A-Rod Strikes Down on Murray and Demolishes British Hype

So much of late has the British press, media and BBC deluded Tennis fans into believing that "Our Andy" is a Malicious, unstoppable machine, ready to pounce on the Golden Globe of men's tennis.

The hype was so much as to assure even the greatest tennis-head that Andy Murray would feature in the second Sunday of SW19. Gargantuous amounts of unnecessary praise flowed toward the arrogant Scot, and with Andrew Castle on board the BBC panel accompanied by the ever-wittering Sue Barker, it wasn't going to stop.

The man from the North had clasped two hands on the trophy at the AEGON Championships a couple of weeks prior to the major, ensured by the lack of 'A' Grade opponents in the draw, and this was enough to send Andrew Castle dizzy at the endless possibilities of the 22 year old.

With the unveiling of the British No. 1's ridiculous Fred Perry retro style appearance, the untimely withdrawal of Rafael Nadal, and the greatest player ever to set foot on a tennis court in the bottom half of the draw, there could only be one outcome at this years grass court extravaganza.

Murray vs Federer was inevitable, so much that the British Media laid down even the slightest possibility of a hick-up against the former world No. 1 and two-time beaten Wimbledon Finalist Andy Roddick.

A masterclass of tennis promoted by Federer in the first semi, which saw him defeat German Tommy Haas in straight sets 7-6 7-5 6-3, was quickly put aside as the Scotsman and the American prepared to enter Centre Court.

A few quick predictions by Tim Henman and Boris Becker effectively catapulted Murray into the final, a feat a British player hadn't achieved for 73 years, but as the first set got under way it was A-Rod that was firing on all cylinders.

An impressive start by both players saw them cancel each other out, and it was only until the 10th game that the American found himself break/set point up. Roddick was keen to put the first set to bed, and did so after a gruelling rally, seeing the man from Texas wrap up an impressive and near faultless 6-4, 1 set lead.

A "comfort break" for both players took place, and it was clear who took more from it, Murray breaking Roddick to love in the first game of the second set. An uninspiring second set was wrapped up as the Scot held serve throughout, and it was enough to stimulate the ever present Andrew Castle.

Perhaps the biggest turning point in the match, Roddick finds himself on the back-end of a typical Murray/British crowd attack in the first game of the third, 0-40 down, reminiscent of the second set.

This time however, the American conjured some thunderous first serves, inspired ground strokes and awesome volleys. Taking that game and a couple more Roddick found himself 5-2 up and serving for the set.

What could go wrong?

A comeback from Andy Murray is what could go wrong, and that's exactly what happened. A sheer determination powered barrage of shot making helped the Scot into a tie break.

But let's be realistic, he was up against a "demon" when in comes to breakers, according to Andrew Castle, and there was evidence to back the statement up, Roddick with an astounding 24-4 pre-match tie-break record.

It wasn't long before A-Rod got down to business, and after some huge serves, well in excess of 130 mph, he happily pocketed a 2 sets to 1 lead.

The fourth and final set saw much of the same, the American producing some blistering tennis, Murray hanging on the edge of the cliff. And hang there he did, much to Judy Murray's delight, occasionally clenching her strangely unshaped fist.

The two men found themselves in another tie-break, thus the outcome was never in any doubt. 6-4 and 1 serve still to come, Roddick is surely returning to Centre Court on Sunday, wait...nope, yet another scorching backhand pass from Murray.

Andrew Castle sticks firm to his assumption that this match has more tennis to offer, but the American soon put that theory to bed with a huge forehand forcing the error from Murray.

More than a glimpse of the Roddick of '03, and after falling to the grassy surface of Centre Court Andy Roddick lifted himself to confront the defeated Scot, shake hands with the umpire, and show his gratitude to the crowd who, on occasions, cheered for the non-Brit.

So much for the inevitable final then, a real smack in the front teeth with a wet fish for the British media this one, but ah well, I guess "he's only 22."

Well played A-Rod, 6-4 4-6 7-6 7-6, and we now have an unbiased, mouth-watering final to look forward to.