Mar 15, 2012

In Murray We Trust

Just like in 2011, Murray suffered an early exit from the first big tournament after the Australian Open.
Last year he lost to an ambitious Donald Young, this time to a tough and underrated G.Garcia-López.

Here's why his defeat will not hurt him. Or should not.

Andy has had a good year so far. One title, one final and an AO semifinal, ending on a high note with an epic match against Djokovic.
Now he lost in the first round of the Masters event in Indian Wells.

His opponent, let's call him GGL, is a tough cookie on hardcourts. Nadal was one of his victims two years ago in Bangkok. GGL will walk the walk, go as far as is needed to win every single point.
In the first set of Andy vs GGL, both players had exceptionally long rallies. Still, no one had the feeling that Andy would eventually lose. He seemed to be in control. But GGL hung in there, fighting off break points (0-40 at 2-3 in the first set, that's his expertise), not giving in. His backhand is a joy to watch, technically clean, he can easily give the ball any angle he wants.

At 4-4, Murray was up 40-15 on his own serve. It went to Deuce. Long rally. Murray at the net, high lob, Smash... OUT !

I know how frustrating it is to not convert your own breakpoints. And GGL is the kind of player who needs just one chance to break your serve.

That was the moment when Murray's game broke down. Does he have to worry? Do his fans need to worry?
No. As Roger once said: "You are too good not to win a Grand Slam." It will happen. Murray has everything to become a champ. All the shots, the fitness, the tactical intelligence. He's a masterful counterpuncher, he can read match situations, take away speed only to go full speed one moment later.

The one thing that lacks him, of course, as everyone on Tour has already stated, is his mental toughness.
If he has one of those days, he seems unable to tough it out. But that is an ability you can learn, especially when you accumulate experience.

In the second set, Murray had another 0-40 on GGL's serve. Again, the Spaniard won the game. He absolutely had the total will to win, to beat a top 4 player. Murray found himself on the ropes against an opponent with a very good baseline game. He just couldn't break through.

In 2011, Murray went on to have a very good Grand Slam season, reaching all 4 semifinals. Nadal always stopped him, but he has the game to beat Rafa. It will not hurt Murray to neglect these early hardcourt tournaments and focus on the clay court season. He played great matches on clay against Nadal (in MonteCarlo) and Djokovic (in Rome) last year. He can beat everyone on any surface. As long as he believes it.

Let me just state it here: He will win a Grand Slam this year. I totally see him winning in New York.
So: Andy, you have 6 months to become a mental monster. Use them!


Twitter: @AtleticoDave

Jan 31, 2012

The Day After The Titanic AO Final

Yesterday (Monday) we had a general strike in Belgium. No public transport on the coldest day of the year so far. Consequence: I had to walk a total of 2,5 hours through downtown Brussels to make my appointments. Brrrrrrrr... and while I was walking through the cold, I thought of the AO Final to keep myself warm. "If they can spend 6 hours running and hitting balls in the scorching heat, then I can walk calmly and have a coffee every now and then today. Be strong!", is what I was telling myself.

Of course, thinking about the match, I always came back to that missed easy backhand of Nadal's at 4-2 in the fifth set. I wondered if Nadal also kept thinking about it, or if he really was that cool about it. That shot decided the match. That was the one shot that gave Djokovic hope. This is Tennis. You are down, then you win a point you didn#t deserve, and you are back. Tennis is amazing. Tennis is cruel.

However, there is one fact: Djokovic was the better player during the whole match. Nadal came back to win the fourth set because HE HAS BIGGER COJONES THAN ANY OTHER SPORTSPERSON IN THE WORLD. Nadal's achievements are breathtaking. He, Djokovic and Federer, all three of them have taken Tennis to another level. I wouldn't want to miss anyone of them.

In the Sunday final, the first three hours were of medium quality. It is astonishing that these players need three hours to warm up, only to play their best tennis in the three hours that follow.

The final will be remembered forever. I really hope Nadal thinks the right things and doesn't give up. he was so close. But he has to improve still. Generate more power with his groundstrokes. Don't go three metres behind the baseline. Play the return deep into the middle of the court, to give Djokovic no angles, and build the point from there.

As a fan, I thank both players for giving it all in that match, and making us proud of witnessing these exciting times in men's tennis.

As for me, I lost a match yesterday I should have won. 5-3, 40-30 up, own serve. I lost 5-7, as it always happens when I have a big lead. I have a long history with that. As you see, i have some mental work to do as well.

@AtleticoDave

PS.: Congrats to Azarenka for her well-deserved title. I would write more about it, but her opponent in the final displayed an unworthy performance.

Jan 27, 2012

Lost a battle, won the war. How a Scot exposes the media hypocrisy.

Let's keep this post shorter than the others. No need to use many words to explain something simple.

Today's match between the world's No.1, Novak Djokovic, and No.4, Andy Murray, was out of this world.
Exciting is an understatement. WorldClass doesn't even grasp it. The first set was poor, but the rest was un-be-lieva-ble.
Tennis fans are lucky to witness this era of tennis where 4 amazing players are at the top of the game.

