about 2pm-ish i hope!!

come on Andy!!

[Tie-break]

Rooting for you as always Andy. Bring your A game and best of luck.

[Emma]

Good Luck Andy, You can do this :)

Arghhhhh so excited !!!!!!

[ljs]

CMON ANDY !!!! me too Emma !!!

[Linda]

Andy cleverly played down his chances in what he said about the match being useful for him to gauge where he is and what he needs to do. That reinforced what must be the general view of most people, that Nole will win - so putting the pressure on Nole and taking it off Andy. But Nole didn't look unbeatable against Stakhovsky, so Andy definitely does have a chance. Unfortunately I have to go out in about half an hour so won't see much of the match.

Good luck Andy!

[ljs]

I was impressed with how he spoke in that interview Linda . I think hes got things in perspective . I really hope he takes this , but unlike what will be portrayed , its not a disaster if he doesnt .

[ljs]

on court GO GO ANDY !!!!!

[karanga]

Very best of luck to Andy. Really hope he wins this. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[sophie900607]

I'm able to watch Andy for the 1st time after the AO. I'm so excited!
Come on Andy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ljs]

service held :cheer:

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

15-0
30-0

(Trouble with livestream, switched to livescores)

40-15
40-30

Andy holds his opening serve and takes the lead at 1-0.

[KnightOwl]

Good start, lots of first serves in :clap:

[JAMES4578]

Not ideal live scoring this but glad Andy had a fairly confortable hold, come on!

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

15-0
30-0
40-0

Joker holds, 1-all.

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

15-0
15-15
30-15
30-30
40-30

Andy holds, leading 2-1.

[KnightOwl]

Good serving from Andy - missed a few first serves this time, but only by tiny margins, and mostly because he was going for big serves, so still very positive.

[JAMES4578]

Seen it was a 2nd serve at 40-30 but Andy closes the game out, still early days of course!

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

15-0
30-0
40-0

Joker holds, levelling 2-all.

[ljs]

:cheer::cheer:

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

15-0
30-0
40-0

Andy holds, 3-2. This is getting boring, going by the scores.

[JAMES4578]

Nole hasn't lost a point on serve yet, hopefully Andy keep the pressure on and can make a few effective returns in due course!

[Sallydaisy]

Anyone else noticed that the livestreams get worse - for choice/quality - as the week goes on?

I'm watching one without commentary 'cos the only other choices seemed to involved manic commies speaking a foreign language.

Just spotted someone waving a saltire!

Break point Andy!

[-J-]

chance
bpCmonnnn

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

15-0
30-0
30-15
30-30
30-40 Break point for Andy! Go for it!

Andy breaks! He takes the lead 4-2!

[-J-]

:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Andy breaks!!! Will serve at 4-2. Hold your serve Muzzah!

[KnightOwl]

Great stuff! Nice mix of patience & aggression, just what I like to see :clap:

[JAMES4578]

Fabulous Andy gets the first break break after Nole had looked strong on serve earlier, let's hope he can keep the momentum going!

[KnightOwl]

Eek! Come on laddie, stay focused!

[Sallydaisy]

Uh oh! Nole has 2 break back points.......
:sofa:

[patmoren]

Great start by Andy, looking very cool and collected. Annabel keeps going on about him clutching his knee, wish they would concentrate on the tennis, will have to turn the sound off.

[ljs]

impressive from Andy so far !!!!

[Sallydaisy]

5-2 to Muzzah!

Good hold from *15-40.

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

0-15 Come on, Andy, hold!
15-15 Come on, that's it!
15-30 No, no, come on Andy! Couple of aces would be nice!
15-40 Andy!
30-40 Good, come on...
40-40
Adv Murray

Andy Holds! He's consolidated the break and leads 5-2!

[JAMES4578]

Worried when I seen it was 15-40 down but gutsy Andy holds for 5-2, come on!

[KnightOwl]

Oooh, c'mon! A 6-2 set would be brilliant!! 0-40!

