Help
© Tennistalk.com
|
|
© Tennistalk.com
|
||||||||||||||||||||
5/6/08 3:51 AM | Cheryl Murray
Fans were witness to an unexpected display of bad blood between Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Murray in their first round match on Monday.
The first round match between Scotsman Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro from Argentina started out routinely enough. Neither man was playing well - the first set alone featured five breaks of serve. Murray in particular seemed to have trouble deciding what kind of strategy would work best, and for that first set he seemed to settle on an ineffective passive game, which afforded Del Potro the first set.
The fireworks began in the second set. Unlike many of his compatriots, Del Potro is not generally known for controversial behavior, but the second set was filled with drama. First, Murray was angry that Del Potro hit a ball right at him and did not give the obligatory apology. Murray then received a code violation for his foul language, which is not much of a surprise except that the reason he was angry is because Del Potro made a disparaging remark about his mother. There was shoulder bumping at one of the change-overs. Murray began to direct the anger he had for Del Potro into his tennis. For the first time in the match, Murray played an aggressive game, and it paid off with a break at 4-4. The Scot was able to serve out the set to even the match at one set apiece.
Just as everyone settled in for a fiery third set, Del Potro was forced to retire with a back injury. Whether it was the severity of the pain or extreme disappointment at having to withdraw with yet another injury, Del Potro finished the match sobbing into his towel. Murray gave him a consolatory pat on the shoulder and an “I'm sorry” before leaving the court. Del Potro has had chronic back problems for most of his professional career.
The second set made for some exciting tennis and it was fascinating to see Murray ramp up his game and take the set.
Del Potro's injury and retirement was a terrible way for this match to end. He was obviously in excruciating pain.
Tell a friend »
Did you know that... Thomas Johansson's boyhood idol was Mats Wilander.
gordana, Oct 7, 2008 8:54 AM
gordana, Oct 7, 2008 8:44 AM
EinarBerg, Oct 6, 2008 4:55 PM
janhavi, Oct 6, 2008 10:22 AM
bridgie, Oct 6, 2008 8:52 AM
RickyDimon, Oct 7, 2008 5:15 AM
tinica2007, Oct 4, 2008 11:35 PM
trixxyfest, Oct 4, 2008 6:29 PM
Andy Murray
Juan Martin Del Potro
Internazionali BNL d Italia
Contact us
/ About us
/ Cookies
/ Recommended links
/ Advertise
/ Sitemap
Tennistalk v1.3.0
I know I shouldn't laugh but this sounds hilarious... who let the toddlers out on the court?
BernieEliza , 5/6/08 9:12 AM