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.

[TopoftheChops]

Excellent game by Murray. Gasquet needs to improve mentally, he can become a Grand Slam player.

[summerblues]

Good response from Andy, played with more purpose, plus Gasquet took the foot off the pedal a bit.

[Danny_1982]

More aggressive, and we're back on serve.

Funny how in spite of the beauty of the Gasquet BH, it is the area most players try and attack him. Biggest strength AND greatest weakness?

[The Special Juan]

I think it's because any SHBH, no matter the aesthetics, is likely to break down under severe pressure because of the impeccable timing it requires.

[Cogen]

Sounds like I missed an interesting start. Unfortunately my other monitor is unavailable at the moment, so I'm using my TV as a computer monitor. I promised myself I wouldn't give in and turn the tennis on until I finished typing this document up!

Come on Cogen, type faster!

[Johnyjeep]

I think it's because any SHBH, no matter the aesthetics, is likely to break down under severe pressure because of the impeccable timing it requires.

Yes I agree. The margins of error are much smaller. Still...true test of skill for me. Hence why I like it.

[Danny_1982]

I think it's because any SHBH, no matter the aesthetics, is likely to break down under severe pressure because of the impeccable timing it requires.

I agree. Can especially break down with high balls, which is why Murray is looping to that corner a lot.

Murray has turned this around nicely. Playing very well now.

[The Special Juan]

Gasquet's dripping. That must be worrying for his fans.

[The Special Juan]

The funny thing is, I was roped into tennis lessons when I was 4/5 despite never watching a tennis match in my life. Right from the off I was taught to use the DHBH and never actually knew of the existence of the SHBH until I was a few years older Therefore I've never used it but it's something I'd love to try some time.

[TopoftheChops]

Awful from Murray

[summerblues]

Stinker of a game from Andy. Freebie for Gasquet.

[Danny_1982]

Oh dear Andy...

[CaledonianCraig]

Rank game that from Murray. Back on serve when he had a great chance to take the set.

[The Special Juan]

This is a great match.

[Danny_1982]

It is a good watch. Both played really well for spells, and then below par for spells. I just think Gasquet is more likely to crack at key moments.

As ricky loud as that may sound after what happened when Murray served for it!

[Cogen]

The funny thing is, I was roped into tennis lessons when I was 4/5 despite never watching a tennis match in my life. Right from the off I was taught to use the DHBH and never actually knew of the existence of the SHBH until I was a few years older Therefore I've never used it but it's something I'd love to try some time.

I've never had a tennis lesson, but I've played regularly for the last 4 or 5 years and I went straight to the SHBH. Tried the DHBH a few times but my arms feel so tied up and I struggle to generate any power on the shot. SHBH gives me so much more freedom as I can rotate my back and shoulder through the shot much faster. But I do struggle when the ball comes through to my backhand above shoulder height.

[Danny_1982]

Ricky loud?

I meant ridiculous. Damn auto correct!

[NickisBHAFC]

#ComeOnMurray

[summerblues]

I think it's because any SHBH, no matter the aesthetics, is likely to break down under severe pressure because of the impeccable timing it requires.

I think it is also due to what today's tennis is about. Today, the game is often asking the question "can you hit another solid deep shot?" and DHBH is better for that. If the question was "how will you surprise me with the next shot?", SHBH could hold its own or better. So I think it is due to the conditions too; could change again in future.

Also, to be honest, even for players with DHBHs it is usually the BH side which gets attacked more frequently.

[NickisBHAFC]

Lovely shot by Casquet

[The Special Juan]

Rats. Reechard with confidence = very, very dangerous. I still think Murray will turn it around as Gasquet is looking just a tiny bit tired.

[Johnyjeep]

Fair play Gasquet. 100% deserved. Still think Murray will win this is 3.

[CaledonianCraig]

First set to Gasquet in the tie-break. Andy will kick himself but credit to Gasquet playing some great stuff.

[summerblues]

Yey! The magic Gasquet from the opening games showed up for the tie break. Well deserved tie break though in fairness Richard was a bit lucky to reach the tie-break in the first place.

[The Special Juan]

The funny thing is, I was roped into tennis lessons when I was 4/5 despite never watching a tennis match in my life. Right from the off I was taught to use the DHBH and never actually knew of the existence of the SHBH until I was a few years older Therefore I've never used it but it's something I'd love to try some time.

I've never had a tennis lesson, but I've played regularly for the last 4 or 5 years and I went straight to the SHBH. Tried the DHBH a few times but my arms feel so tied up and I struggle to generate any power on the shot. SHBH gives me so much more freedom as I can rotate my back and shoulder through the shot much faster. But I do struggle when the ball comes through to my backhand above shoulder height.