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo:

6'2 first set to Andy!

[-J-]

getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

0-15
0-30
0-40 Three Set Points!
15-40 Still, two set points! Come on Andy!

Andy Murray has taken the first set 6-2! Who imagined that?

[KnightOwl]

Fabulous stuff!! Andy looking calm and assured, serving brilliantly, defending well - this is fantastic to watch :dance:

First set to Andy 6-2

[ljs]

wow :cheer::cheer: :cheer: great stats in that 1st set from Andy

[Golden Lady]

Wow!!!! Andy's looking great!

[sophie900607]

Yeah, 1st set in the bag!! :)

[JINESU5]

That's the attitude, that is!! :yahoo:

[patmoren]

Fantastic first set 6-2 to Andy. Brilliant tennis.

[KnightOwl]

I do wish commentators would stop trying to jinx things - they're almost summing up! Don't they realise there's still a set or two left to play?!

[Sallydaisy]

Let's have another one - just like the other one!!!

Come on Muzzah!!!
:swingin::swingin::swingin:


Stats: Andy first (Nole in brackets)

71% first serves in (68%)
94% first serve points won! (77%)
100% break points saved (33%)

[-J-]

argggg

[Sallydaisy]

Ooooh, I've suddenly got sound on my livestream!
Unfortunately it's Cranky Croft ...... so I might switch it off.

Eeep! Andy missed a sitter.
Focus Muzzah please - don't let Nole into the match.

[-J-]

croft free zone http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/16/130/v-373197.html

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

15-0
15-15
15-30 Come on Andy, hold!
30-30
40-30

Andy holds, 1-0 in the second set.

[KnightOwl]

Well held Andy - not sure I would quite call it a "safe" hold though! A couple of dodgy shots, and a lucky net cord to seal it :)

[Sallydaisy]

croft free zone http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/16/130/v-373197.html

Thanks!
:)

[david1610]

Just got in! C'mon Andy!

[-J-]

if the wife ask i was never here

[KnightOwl]

:grrr: another missed volley, so it's 15-30 instead of 0-40!

Now 15-40 so 2 bps to Andy!

[-J-]

chance
2bps

[Sallydaisy]

Jay - how doyou get rid of that irritating Virgin Media ad from the bottom of the sportlemon screen?
It hides the scores!!!

[-J-]

defence kitkat :boogie:

[david1610]

C'mon Andy!

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

0-15
0-30
15-30
15-40

Andy breaks Novak again, to lead 2-0!

[KnightOwl]

Early break in the 2nd set! Looking pretty good so far, but I'm saying nothing more in case I jinx it ;)

[lynne]

croft free zone http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/16/130/v-373197.html

:thanks:

[-J-]

Jay - how doyou get rid of that irritating Virgin Media ad from the bottom of the sportlemon screen?
It hides the scores!!!put it on full screen

[patmoren]

Andy playing unbelievable tennis but I am going to throttle Annabel Croft if she doesn't stop making stupid remarks.

[Sallydaisy]

put it on full screen
Thanks - was clicking the wrong thing to make that happen - it's a brilliant piccy now!!!

[david1610]

One more break please! C'mon Andy!

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

15-0
30-0
40-0
40-15 Come on Andy, hold!

Andy holds, taking a 3-0 lead in the second set.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy playing unbelievable tennis but I am going to throttle Annabel Croft if she doesn't stop making stupid remarks.
Give her a throttle from me whilst you're at it Pat .......
:rolling:

(or try switching to Sportlemon instead!)

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

15-0
30-0
40-0
40-15 Come on Andy, hold!

Andy holds, taking a 3-0 lead in the second set.

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

15-0
30-0
40-0 What!!! Joker holding serve?

And the Djoker does indeed hold serve, finally getting on the board in the second set but trailing 3-1.

[patmoren]

Andy needs to focus, Nole is coming back.

