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5/31/11 3:35 PM | Cheryl Murray
Andy Murray came back from 2 sets and a break down to win an epic 5-set encounter against Viktor Troicki.
In the most bizarre match of the 2011 French Open so far, Andy Murray snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to earn a spot in the quarterfinals opposite Juan Ignacio Chela.
This match was spread over 2 days, with four sets on Monday before play was suspended due to darkness. Murray had the worst possible start. The Scot twisted his ankle against Michael Berrer in the third round and came in stiff and playing poorly. Troicki raced out to a 5-0 lead, before Murray started to play his way back into the match.
The Scot reeled off the next 4 games and had chances to break Troicki’s serve again to level the match at 5-5, but Troicki managed to hold and just like that, the set was over.
Murray appeared to be in better shape in the second set, but he still couldn’t hold it together on serve. Troicki secured a pair of service breaks to go up 2 sets.
The second set hangover carried over into the third set. Murray once again found himself down a break and on a path out of the French Open. But in true champion’s style, Murray found his way back in the match. Troicki got a bit tight, Murray swung for the fences and eventually the break deficit turned into a break lead. The Scot took the third set to stay alive.
Murray finally took control of the match for the first time in the fourth set. The Scot didn’t face a single break point and he snagged a pair of breaks off Troicki to level up 2 sets a piece.
Predictably, most of the drama occurred in the fifth, played on Tuesday afternoon. With Murray serving at 2-3, Troicki was in control of the first point and got ready to hit an overhead winner. Just as the Serb drew his racket back to hit the winner, a ball kid inexplicably ran onto court. Troicki hit the winner, but Chair Umpire Pascal Maria called a let and made the players replay the point.
The Serb was furious, as Murray had no play on the ball. It didn’t end up making a difference, however. Murray dropped serve and in no time, Troicki served for the match at 5-3. The Serb got visibly tight, played tentative tennis and Murray dodged elimination yet again.
Murray secured a second break of Troicki’s serve at 5-5, earning himself the opportunity to serve out the match. The Scot will take the court again on Wednesday for his quarterfinal match against Chela.
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This match was good example of importance to have solid Grand Slam experience comparing with player who lacks it.
vjakov , 5/31/11 4:11 PM
pretty crazy, but nowhere NEAR as bizarre as Montanes-Fognini. Not even close.
RickyDimon , 5/31/11 9:05 PM
Ha ha but pretty close! What about the ball boy dashing onto the court? That was bizarre!
holdserve , 5/31/11 9:29 PM
Murray admitted he has an ankle sprain and will still be playing Chela since he has a good record against him. Let's hope he can beat it quickly so he can be in form for the semis.
Emiliano55 , 5/31/11 9:49 PM
Emiliano55-
Running and switching up direction on a sprain only makes it worse.
From what I saw there is not much wrong with his ankle, anyone who has sprained their ankle and also plays sport would know this.
isabeau77 , 6/1/11 1:45 AM
Ankle injuries take such a long time to heal and rehab - i speak from experience as I stepped on a ball while going for a shot last summer and I'm still in rehab. The tough decision he has to make is whether it's worth it to push himself and risking attending Wimbledon. I hope it's only a light sprain but I can say that a good acupuncture would solve his woes.
jngannex , 6/1/11 1:53 AM
Viktor= choke! That is why Murray won....As soon as Viktor tighthened and started playing very defensively, I knew Murray was gonna win.
In the last 6-8mths, Viktor has improved his game immensely. Ppl have always said that he doesnt have the talent that his countrymen have (Nole and Tipsy) but that he compensates for it with hard work.
I expect great things from him, but until he sorts himself out psychologicaly, big wins against top 4 on the big stage will not come.
I remember AO2010 in 2nd round, I watched him play a German/Austrian player (not exactly sure which one) he was up with 2 sets to 0, and managed to lose the match. The main reason being his fragile mental state....I got so annoyed as you could see he pretty much just wanted to get off the court asap that I stopped following his matches for a while ;-)
bianca , 6/1/11 3:19 AM
Ricky, I still contend that a ball kid running onto the court DURING play qualifies it as the most bizarre. In fact, I'm fairly certain I've never seen that happen before.
cherylmurray , 6/1/11 2:11 PM
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Nice one for Andy!
Now I hope he get a quick work against an exhausted Chela and rest his ankle for the semis.
Emiliano55 , 5/31/11 4:04 PM