I am gutted for Murray's defeat. He had longed for so long for an opportunity like this. To silence his critics, those who say he doesn't have the class or the mental strength on big occasions.
Today he proved the contrary. Despite the loss, all tennis reporters are full of praise for his performance. Those people who had condemned him several times suddenly see him on the same level as Djoko, Fed and Nadal.

Not only do they refuse to apologize to Murray for the way they treated and judged him. No, no. They also claim to be the ones who always supported him while everyone else was belittling him.

They did the same with Djokovic years ago. THey said his AO win 2008 was a one-hit-wonder.

Well done, Journalists. Just keep playing your own game. Pretend you are flawless, better than anyone else. Anything goes. Except admitting your own mistakes.


AO Day 11: Fireworks over and on Rod Laver Arena

I was looking forward to them all week. In fact, the fireworks on Australia Day are, imho, an indispensable part of the Aussie Open. However, as it turned out, most people on Twitter, online Tennis Forums etc did not appreciate them.

They felt that it is a sin to have fireworks interrupt a match between the two best players the game has ever seen.

I don't agree with them.

Every year, a spectacular match is interrupted on January 26. It lasts 10-15 minutes, and then it's over. Certainly, the interruption is long. But these players are pros. They must cope with it.

I don't think that the firework haters where complaining years ago when Baghdatis, Nalbandian, Tsonga or Blake had to "endure" the break. The last thing we need in Tennis were double standards. I enjoy the TV coverage of the fireworks, seeing Melbourne from a new perspective. The players should take a break, rethink their tactics, stay warm. Just like in earlier times when the third set of a Davis Cup match was over.

However, i feel that the fireworks should wait until a set is finished. They didn't help Federer, who was 5-2 down at that moment, and lost 11 straight points after the break.

Anyway, the fireworks won't create any controversy. The best fireworks were seen on the beautiful blue court of Rod Laver Arena. Federer and Nadal played a great match. Not superhumanly fantastic like the Wimbledon final 2008, but still great. Suspense, long rallies, superb shotmaking. It lived up to expectations. Rafa won because he was feistier, because once again he believed more in himself than Roger did. And because again Roger could not hold his Unforced Error rate down. Too many missed longline forehands, too many backhand returns floating out of view.

There's no denying that playing Rafa is a mental issue for Federer. He looks confident and superior against anyone else, but doubtful and hesitant against Rafa. How can he beat him?
It is a mystery. Roger has all he needs to beat him. For years I believe that the best way for him to win points against Rafa would be to use a short flat slice to Rafa's backhand. Make Rafa approach the net, lure him out of his comfort zone, then pass or lob him. Sounds easier than it is. But if there is a man who can do this, it is Roger.

He will get another chance.

For now, it's Rafa in the final. Everyone is already talking about him taking on Djokovic. But I don't rule out Murray. he has something to prove, and a lust for revenge raging in his belly. I feel Andy can do it.

We will see. Let's hope for another great match!

PS.: Well done to Vika Azarenka for her first GS Final !!

@AtleticoDave

Jan 26, 2012

AO Day 10: How Djokovic beat IronMan Ferrer

Yes I know they played yesterday, but I didn't get to write this earlier. Right now I am having another sleepless night, watching the first women's semifinal (which provides more suspense than actual playing quality) and rethink what actually happened during yesterday's semifinal.

The best player in the world, Novak Djokovic, faced the fifth best, Spain's David Ferrer, the eternal warrior. A man you have to admire for his hard work and his ability to squeeze any little potential he has in his body to become a top player.

Djokovic had survived a scare in the previous round vs Hewitt, and now against Ferrer, he looked a bit doubtful. He secured the first set and led 2-0 in the 2nd, but Ferrer came back. Djokovic became hesitant, didn't produce the big shots anymore. Ferrer was running and hitting, running and hitting, as usual.

At 5-5, Djokovic broke Ferrer. The set seemed over, but Ferruuuu fought back, broke back, and started off leading the Tiebreak 2-0. He had all the momentum you need against a Djokovic who did not hit and did not move as he used to in 2011. Djokovic was grimacing, gasping for air, looking vulnerable. On Twitter, many tennis fans reminded everyone that Djokovic used to fake pain and injuries, and that he might be doing just that again. I don't think so, it makes no sense now, being No.1, to show your opponent that you are hurt. As a number 1, you don't get pity points.

At 2-0 for Ferrer in the Tiebreak, Novak served. That's when Ferrer lost the match. He hit an easy return to the net. He squandered the chance of making Novak play another long point and winning it. Making Novak feel that his path to victory would be even longer and more painful.
But no, Ferrer's shot sailed into the net. He managed to take a 4-2 lead, but at 4-3 he produced a stupid unforced error after a long, spectacular rally that saw him run from left to right. After that, he lost all the points, and gave up. He should have won that point. He should have played a good return at 2-0. That's when he lost the match and the confidence.

Ferrer is "the best of the rest", but the step from No.5 to No.4 is too huge for him. Which is no disgrace. He has done a lot for Tennis, and will continue to do so.
But until then, all eyes will be on the big clash between Roger and Rafa, on Australia Day. Scheduled in just 4 hours... but the first ladies semifinal is far from over. Kim Clijsters and Vika Azarenka are battling it out in the 3rd set right now, and the rallies are becoming incredibly spectacular. This can be a huge day for Tennis.

