two tough matches behind Djoko while Murray didn't break a sweat against Pouille. Murray could finally beat him tomorrow.
Tennis 2016
- Thread starter saivet
- Start date
Murray has had the easiest draw possible. Not sure why people making a big deal that it his first Rome final.
Djokovic had Rafa, Kyrgios, Federer, Thiem and Nishikori in his section.
Djokovic isn't even at his best. He's getting the job done. It needs someone to have a Wawrinka type game to beat him. I don't think Murray has that in him. Federer does, but can't maintain it in the grand slams.
You gotta keep the points short against Djokovic. You won't outlast him from the baseline.
Djokovic with another poor first set so far.
Comfortable first set for Murray.
Comfortable second set too.
Roland Garros will be interesting. Murray is certainly a big contender.
Roland Garros will be interesting. Murray is certainly a big contender.
Great performance by Murray. Djokovic definitely looks vulnerable for the first time in ages. Two clay court titles for Andy and two for Nadal.
Definitely both will be in contention at the French. Would love to see either win it.
Definitely both will be in contention at the French. Would love to see either win it.
Yep, Murray winning a GS on clay would be unexpected, but great.
A couple of years ago, I'd agree with you but as it stands. He has a very good chances of winning the French Open. I'd have him 2nd/3rd favorite with Nadal.
I think the draw will be crucial. Put it this way. Djokovic could have to beat Nishikori and Nadal before making the final, where Murray may have to beat Berdych and Stan/Fed (not confident either will make the SFs).
Federer has pulled out of the French.
That's the first slam he's missed in 16 years or something. Ridiculous record.
That's the first slam he's missed in 16 years or something. Ridiculous record.
Sad news.
With all these injuries he has been picking up I could see him retiring this year. Hope not.
Crap 
His game is very well suited to clay if he can keep it together.
Disappointing about Fed. Looking forward to Roland Garros despite his absence though. Probably won't see a lot of the first week but will play close attention to the second. Hope Murray can keep up his good clay form. He pushed Novak to five last year in the semi, and aside from probably grass it is definitely the best surface for him in that match-up.
Djokovic got a dream before Nadal in the SF.
Nadal is projected to play, Fognini (R3) Thiem (R4) and Tsonga (QF) before a semi final match with Novak.
Murray projected to play Nishi (QF) and Stan (SF).
Given the draw, Murray made second favorite behind Novak to bookmakers.
Nadal is projected to play, Fognini (R3) Thiem (R4) and Tsonga (QF) before a semi final match with Novak.
Murray projected to play Nishi (QF) and Stan (SF).
Given the draw, Murray made second favorite behind Novak to bookmakers.
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Nishikori and Wawrinka on clay within the space of three days will be a huge, huge effort for Murray to come through.
If he does that then he'll need to play his very best Slam tennis.
If he does that then he'll need to play his very best Slam tennis.
You never know which Stan's going to turn up though, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see Nishikori go out in the first week given how much he's played lately and his fitness issues. Think it'll be Djokovic's year but Murray might have a good chance if Nadal takes him to five sets.
If Murray is to win he probably needs one of Nishikori or Stan to go out before he meets them. Would waste too much energy before novak I think. Possible though considering, as the poster above said, you never know which Wawrinka will show up.
Looks like Stan could be on his way out already.
Huge news for Murray this.
It's not over yet folks. Heading to a 5th. Sounds like a cracking match.
He indeed turned it around, it's totally not my fault for jinxing it
I actually wanted him to win. Murray has a nice enough draw without Stan losing early.He indeed turned it around, it's totally not my fault for jinxing it
Murray two sets down against Stepanek.
Oh Andy.....
Oh Andy.....
Feck sake Andy. I should get back home for the 4th set though.
He's absolutely blowing Stepanek in this set though.
Stepanek is 37. Will be tough for him to hang on for 5 sets.
Stepanek is 37. Will be tough for him to hang on for 5 sets.
yep, he turns 38 soon. he has no chance in five sets so it's better for him to continue this match tomorrow.
8 games in a row for Murray. Stepanek needs this match stopped soon.
Match will be finished off tomorrow
Not too shabby this one! Murray fighting for his life in the final set.
Murray wins 3-2 - lucky boy!
Murray lost 8 games in a row against a wildcard and GS debutant. It's a set all.
He's really made a mess of these first two rounds. Even if he gets through here I don't think he has any chance of winning the tournament.
He's really made a mess of these first two rounds. Even if he gets through here I don't think he has any chance of winning the tournament.
The way it's going, if he makes the QF, Nishikori will dump him out. One of the perceived benefits of his draw was that he could go into the later rounds pretty fresh. Making tough work of things. Break down in the third set too.
It's surprising that Murray is struggling so much, I thought he looked really strong in the last couple of tournaments.
I think the last two tournaments he did well.
But you have to look at the circumstances in Rome. Djokovic was coming off tough matches against Nishikori and Nadal. Whilst Andy had the easiest route possible.
He's making a mess of this draw.
The commentators are calling this Bourgue guy a late bloomer. I don't think they have any idea he is 22
Murray seems shattered.
Murray seems shattered.
Tbf 22 is quite 'old' in tennis terms to have a 'breakout'.
It's more likely that this is a journeyman player having the best day of his life rather than the start of a glorious career.
The commentators are calling this Bourgue guy a late bloomer. I don't think they have any idea he is 22
Murray seems shattered.
Which is kind of late for a tennis player to be playing his first grand slam match.
Two sets to one. Andy has to do this in five again.
Looks like Andy has dug himself out of another hole.
Performances like that are fine in the earlier rounds, however he definitely needs to find another gear soon.