[Clydey]

I guess AL isn't interested in replying to my post.

[Clydey]

I don't think AL is the type to take the effort to defend his opinions online in long tiring arguments like we tend to do, which is fair enough.

He actually left the discussion open. He asked me a question and invited a response.

It's difficult to defend your position when it has been rendered untenable.

[Philip]

Andy has won 6 tournaments this year so far :
2 x MS1000
2 x      500
2 x      250

There is a nice symmetry to them.  Andy has won the most number of tournaments compared to all other ATP players.  To come back from 6 weeks+ injury and win at Valencia was a great achievement in my opinion. 

I think that the French organising Andy's first match against Blake to start at 11:30 p.m. which finished after 1:30 a.m. was very bad and contributed to Andy losing against Stepanek.  Andy "mainly" defensive (wait for the error) style needs him to be fit which he could not be with such bad scheduling.

Next year, Andy will prepare for the AO much better by flying direct to Australia.  Against Verdasco in Valencia, I was heartened to see one point where Andy back hand went mano u mano against Verdasco forehand for about 5 shots before Verdasco unleashed a devastating forehand down the line to win the point.  Andy definitely was taking his chances to be more agressive.

Andy has >6600 points. Apart from Del Potro who is in fifth position (~6000), there is no one else remotely close to his points total.

I think that a GS beckons next year if Andy stays healthy and continues his progress.