@AtleticoDave

Jan 25, 2012

Rollercoaster Rafa, Floating Federer

We all wanted it. We are gonna get it. On Thursday, Rafa and Roger will meet once again. This time, it's not a final, but a semifinal. But it will be spectacular, with the added value of the match being played during the night session on AUSTRALIA DAY, the national holiday. We all know what that means: Somewhere in the fourth or fifth set, during a changeover before a crucial game, fireworks will go off over the melbourne skies, the fans will go crazy, TV will show the Melbourne skyline lit up by amazing lights, giving Rafa and Roger approximately 10 minutes of (un-) welcome pause. i personally love those fireworks, I remember those a couple of years ago when baghdatis defeated Nalbandian, or one year later when Tsonga downed Blake. I am so looking forward to it, as much as to the match itself.

Question is: Will the fireworks be on time? Because I have a slight hunch that Roger will beat Rafa in 3 sets. Hurry up, you pyromaniacs!!!

Truth be told: During this tournament, Roger (30 years, 5 months) looks like he's 25 again. Floating over the court, dancing from one corner to the other, unleashing his groundstrokes with precision and perfect Rolex timing. He somehow managed to turn back time. The old Roger with all the agility and class, only with more experience. That is how the creators of tennis intended the game to be played. Plus, he looks so calm and untouchable again. I can not imagine him freaking out now when seeing Rafa at the other side of the net.

Rafa  also played quite a good tournament, but his doubts are visible in his eyes. His victory over Berdych was fantastic as well as agonizing. The match was a rollercoaster from the first to the third set. Rafa could have won the 1st and lost it. Berdych had set point in the second and missed a difficult volley when Rafa was doubting his game. In the tird, Berdych led by 1 break before Rafa fought back with pure will and class.

I absolutely adore Rafa and hope he will deliver, but at the moment I see Roger two steps above Rafa. Rafa made a bad tactical choice today by standing 20 miles behind the baseline when returning, and it took him over an hour to adjust his position. He can't afford the luxury of bad tactical choices against Roger. Yes, he beat the Swiss in the 2009 final. I hope he can do it again. But I would not bet on it.
Nevertheless, we have to acknowledge a great performance by both Rafa and Berdych, who was hammering at every ball as hard as he could.
In a few hours, Djokovic will face my buddy Daveeeeeeed Ferrer. I so wanna see Ferrer winning. He is the hardest worker in the circuit. i wish he could win a Grand Slam. Or even reach a final. Buena suerte, David!


Jan 24, 2012

True Admiration for Rusty

It was way past midnight when the spectators at the beautiful Rod Laver Arena really believed it could happen: That Lleyton "Rusty" Hewitt", a former World No.1 and Grand Slam Champ, could turn this whole match around against the best player on the planet, Novak Djokovic.

Rusty had just won the third set (6-4 after being 0-3 down) with a fantastic display of pure will, self-belief and class, and at that certain moment, way past midnight, he had the chance to break Novak's serve. The chance to continue the amazing turnaround. The chance to lead 2-1 and take the match into a deciding fifth set.

What followed was another wonderful rally, with Novak sending the aging Hewitt from left to right, but the balls kept coming back. It was finally the magic match the Australian crowd was waiting for all week long. The perfect moment. And when Hewitt played a very low backhand slice, luring Djokovic to the net, EVERYONE in the Arena stopped breathing for a moment.

Until Novak hit the magic shot.Despite the pressure, despite a minimal loss of confidence, Novak replied to Hewitt's slice with a perfect crosscourt forehand into the deep corner. Hewitt tried to get to the ball but found himself on the floor. Novak hit the perfect ball at the perfect moment. He then won his service game, broke Hewitt, and the match was over.


After the match, Hewitt received much praise for his performance, and rightly so. After losing 2 sets and conceding another break in the 3rd, no one expected Hewitt to stage a comeback against the "Djoker". But he couldn't let imself or his local crowd down. He completely ignored the pain he was putting his body through and kept on fighting, cementing his legacy as one of Australia's major sports heroes.

As for Novak, he maybe had a little lapse in concentration (coinciding with a 2-minute bird invasion in the stadium), but he stayed as cool as anyone could be, and in the end, his excellence prevailed. The match, starting in the third set, was a masterpiece in many aspects, and anyone who was there must consider it a privilege.

----

Great news for the men's game: For the first time ever, a Japanese player has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. That is fantastic, because the men's circuit has been dominated by Europeans for too long now. It is time for other regions of the world to have a say in the big tournaments. Kei Nishikori is no Grand Slam winner, but with his talent he should absolutely be able to cause a few surprises along the way in 2012 and beyond.
On the other side, it was disapppointing to see JW Tsonga lose to the Nish. The Frenchman won the first set easily but then disappeared. He, together with Del Potro, is the only one who really can challenge the big Four. but that can't happen as long as he allows himself to play it cool and relax in certain moments of the match.
It's quarterfinal time now and there are big matches coming up on RL Arena. How i wish I could be there...