If it's any consolation we didn't get taught much and what we did get taught I can't remember

[Danny_1982]

Interesting. Well played Gasquet.

Murray not getting first serves in on big points. And his second serve has been dire. His general play has not been too bad.

[Guest]

I think it's because any SHBH, no matter the aesthetics, is likely to break down under severe pressure because of the impeccable timing it requires.

I think it is also due to what today's tennis is about. Today, the game is often asking the question "can you hit another solid deep shot?" and DHBH is better for that. If the question was "how will you surprise me with the next shot?", SHBH could hold its own or better. So I think it is due to the conditions too; could change again in future.

Also, to be honest, even for players with DHBHs it is usually the BH side which gets attacked more frequently.

The FH is invariably the stronger more attacking weapon (not necessarily the most reliable or sturdy) which is why players nearly always attack the BH more and avoid the more damaging FH. I can think of very few players whose BH is the 'weapon' compared to the FH.

[NickisBHAFC]

Yeah Murray will turn it around, however very impressed with Casquet, playing some decent shots.

[lydian]

Wow, that was some talent on display by Gasquet in the TB...where has this guy been all these years? Amazing stuff.

The SHBH is a difficult shot to truly master. Its a complete kinetic chain that starts from the high take back. If you've mastered a DHBH its easier to move to SHBH than other way round. There is so much that can go wrong with a SHBH. Juniors don't get talk SHBH at all now...and yet we have quite a number of players in the top 15 using it...Federer, Almagro, Wawrinka, Gasquet....its not like the shot isn't working.

[Silver]

Gasquet in the final would be great, I hope he wins this. With all due respect to Murray fans, of course.

[lydian]

That 103 mph BH winner in set 1 was amazing though...you wont see many FH winners over 103mph all year. Once mastered the SHBH is a more powerful shot than DHBH but the prodigious timing required has to be out of this world.

[LuvSports!]

Murray? wawrinka? gasquet?

[The Special Juan]

A couple of days ago they were talking about the SHBH v the DHBH in the studio. They came to the conclusion that the SHBH is better for offensive play but the DHBH is better for defensive play because of the footwork involved. Therefore, the question that was asked was will there be a player who can play the DHBH for defensive points and the SHBH for offensive points?

[NickisBHAFC]

Gasquet in the final would be great, I hope he wins this. With all due respect to Murray fans, of course.

I am a big Murray fan, however i must admit it would be great to see Casquet in the final.

[Danny_1982]

Phew... Murray got away with that then. Big chance for Gasquet asMurray was getting frustrated and making poor choices.

Possible turning point that he held on.

[The Special Juan]

It's times like these when we'll see what Gasquet's head is like these days. Can he respond?

[CaledonianCraig]

Andy continuing this match in the same vein as the rest of the tournie.....patchy.

[Guest]

Murray's a pretty loud grunter, can't believe he was complaining about the other guy!

[Danny_1982]

Andy continuing this match in the same vein as the rest of the tournie.....patchy.

I think some of his play today has been really good. Apart from a handful of points he's played well since the 4th game. It's his serving on the big points that has been the letdown.

[lydian]

Tsonga has a decent SHBH and DHBH - but mainly plays DHBH

[summerblues]

I was disappointed with Tommy's loss earlier today. Ferrer is hard to beat, but beatable, that was a big missed chance to make a Masters 1000 final. I am also hoping that maybe Haas can sneak into top 10 later this spring - he has very little to defend on clay up to RG - and a win today would have made it a bit more realistic.

[ALPanorak]

I hope Gasquet is reserving himself for a third set resurgence.

[The Special Juan]

Tsonga has a decent SHBH and DHBH - but mainly plays DHBH

There's someone else who alternates but I can't quite remember. It might be Youzhny. I love Tsonga's variety though; he's the one person on a tour who I think could, perhaps not master, but definitely utilise both.

[The Special Juan]

Superb, Sir Andrew. Now, "FINISH HIM".

[Cogen]

I get the feeling Gasquet is not done yet. Took a breather in that game cos the set was gone... but those breaks weren't easy for Andy to get, and Murray had a few panicky moments on his own serve.

Definitely advantage Murray right now, but it wouldn't take much for this match to swing round again.

[CaledonianCraig]

Gasquet has played some great stuff and not so great in that second set. Murray will kick himself if he loses as he threw away the first set.

[The Special Juan]

On a string. This is irresistible.

[Danny_1982]

Andy Andy Andy... You're not going to invite him back in again are you?!

[The Special Juan]

We need a smiley depicting someone's head exploding.

[Danny_1982]

Oh you are? How hospitable!

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