[Apollo]

Andy this next set is yours so believe in yourself and take it!!

[merlynne]

Wonderful to see Andy in a final . Terrific ,
A real fighter. ❤️

[Tamaragl]

Karatsev was on fire, and Andy wasn't nearly as consistent with his serve as he was against Opelka. I think after some thinking and a couple more matches Andy would find more ways to get past a player like Karatsev, but I think the surface is also exactly what Karatsev likes best and he played fantastically. Can't take that away from him.

[Caz]

Sorry you lost on this occasion Andy, but you did your best against a tough opponent and you can't win'em all!
Chin up sweetie and look forward to your next match and be assured we'll all be here supporting you!

[Aileen]

I didn't see the match so thanks for all your comments.  A bit disappointing but Andy did well to even get to the final.  Also I knew from what I've read  about  Karatsev that he was going to be a tricky opponent.

[Aileen]

^ It was also a really good watch for the commentators. The support from the crowd was excellent, mainly those in Scottish colours, so the atmosphere was a big benefit to both players. If you get a chance well worth a viewing.

Thanks.  Yes I can get a replay on BBC iPlayer.

[Apollo]

That was perhaps the best tennis match that I have seen for maybe three years!  Both players showed immense skill.  The result was no problem for me as Andy played with skill and seemed to enjoy it.  He did smile a lot and seemed to appreciate the skills that he was playing against. He never gave up the fight.

Sad that Andy lost but we knew that he had an uphill task. That guy had a good approach to how to win. Not sure if Andy might have had more chance in a five set match. There were signs that the Russian was having trouble with focus at the end of that second set whereas Andy was warming to the task. That is encouraging for Melbourne. Now it is a big task to refresh himself to beat Nilolaz again at the AO. If he were to get through perhaps two rounds there his ranking would rocket and entry to the ATP events after would ALMOST be guaranteed. He has a chance as if he wins in the first round then he may play the winner of two qualifiers. Third round could be the Italian, Sinner who would be a big opponent.

I note all that has been said about Andy's serve. It was his Achilles heel all though his career. I note that now it is a lot quicker but has no component to make it awkward. In my day we used to use spins and kickers to make it a little harder. Perhaps some experimentation is needed to find something different that he can throw in?

Thanks for this, not seeing the match it is hard to know Andy’s reactions. It’s such an uphill battle for him because he has to play people he’s never played before, but this tournament was very encouraging.

[Aileen]