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

0-15 Hey, come on!
15-15
30-15
40-15 Fantastic!
40-30 Come On!

Andy holds, 4-1!

[david1610]

Well held Andy! C'mon Andy!
(Has he been taking his time before serving throughout the whole match or is it just me noticing this? Me likey!)

[KnightOwl]

30-30 chance here if Andy stays focused!

[Sallydaisy]

30-30 on Noles serve ... come on Andy!

[KnightOwl]

Some great serving from Nole, though, to save it. 4-2 Andy in the 2nd.

[Sallydaisy]

Okay, so Nole holds ...

Andy serving at *4-2 up.

[david1610]

Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

15-0
30-0
30-15
30-30
40-30

Novak holds, but he still trails 4-2.

[KnightOwl]

5-2 dare I say 1 game away...?

Yep! C'mon Andy - 1 game away :dance:

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving

15-0
30-0
30-15
40-15

Andy holds, leading 5-2.

[Sallydaisy]

Come on Muzzah!!!
:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[david1610]

You can do this. So do it! C'mon Andy!

[patmoren]

This is great fun, Andy repaying us for all the stress. 5-2

[Jan]

just home!

[supergran]

This is fantastic!!!! Let's go Andy!!!

[JennieF]

This sounds wonderful! Hi everyone. Have just logged on so can anyone supply me with a livestream please?

[karanga]

COME ON ANDY. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

0-15
15-15
30-15
40-15

Joker holds, trailing 5-3.

[Sallydaisy]

Come on Muzzah!!!
:swingin::swingin::swingin:

One game to go!!!

[Jan]

http://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=84413&tv_id=342&tid=27818&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327

[ljs]

http://www.hahasport.com/v-2/16/130/v-373197.html

[david1610]

Serving-it-out-no-problem-mode please! C'mon Andy!

[KnightOwl]

Right - here we go - serving for the set - are you listening Andy? CONCENTRATE!!

[KnightOwl]

Hmmm...I don't think he was listening :sofa:

[Jan]

come on Andy!!

[Jan]

first serves please!

[KnightOwl]

Eeeek! 2 BPs! Focus!!

[Sallydaisy]

:sofa:

[Aussie Andy]

Andy Murray is now serving for the match against Novak Djokovic!

0-15 Come on Andy! Don't let Joker back in now!
0-30 NO! COME ON!
15-30
15-40! NO! Come ON, Andy! Please!

RATS! Djoker breaks Andy! Andy only leads 5-4 now!

[Sallydaisy]

Rats! Nole broke Andy serving for the match.
5-4 to Andy still though - so he'll have to break for the win!

[Jan]

so - has Andy been playing really well so far, or is Djoko below par?

[KnightOwl]

Aaarrrgh! Ok, never mind - let it go and break here - you can do it!!

[david1610]

5-2 dare I say 1 game away...?
Never, ever, ever again please!!!!!!! :)

We assume nothing until the last point has been won, OK??

Don't worry. Andy can now do it. So do it. C'mon Andy!

[KnightOwl]

so - has Andy been playing really well so far, or is Djoko below par?

A bit of both really...

[Jan]

crowd seem to be for Djoko?

[patmoren]

Oh no Andy tried too hard. Come on Andy you can still win it is only one game.

[KnightOwl]

Never, ever, ever again please!!!!!!! :)

Ok. I won't say he's still 1 game away then ;)

[KnightOwl]

crowd seem to be for Djoko?

Definitely!

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving (to keep himself in the match)

0-15 That's the ticket!
15-15
30-15
40-15
40-30

Bother! Djoker levels at 5-all!

[david1610]

So be it! Let it go and....
Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Andy!

[Jan]

Definitely!
thought so :sad:

[KnightOwl]

Oh well. It did seem a bit too easy earlier :)

Safe hold first, then let's see....

[Sallydaisy]

Great serving from Andy for *40-0; he's not letting the blip get to him!

Game Andy!

