[Grabcopy]

For the first time this year, arguably, the world number one looked the part, as Andy Murray got the better of Juan Martin Del Potro in the third round of the French Open. The Scot won 7-6 7-5 6-0.



It wasn’t all plain sailing, though. The match, you suspect, hung on the outcome of a titanic first set that lasted nearly 90 minutes. Murray spent much of that time figuring out how to counter the deep backhand slice and ferocious forehand of the Argentinian.

The top seed got off to a poor start, losing his serve in the third game with a weak backhand lob and faced a set point at 3-5. However, Murray finally converted a sixth break point to level for 5-5 and his game noticeably rose several notches.

Murray began the tiebreak with a double fault, but recovered his composure to take a 6-4 lead. Del Potro rallied to restore parity at 6-6 and earned another set point with a reflex forehand winner.

Luckily for the Scot, the Argentinian double-faulted. But Del Potro moved to within a point of the set yet again, then missed a forehand. When Murray took a 9-8 lead, Del Potro cracked a forehand a bee’s eyebrow wide. The umpire confirmed the diagnosis and Del Potro collapsed in despair.

Murray predictably broke at the start of the second set, during which Del Potro called the trainer for some ibuprofen, thought to be related to a troublesome groin injury.

The Scot served for the set at 5-4 but the former US Open champion struck back with some piledriven forehands to knot matters at 5-5. But Murray regrouped and broke again, care of a magnificent lob, then served out the set with minimum fuss.

In the third set, Del Potro’s challenge wilted under a barrage of hefty Scottish groundshots and deft drops. By the time Murray wrapped up the bagel, the world number 30 was looking a tired and broken man.

Murray arrived in Paris with very little form, but dropping sets in his first two matches and one blood-curdlingly competitive set against one of the game’s icons seem to have focused his mind nicely.

He said, 'I'm starting to feel better. I had struggled the last six or seven weeks. This is one of the most important tournaments and I had great memories from last year. Hopefully, I can keep it going.'

Murray now takes on American John Isner or the promising Russian Karen Khachanov. On this form, neither should present too much of a problem for the rejuvenated Scot.

[Jackdaw]

ANDY MURRAY

You hear his 'Roar'
And his grunts and groans
You feel his passion and desire,
He is never a 'Bore'
And often moans,
But in Tennis no one's higher.

You sit and watch
Play his every shot
You applaud his magical flurry,
His presence on Court
Is that of a Legend
And his name is Andy Murray!!!

[BigNose]

I thought before this match that if Andy won he could go all the way to the final and lose to Rafa. He's been improving with every match and has a favourable draw. And with the Nish in a real dog-fight his draw could get even better.

[jdonald]

This is wonderful nearly back to his old form getting bettercas each match goes on. Common on Andy you can do this.

[Ruthie]

thanks grab for another of your vivid reports.  What pleased me most was the creativity that Andy showed in sussing out how to beat delpo.  Delpo himself observed how 'smart' Andy was.   Mackem I agree the tennis can still improve, as Andy himself has acknowledged but at least he's moving back in the right direction now and there's enough evidence of the real Andy Murray to raise the spirits (and I have to admit mine had been pretty low as we came into RG with absolutely zilch expectations).
Jackdaw - thanks for the verse and welcome!   

[moonglow]

ANDY MURRAY

You hear his 'Roar'
And his grunts and groans
You feel his passion and desire,
He is never a 'Bore'
And often moans,
But in Tennis no one's higher.

You sit and watch
Play his every shot
You applaud his magical flurry,
His presence on Court
Is that of a Legend
And his name is Andy Murray!!!

I like your Andy poem!

[Jackdaw]

Cheers Moonglow :-)
 

I like your Andy poem!

[Jackdaw]

ANDY MURRAY

You hear his 'Roar'
And his grunts and groans
You feel his passion and desire,
He is never a 'Bore'
And often moans,
But in Tennis no one's higher.

You sit and watch
Play his every shot
You applaud his magical flurry,
His presence on Court
Is that of a Legend
And his name is Andy Murray!!!

He plays within an Era
They are known as the Fab four
With Rafa, Feds and Djoko
Muzza often goes to War.

He is a Brit
And proud of it
He wears our flag with pride
His sweat and tears
His nerves and fears
Leave no place left to hide.

Jackdaw :-)