Creature Vs Creature: Andy Murray Prepares For The Judgment Day

Can Roddick reach his third Wimbledon final? Long John Silver provides some answers.

There was a distinct similarity in the way Robin Soderling and Andy Murray celebrated their Semifinal win (against Gonzalez) in French Open and the Quarterfinal win (against Ferrero) in Wimbledon, respectively. They bend their neck downwards and closed their eyes with firm wrists to savor the moment of their victory. Then showed a determined, but muted, fist pump towards their camp on the stands.

There was a difference, though. The Swede was proving a point more to himself than the fans. Andy Murray might mistakenly believe that he’s doing it more for his nation than himself!

Introduction

Andy Murray is battling with history, and an enormous weight of expectations. He has been clothed with the legendary Fred Perry’s attire, and is expected to repeat the feat he achieved 73 years ago, to offer this great country its first male Grand Slam champion in the open era.

Murray has looked as comfortable on grass as he did on fast hard courts last year, and his epic agianst Wawrinka and demolition of Ferrero are significant proofs.

He faces the rejuvenated Andy Roddick in the Semifinals, who, under his coach Larry Stefanki, is playing as well as he has ever played in his life, and is booming with confidence after his tough win over his old rival Lleyton Hewitt.

In an exciting match up of Serves versus Returns, the Scottish sensation would start out as the favorite, clearly knowing that he has a tough task ahead of him.

Will Win If

Murray is one of the best returner of modern times and this would be his main weapon throughout the match. He has good anticipation, variety and length on returns by either hitting it cross court with acute angles, or blasting them down the line.

If he receives from the baseline—one of the few players skilled enough of doing that—he will trouble the American no bounds with early returns, and once Roddick does not have enough time to blast his forehand, you’ll see him going on the defensive and engaging himself in rallies.

This is where Murray should take control of the match by engaging Roddick in backhand-to-backhand rallies. Murray’s two hander is the best in the game, offering almost as much variety as a single hander. On the other hand, it still remains Roddick’s weaker side, his remarkable improvement in the last six months notwithstanding.

Moreover, Murray’s excellent serves and point construction—he is one of the few players to convert defense into offense in a blink of the eye—will confuse Roddick immensely and would push him further away from the contest.

Will Lose If

Murray’s second serve is vulnerable… too vulnerable. He did not enjoy a good serving day against Wawrinka, and survived a huge scare. It is too slow, and does not pops as much as a kick serve normally should. Roddick returns of serve were fabulous against Hewitt which would certainly trouble the Scotsman if he does face a similar doomsday.

The pressure from British media is huge. He is a favorite to win the title, all right, but this does not warrant a Tennis-Andy-Murray-Gets-Support-From-Dunblane-And-Scots-Band-Rock-Salt-And-Nails/Article/200906315312814">victory song by any means? Has Britain forgotten everything from the last time they hyped an event to such proportions?

Murray has handled the pressure maturely till the quarters, but it would not benefit him if he lets the importance of the event get the better of him, or linger his mind on the proceedings on Sunday. One match at a time.

Intangibles

Pressure from media is one thing, but crowd support is other. Expect the well mannered British crowd to get vociferous in support for the Scot. He enjoys crowd support, and should the match be close, it will be as effective for Murray as it was last year against Gasquet, and this year against Wawrinka.

His high percentage game is another attribute. He will not give free points to Roddick, with his ability to minimize errors.

Shots to watch out for

Murray’s cross court backhand winners on Roddick’s serve would be the shot to look out for. His cross court running forehand—even though not powerful—would be worth watching as well.

Be wary of the hat trick of aces he has gotten used to this tournament, even during his mediocre serving days.

Prediction

I commented before that Roger Federer was destiny’s child at Roland Garros. I feel the same for Murray at Wimbledon.

Murray in four with two tie-breaks.