6-5

[Aussie Andy]

Andy serving (Must hold!)

15-0
30-0 Come on Andy.
40-0
40-15 Come On, Andy!

Andy holds, 6-5!

[Jan]

well held Andy!

[Maza1987]

now lets apply the pressure
break now

[KnightOwl]

First job done - good hold - back in front!

Now break here if you can...!

[david1610]

This game! C'mon Andy!

[Jan]

come on!!!

[patmoren]

Why didn't he serve like that when serving for the match 6-5 Andy break Nole again please.

[KnightOwl]

Wow, fascinating point!

[Sallydaisy]

Stunning tennis - what a point for Andy to win.

[Jan]

great point!

[Maza1987]

oooohjh
here we go
0.30

[Jan]

holding breath!

[KnightOwl]

0-30 keep it going, Andy!!

[KnightOwl]

C'mon Andy - Jan's starting to turn blue :)

[KnightOwl]

Great stuff!! 2 match points - focus, please, focus!!

[Sallydaisy]

Another error from Nole gives Andy 2 mps

[Jan]

come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[KnightOwl]

Woooohoooo!!

I so loved that match :clap: :cheer: :clap:

[Maza1987]

comonn, 'ave that!

[david1610]

Yes!!!!! In a way, even better that he to work hard and get another break!
Well done Andy!!!!

[ljs]

:cheer::yahoo::cheer: its a happy Friday

[supergran]

:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:: cheer: Wonderful, wonderful Andy!!!!

[KnightOwl]

71% first serves in - awesome for Andy!

[patmoren]

Well done Andy brilliant tennis to win. You need to do the same again tomorrow.

[Bardot]

Fantastic Andy!!! Absolutely brilliant win. :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Aussie Andy]

Joker serving

0-15
0-30 Fantastic, come ON!
15-30
15-40 TWO MATCH POINTS! TAKE THEM!

HE'S DONE IT! :grouphug: :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

ANDY MURRAY BEAT NOVAK DJOKOVIC - AND GOT TO THE DUBAI FINAL FOR THE FIRST TIME, WINNING 6-2, 7-5!

[Madeline]

Ye gods and little fishes. I am an absolute quivering wreck.

But YYEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!

[lynne]

WELL DONE ANDY...........that match was a joy to watch!!!!!!!!!:thumbup:

[Jan]

:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:
only saw the last 4 games - but great win!!

[JennieF]

fantastic andy!!!!!!

[Jan]

C'mon Andy - Jan's starting to turn blue :)
thanks for your concern!

[Golden Lady]

So very very proud of Andy!! Im not well at the moment and that cheered me up no end. Love our Andy :worship:

[WimbledonAce]

Awesome result, such a confidence booster! Just about managed to follow it on bet 365. My weekend just keeps getting better! :cheer:

[harriet]

astonishing game, bet lendl lays into him for not serving it out.

[DaveArneRiise]

Get in! :cheer::clap:

[Aussie Andy]

Time for a celebration, no? Or shall we wait till tomorrow? :wino::band::party::mexican::jitterbug::jitterbug: :jitterbug:

[Jan]

now for the title please!:mexican:

[Emma]

Yesssssssssssssss so so proud :)

[sophie900607]

Woo hoo! :cheer::cheer: Well done Andy! :clap::clap:

[JennieF]

So very very proud of Andy!! Im not well at the moment and that cheered me up no end. Love our Andy :worship:

This will aid your recovery!! Get better soon!

[supergran]

It was such a wonderful match...I actually ironed seven shirts and didn't miss a point!! Thanks Andy:clap: as I'd decided to do them to keep me from going insane in what I thought would be a Murraycoaster.

[KnightOwl]

I think the thing I liked best about this match was the way Andy handled his loss of serve towards the end - he didn't let it get to him at all - he just let it go, kept his focus and did what he had to do. Very well done :clap:

[karanga]

Fantastic. Congratulations Andy. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[JINESU5]

Andyyyyyyyyyyyy <3 <3 :trophy:

[Madeline]

Now, who do we want in the final? While a match against Fed would be interesting, the man is a beast in finals. And Andy has a great record against Delpo. . .

