Miami Match Thread (Murray wins!)

[Silver]

First topic message reminder :

After watching Rafael Nadal complete a triumphant hardcourt transition at Indian Wells and break his own record for Masters titles won, the tour rumbles on and circles the wagons at Key Biscayne, Miami. The Miami Masters has been held here since 1987, after originally setting up at none other than Delray Beach in 1985. The cream generally seems to rise to the top at Miami, and by far the most prolific winner of the tournament is Andre Agassi, who notched up an amazing six titles over the course of his career. Amongst currently active players who are present at the 2013 tournament, only Djokovic, Murray and Davydenko have lifted the title previously - though Berdych was a finalist in 2010. Although Federer and Nadal are missing, the vast majority of the tour seems to have turned up, and hopefully we'll have an interesting tournament this year.

Prize: $719,160 (purse of $5,185,625), which marks an increase from last year. And of course, 1000 precious ranking points are on offer to the winner.
Defending champion is Novak Djokovic, who defeated Andy Murray in straight sets in 2012. He also won the 2011 tournament, and is therefore going for a hat-trick of wins.
Click for an updated draw on the ATP website.
Morning sessions typically begin at 11:00 local time, and evening sessions around 20:00.

[Guest]

Oh brilliant stuff from Tommy.

Proving that modern tennis can be more than just baseline bashing.

[Cogen]

Loving Tommy Haas right now... but I won't be loving it quite so much if Murray reaches the final and then Tommy takes him apart.

[The Special Juan]

I'd love a Murray/Haas final. There's a bit of needle there!!

[Cogen]

Haas was serving above 70% against Simon. He was below 50% in the first set, and he's down in the 30's in this set. Making things much tougher for himself. More mistakes creeping into his game.

Don't fall apart now, Tommy!

[Guest]

Yep that first serve % is really making it hard work for him.

[Chydremion]

Lots of Haas love going on in the tennis world right now. I wonder what's going to happen if he wins Miami Masters.

[CaledonianCraig]

It is one of those matches you feel Haas MUST win in straight sets or I would fancy Ferrer to come through. Haas playing beautifully so far.

[Chydremion]

Ferrer is going to tough this out I feel.

[Guest]

Looks like Ferrer settling in for the long grind.

Haas's serving is really letting him down.

[lydian]

Agree E. We're into the grind now...

[LuvSports!]

It would be good if haas can hold here so that he can serve first for the final set ..... damn

[Cogen]

Shame Haas couldn't keep his level up for one more set, then fall apart in the final!

Can't see a way back now. I'll be very impressed if he can turn it around after a terrible set like that.

[The Special Juan]

He's playing without a 1st serve which is killing him. GSM Daveed.

[The Special Juan]

Mmmm, purple > blue apparently.

[Cogen]

That patch on his sleeve looks very... errm... "stuck on" to me?

Be interesting to see if it was on his sleeve at the start of the week. Wondering if some savvy sponsor approached him when he started doing well?

... Or maybe I'm just imagining things...

[Cogen]

Well well well... Did not expect the set to start like that!

[Guest]

This is a massive service game..

[Guest]

What a brilliant lob to turn that point around!

[Guest]

Haas is able to generate such fantastic depth on his one hander, something Federer sometimes struggles with.

[CaledonianCraig]

Ferrer edges ahead in the third set to lead 4-3. Just a few too many unforced errors creeping into Haas' game right now.

[CaledonianCraig]

Haas serve falling apart and Ferrer takes advantage to beak and lead 5-3 and about to serve for the match.

[LuvSports!]

5-3 ferrer

[lydian]

I actually think Ferrer's grunting is verging on gamesmanship as he's still grunting as Haas is hitting the ball.

[CaledonianCraig]

And Ferrer seals a spot in the final beating the gallant Haas in three sets.

[lydian]

No he's not #1 in heart and courage either Cowan.

Oh well, congrats Dave...had luck Tommy...keep rocking (on).

[Guest]

Shame Haas couldn't keep up his level from the first set.

Credit to Ferrer, he stuck in there as usual.

[ryan86]

I wonder if it will be Federer Nadal replaces in the top 4.

[Cogen]

Well that's a shame... Probably actually good news for Murray though. I feel like Haas could have caused Murray a lot of problems.

Murray v Ferrer H2H is 6-5 to Murray, but 4 of Ferrer's 5 wins have come on clay. I reckon Andy pretty much has Ferrer's number on hardcourt.

This is all assuming Murray beats Gasquet, which is going to be a big challenge considering the form Gasquet is in, and how patchy Andy has been this week.

[lags72]

Great effort from Tommy throughout the tourney.

Clearly there's life in the old dog yet ....... not quite a Haas-been.

[Cogen]

... not quite a Haas-been.

baddum tish!

[The Special Juan]

Well that's a shame... Probably actually good news for Murray though. I feel like Haas could have caused Murray a lot of problems.

Murray v Ferrer H2H is 6-5 to Murray, but 4 of Ferrer's 5 wins have come on clay. I reckon Andy pretty much has Ferrer's number on hardcourt.

This is all assuming Murray beats Gasquet, which is going to be a big challenge considering the form Gasquet is in, and how patchy Andy has been this week.

And the 5th win was at the WTF when Murray could barely move. I think Murray does have his number on a HC (and grass) but with Miami being slow then it could go either way. All I can say is Ferrer is in the final without playing his best tennis; a fantastic achievement.

[lags72]

Live commentary Murray v Gasquet on BBC Five Live Sports Extra for anyone without access to tv coverage

[summerblues]

With apologies (this being a British site): Let's do it, Richard!

[LuvSports!]

Vive la Gasquet! Allez!!!

[summerblues]

Pretty boring most of that exchange but it brings up the breakpoint.

[summerblues]

Yes!

[The Special Juan]

Huh, Gasquet loves a moonball.

[summerblues]

Some lovely DTL BHs from Richard.

[ALPanorak]

Gasquet is off to a flyer...that backhand is just so sumptuous!

[The Special Juan]

Oh my word. Oh. My. Word.

[summerblues]

Huh, Gasquet loves a moonball.

Well, Andy is not too shy either. So far, Gasquet more of the aggressor.

[lydian]

OMG, that BH....!!!

103mph winner from SHBH...monstrous!

[lydian]

That is some of the best 3 opening games I've ever seen - well, in a long long time.

[TopoftheChops]

Best backhand I've ever seen

[Danny_1982]

Gasquet

Murray - can't rope a dope a guy in this form. Time to start being more aggressive.

[lydian]

Yep, I've never seen a SHBH - or any BH - hit that hard before.

[The Special Juan]

Well that's the bagel avoided

[Johnyjeep]

Richard Gasquet quite simply has the most beautiful shot in tennis for me. His backhand. I put it ahead of Federers forehand even. Aestheticly speaking. The one hand backhand is an attacking option is so much better than a doublehand which I consider defending option. I'd ban doublehanded backhands lol

[TopoftheChops]

Better from Muzza

[The Special Juan]

Ah, Sir Andrew, nice of you to turn up.

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