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3/7/08 7:53 AM | David Cox
Nikolay Davydenko sealed his place in the last 4 with a 7-5, 6-4 revenge win over Andy Murray, ending a run of 3 straight defeats to the Scot
Davydenko played an excellent match, serving extremely consistently (83% first serves in set 1 !) which helped neutralise one of Murray’s most dangerous weapons - his returning. In previous matches Murray has really gone after the Russian’s second serve and dominated those points from the outset but he got so few looks at Davydenko’s weaker delivery today. The Russian also made a lot fewer errors than in Doha this year; as expected Murray chose a fairly passive game plan, sitting back several feet behind the baseline and letting Davydenko control.the points but this time the Russian wasn’t breaking down and Murray grew increasing exasperated at not being able to change the pattern of the points.
Although he’s had success 3 times in the past year with this strategy against Dayvdenko, I feel that Murray needs to strike a better balance between attacking play and counter-punching for opponents like the Russian. It works well if Davydenko is struggling with his timing but in this match he was on form and quickly settled into a hitting rhythm. Murray was the one making the errors this time, usually on the run and under pressure from his opponent’s depth and accuracy. The likes of Federer and Djokovic overcome Davydenko by dominating him from the back. Murray isn’t so comfortable playing that way but needs to try and strike something of a 50:50 mix
The first set went with serve till 5-5, when Davydenko earned himself break point with some penetrating groundstrokes followed by a well-judged overhead with the ball swirling in the wind. Murray netted a forehand to be broken at the worst possible time. He fought hard to try and stay in the set, getting to 0-30 in the next game but 3 quick errors gave Davydenko set point. Murray saved it with a big forehand and earnt a break back point but couldn’t keep his nerve, netting a backhand and eventually the Russian closed it out 7-5.
Murray was furious with himself (and lucky to escape with several audible obscenities) and started the second in determined mood, going after the ball and being rewarded with a quick 3-0 lead. However, he quickly settled back into conservative mode and handed the break back with some poor shot selection, a predilection for the dropshot proving once again to be his undoing. The turning point came at 3-3; Murray had several break points but let the chance slip and in the next game Davydenko came out swinging, crunching a forehand return to set up break point. Murray saved it but was livid at himself as another error gave the Russian a second chance. That was all he needed as Murray netted a backhand to go 3-4 down. Davydenko didn’t give him another chance, earning 3 match points with another winner before sealing a semi-final with Feliciano Lopez
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Andy Murray
Nikolay Davydenko
Dubai Tennis Championships
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