[supergran]

So very very proud of Andy!! Im not well at the moment and that cheered me up no end. Love our Andy :worship:Sorry. Hope you feel better soon dear Golden Lady. Though sure that has gone some way to making you feel much happier.:grouphug:

[Aussie Andy]

Well, it has been a long time since Andy played Fed, and it could be interesting to see how they match up now.

[JennieF]

Do we know the time the final will be tomorrow? I'll HAVE to find someone with Sky! Anyone near Rugby going to watch?

[HenFan]

NAILED IT! Congratulations to Andy for such a positive display, I thought this was one of the best matches I've seen him play! :)

Also nice to see the respect and friendship between Andy and Nole, both at the net at the end of the match and indeed at certain points during it - I thought they both handled themselves extremely well. But yep, WELL DONE ANDY!! :yahoo:

Take care... :)

[40-15]

brilliant to see Andy won!!
can't believe i organised that meeting at this time!! - schoolboy error!!
can't wait to see the match later

brilliant win!! :swingin: :clap: :swingin:

[Tie-break]

Stupendous game. Loved it. Even better that he won after losing serve. Hope he's very proud of himself. A joy to watch the respect between the two.

[Jennan]

I'm thrilled to bits. Loved the way Andy was so positive and kept his cool when he lost his serve. Good to see the obvious respect they have for each other.

[Katie]

That was brilliant! Very tense at the end but huge credit to Andy for keeping his cool. I feel the Novak/Andy rivalry is going to develop into something really special this year :)

[Jan]

Do we know the time the final will be tomorrow? I'll HAVE to find someone with Sky! Anyone near Rugby going to watch?
according to the beeb it's at 3pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17235217

[Alis]

Fantastic win for Andy!! :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo: Wonderful, wonderful match - so annoyed that I didn't record it. Andy just couldn't resist keeping us on the edge of our seats with the Murraycoaster but, as others have said, even better that he just took the loss of serve without any histrionics and got on with it. Onwards and upwards!!!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[supergran]

It will be probably be 3 our time as 7 in the evening there will make for a Grand Finale!!!

[Alis]

That was brilliant! Very tense at the end but huge credit to Andy for keeping his cool. I feel the Novak/Andy rivalry is going to develop into something really special this year :)

I agree - forget Fed/Rafa and Rafa/Novak - I'm sure that by the end of this year it will be the Nole/Andy rivalry that everyone is talking about.

[supergran]

Bye for now. Fed and Delpo out.

[jeannie13]

That match was a joy to watch-it was so exciting. Andy was terrific-he showed us what he can achieve this year. good luck for the final,Andy. They were both class acts with some beautiful shots, particularly from Andy. This will do a lot for his confidence. I was shaking with excitement by the end of the match.:yahoo::jitterbug::excited::trophy:

[pabbers]

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!! Had to finish watching it on record - need a new set of nails! WOWWWWWWZER!!!! They kept banging on about Nole not playing his best with a tiny concession to Andy not allowing him to. I think Andy overwhelmed him - long may it continue. Now, do we want an Andy Fed final so Andy can put Fed in his place once again or do we prefer a Potty final as it MAY be easier for him to win the tournie that way?????

[Jane]

Well done, Andy - great match - made my day. Best of luck tomorrow:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::)

[-J-]

well done andy :cheer::cheer::cheer:
missd most of it:(
wonder how many will now be in unusuial position of wanting sir smugalot to reach the final
btw when is the final ?

[Fina]

Just excellent. Well done Andy. Just keep it going tomorrow. Good luck. x

[sophie900607]

well done andy :cheer::cheer::cheer:
missd most of it:(
wonder how many will now be in unusuial position of wanting sir smugalot to reach the final
btw when is the final ?

