Day Four was a bit odd at the Master's Cup. To start, the worm joined the party. By worm, of course, I mean Radek Stepanek (world No.26) who got in to the tournament last second as an alternate. How did this happen? Well Andy Roddick rolled his ankle on the practice court (poor Andy...) and was forced to withdraw from the event. What luck.
The blockbuster that was supposed to be Roddick/Fed turned into Stepanek/Fed...a slightly worse marquee match up.
To keep the strange events going, Radek had no rackets with him (or socks for that matter) and had to borrow Novak Djokovic's racket, along with Andy Murray's socks.
I think that says a lot about what the racket means....pros really CAN play with anything and be great.
RESULTS: MURRAY DEFEATED(DESTROYED) SIMON 6-4,6-2.
Well Murray raced to a 4-0 lead after some unreal rallying, but Simon found a way into the match. When he couldn't quite get all the way back and lost the set 6-4, the match ended. Simon lost his patience and Murray just didn't miss. This was a totally one sided affair that leaves Murray into the Semifinals. Simon on the other better rebound quick because he is going to play Stepanek for a shot at the semis.
FEDERER DEFEATED STEPANEK 7-6, 6-4.
This one was fun almost all the way through. Radek is a tough competitor and probably couldn't have played any better, even with his own racket. Fed fought off a spirited first set, and hung tough in the second to put himself against Murray for a shot in the semis.
Round 2 of play is over...time for grades.
FEDERER B+ He still wasn't himself, but won a match that could have gotten away.
NOVAK C+ Yea he did win, but when you lose a set (6-0)..I can't give better than a C+.
MURRAY A+ Looks almost unbeatable at the moment.
DAVYDENKO B Looks good, still has a nice chance at the semis.
RODDICK: OUT
TSONGA: C+ Just not playing the big points well enough.
DEL POTRO A- Hammering the ball, if he gets to the semis could be trouble.
SIMON C- Ran into a better version of himself(Murray).
STEPANEK A- Came out with no racket or socks and played his heart out.
Tomorrow is the last day for the GOLD GROUP ...should be a good one between...
Del Potro/Davydenko with the winner going to the semis.
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4 comments:
Crazy day, Murray is playing unbelievable and Fed you are so right is not playing his best tennis. That match could have gone either way. Poor Andy!
The grading system is cool.
Murray has been improving it seems like every tournament. What do you think has changed for him. Does he have a new coach or anything different?
Good question steve....
The simple answer is confidence. Everyone saw he had the talent, but was always a head case on court, and not in good enough shape. One thing he did change was his conditioning, he looks very fit and strong...which has contributed to his overall confidence boost and game improvement.
Tiebreak..
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