AndYYYYY! What a star. The first set was really hard and super close until Andy clinched the tiebreak. Then he broke Delbonis in the first game of the second and ran away with it!! I was worried in the first set, to be honest, Delbonis was playing beautifully and got to everything. But Andy's serve was excellent throughout and got him through some iffy bits. Delbonis didn't have a single break point against him!
A very convincing win. It was late when I finally went to bed being an hour ahead of most of you!
I was a little concerned first set too. He came out for the second set with a great mental attitude. I can only suggest that he will take a long time to warm up at his greater age. I do in running. It is not the body but the mental focus that needs time to have everything working well? This year I feel that the first set has been his 'get into gear' throwaway starter as is my very long warm-up. Too far and you tire etc.
What Andy should note is how quickly Federico's game folded as soon as he thought Andy was difficult to beat. The first serves went then he was left with a poor second harassed by the Andy charges and he was beaten mentally. The greats in sport do that to others as did Mo Farah and Roger Federer in particular. They left their opponents without belief by stature and to a large extent by reputation. Andy does need to use that more. The slow starts can give an opponent belief?
Enough theorizing, Andy played well and deserved his victory and the chance to test himself against the number one seed. I am sure that Andy will think that he could win that match. He has to do so to play his best.