I think tmrw 7pm local time but not 100% sure.

[-J-]

feared as much

[Jan]

yes - 3pm our time

[JAMES4578]

Thrilled that Andy neat Nole in straight sets, would have given anything for such an outcome! Maybe Nole wasn't at his best but from all accounts Andy was in superb form! Off course a pity he didn't serve it out at 5-3 but stayed strong, breaking again to finally clinch it! Can't wait to see my recording later! The final is tomorrow and I'm expecting Andy to have another crack at Fed!

[JennieF]

:cheer::cheer::cheer:Great win Andy and all the very best for tomorrow's final - whoever it's against! Play your socks off!!! You can do it!

[scrapaddict]

Great win Andy - so proud of you

Big psychological win too Berdy and Nole will set him up for the US - just hope he has time to get over his jet lag!!

[rouges]

I'm over the moon, great play by Andy, he alienated Nole, good to see Nole struggled for a change if not for him but for his disrespectful fans. LSH froze a lot but still managed to see a fair bit of play. Well done to get into the finals. Ivan/Andy combo is already visible. Up &Up & upwards now. Last year was NOle and hope this year's Andy's.:wino::wino::wino:

[Sallydaisy]

Match Report
(copied into first post also)

Andy produced some cracking tennis to win this match and break Nole's winning run!!!
For those of you who missed it we'll point up a video rerun asap because it's well worth watching.

From the off Andy seemed confident and calm, going for shots and stepping inside the baseline to take every 2nd serve that came his way. His own first serve was firing on all six and he gave Nole no break chances in the first set at all.

Andy served first (Andy won the toss and chose to serve) and held to 30 in the first game. Games 4 and 5 went to love and it looked as though it could go to a tie-breaker but in game 6 Nole wobbled and Andy attacked to win it and go 4-2 up. There was a bit of sofa shuffling in the ranks as Nole tried to peg Andy back and had 2 break back points but Andy dug deep and held for 5-2. An error strewn game from Nole gave Andy another break - and the first set 6'2.

Serving first again Andy held to 30 with a couple of not so easy points indicating that Djokovic had still to be beaten. Nole continued to struggle with his game and Andy was quick to capitalise with an early break and a hold to go 3-0 up. The defending champion finally got onto the scoreboard but another good hold from Andy kept him in the driving seat at 4-1. Holds from both took the score to 5-3 with Andy serving for the match. However, there'd been signs in the previous 2 games that Nole was finding some confidence and he broke Andy then held for 5-5.

Were we headed for a tie-breaker? Or even a 3rd set?
And would Andy get down on himself for letting that chance to take the match slip away.

Well no, he didn't - Muzzah walloped down 3 service winners and held to 15 and didn't look remotely bothered. He then set about breaking Nole and began the process with a stunning rally for the first point.
Wonderful tennis from both but Andy came out the winner for *0-15; *0-30, *15-30, *15-40 ... 2 match points but Andy only needed the one to break Nole and take the 2nd set 7'5 - and the match!

BBC - As it happened link (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17235217)

Stats:
Andy first (Nole in brackets)

71% first serves in (68%)
85% first serve points won! (68%)
2/3 (1/5)
32% first return points won (15%)

[RoastLamb]

Well done Andy!!! What a great win!!! :yahoo:

[rouges]

Thanks Sally for Match report.

[Madeline]

Match Report
Andy served first (I'm not sure if he won the toss or chose to or whether Nole put him in to bat?)

Andy won the toss and chose to serve, which rather surprised me as he most often chooses to receive.

[Mickey]

:cheer:What a brilliant match, great to see Andy staying so calm and having complete belief in his game.:swingin::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[hfwardhouse]

So chuffed with the win. Saw the end of the first set which was great and then had to follow ls. Have recorded it to watch now!

