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1/7/09 3:28 PM | Jonathan Morgan
Defending Doha champ and World No. 4 Andy Murray looked sharp in his second-round match and could be the favorite to win the whole event if he keeps his current form.
Philipp Petzschner has got all kinds of game, but his tactical thinking throughout the match, as well as Murray’s sublime play, was the German’s downfall.
Murray was serving awesome all match. He didn’t face a single break point, struck six aces, and only lost seven points on serve the entire match. Other than Murray throwing in 200 km/h bombs about every third point, Petzschner’s returning was a bit suspect. The German was on or inside the baseline to receive Murray’s first and second balls; not a good idea considering the Scot’s fine serve. Oftentimes Petzschner would get himself in trouble by returning that early, offering up only a feeble return to which Murray would grasp control of the point and never let go.
Petzschner’s game is built upon a big serve and solid groundstrokes off both wings. He also possesses a very nice slice that is used to vary the pace of the points and possibly set up a weak reply from an opponent that Petzschner can jump on. He also has an inherently aggressive game approach, is constantly looking to move in, and knows his way around the net. The problem for Petzschner is that Murray was absorbing everything the German threw at him.
Murray was never troubled by Petzschner’s slice as the Scot simply half-volleyed the slice and neutralized it. Once in a neutral rally, Murray had the definitive advantage. Another interesting stat was that Andy was hitting 75% of rally shots to the German's backhand, his weaker wing. Murray was also able to step up on Petzschner’s second serves to pressure the German into mistakes, winning over 50% of his 2nd serve return points. Andy’s net play was solid as a rock too, so it was easy to see how overwhelmed Petzschner was.
Another problem for Petzschner was that he really did not know how to change up his game to play Murray. In the second, he did many of the same things he did in the first, with similar results. Murray took the match in just over an hour and looks in top shape. He will face either Alexander Peya or Sergiy Stakhovsky in the quarterfinals.
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Possibly. Roger's not looking as sharp against Seppi as he did in the opening round and I'd tip Murray for that possible semifinal. A toss-up at the worst.
And you're right, Nadal has looked exceptional
JohnnyM , 1/7/09 6:14 PM
I think that Roger is still fighting alot of inner demons, but Im sure he will. Andy was sublime and yes very good at reading his opponent than most. Nadal has not had many good players against him yet so has not been stretched. This is going to be a cracking game and I cant wait for the Aust Open, Djokovic has been put out with Gulbis all ready so not sure he will live up to his champion status.
All good for mens tennis.
Casper , 1/8/09 12:32 AM
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Must say, I was a bit skeptical with the talk about Petzschner being a touger opponent than Mantanes, given that he's over 20 places below him in the world rankings, and much more of a doubles player from what I can see.
As far as Murray being favourite, although a Murray fan I have to hold on that one - Rafa's already looking fierce this week. In a way, I wouldn't mind if Murray lost to Fed in the semis - might take a bit of pressure off him for Oz.
alex , 1/7/09 4:01 PM