Well done Andy :cheer:

[Linda]

Just got back to see the great news! :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo:

Have just wound TennisTV back so I can watch it from where I had to leave! (Andy had just broken but was struggling to hold)

[david1610]

I agree - forget Fed/Rafa and Rafa/Novak - I'm sure that by the end of this year it will be the Nole/Andy rivalry that everyone is talking about.
Yes, at the end it was almost as if Nole was saying:
1. OK I snuck ahead of you last year but once again (cf Nole first to get a Master's then Andy beat him in Cincinnatti and Nole was pleased for Andy despite losing) you are probably going to catch me up.
2. You were too good today - well played.
3. See you next time!

[HoopGirl]

Just thrilled with the match, how he played and that he won!

Serving looking really good!

[johnkiernan35]

delighted :) im so happy for Andy btw here is Andy's interview after the match http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JMzD6WxcEU

[xenon21]

Wahey! Well done Andy! Sooooooooooo glad he won! :clap: :cheer: Revenge :D

[Mandiemoo]

Fantastic result, so pleased for Andy to get the w. I followed as best i could through live score & couldnt believe it when he went 5-2 up in the first set!

[super8]

Excellent result! And of course a perfect response to his semi final defeat at the Aussie Open.

No disrespect to Nole - I like him - but his game is a little too, erm, relentless/efficient for my liking - he's kind of a 21st century Ivan Lendl imo. This might be a surprising comment - but I also think that Andy 'should' be beating him - he has the game to really trouble Nole - was just a case of applying his skills effectively.

I think that Andy snapped a 18-match winning streak that Nole had at Dubai btw.

[LC the fan]

Fantastic news to wake up to. The match started after midnight out here and I decided I couldn't take watching another defeat by Nole. How wrong was I ?

Just superb, great, Wonderful. Onwards toFed

[Alis]

I've just watched a re-run of the match - how nice it is to watch with the comfort of knowing that Andy won. I get so nervous when he is playing that I find I don't really appreciate Andy's artistry at the time. He really is an amazing shot maker - so is Novak, of course, but I think Andy has is the more gifted.

[-J-]

still prefer the nerve jangling gut wrenching exhilaration of a live match, but agree you notice more when re watching

[Linda]

No disrespect to Nole - I like him - but his game is a little too, erm, relentless/efficient for my liking - he's kind of a 21st century Ivan Lendl imo.

That's exactly how I feel. I never liked Lendl as his game just seemed too clinical and Nole is the same. I guess maybe that's why I like watching Rafa so much, 'cos even if he's the favourite in the match he always plays like he's the underdog. Really exciting. (Contrary to popular opinion, I don't just watch Rafa's matches for the shirt changes.)

[Madeline]

Now that is strange. I always loved to watch Lendl - his passing shots down the line on the run were a thing of beauty - but I don't like watching Djokovic. Maybe it was just that at the time Ivan was a bit different from all the serve-and-volleyers and I appreciated the change! To this day I like players that play differently from the herd - Andy, Tomic (play only, not his personality!), Flo Mayer, Dolgopolov etc.

[super8]

My general impression was that serve and volleying did not completely dominate until the 90s, when Agassi stood alone.

In the 80s, there were still a few baseliners thriving. Connors was still doing well in the early 80s, and Wilander in the late 80s.

In terms of players being different from the herd in that era, then my vote goes to Miloslav Mecir. I loved the way he seemed to glide around the court, and ghosted his way to the net - something that many of the baseline-hugging players of today would do well to incorporate into their games. In fact, I lament the lack of on-court guile, these days. It's often a little too predictable. Wilander used to hate playing Mecir - he commented that he was never really certain where Mecir would play the ball next.

For me, Lendl seems very much the prototype for the modern player. Supremely fit, rasping groundstrokes, big forehand, relentless winning machine. In fact, here is a quote from wiki:

Lendl's game relied particularly on strength and heavy topspin from the baseline and helped usher in the modern era of "power tennis". He himself described his game as "hitting hot", a relentless all-court game that was coming to dominate in tennis.