Andy Murray: I used to get hate mail sent to my locker at Wimbledon

Posted on September 16, 2012 by adminsports

Murray: I used to get hate mail sent to my locker at Wimbledon

UPDATED:

21:23 GMT, 15 September 2012

Andy Murray will bring the small Scottish town of Dunblane to a standstill when he makes his first, personally chosen, public appearance as US Open champion on Sunday.

At some point, he will take a microphone to remind those who knew him as a boy that he will always think of the town as his home.

Thousands will cheer him to the echo, proud to a man, woman and child that Britain's first men's Grand Slam tennis champion for 76 years should have returned to celebrate among them.

King of New York: Andy Murray enjoys the moment as he is crowned US Open champion

But the reception will be in stark contrast to the treatment Murray says he has received in the past at the home of British tennis, Wimbledon.

The 25-year-old Scot, who beat reigning US Open champion Novak Djokovic in a dramatic five-set final in New York on Monday night, won great admiration during two appearances at Wimbledon this summer.

His defeat by Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final is remembered for his teary-eyed speech thanking the crowd for their support.

Then he eclipsed that performance by defeating Federer to win an Olympic gold medal on the Centre Court three weeks later. But as messages of support overwhelmed Murray following his triumph in New York last week, he revealed how much abuse he had attracted earlier in his career at Wimbledon.

'I was still a kid but I was getting notes to my locker at Wimbledon that said: “I hope you lose every tennis match for the rest of your life”,' said Murray.

'People within the grounds of Wimbledon were saying [offensive] stuff to me, too.'

You've earned it: Murray kisses his trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic

Murray's reputation had plummeted when, following initial rave reviews after he arrived on the barren British tennis landscape as the 17-year-old heir-apparent to Tim Henman, Murray made a joke against the English football team, saying that he would 'support whoever England were playing against' in the 2006 World Cup.

The comment has haunted him ever since, even though it was clearly intended as a lighthearted remark during an interview with Henman, during which the former British tennis No 1 had mocked Scotland's failure to qualify for the tournament in Germany.

It's my time: The moment Murray became a Grand Slam winner

But Murray's popularity rating had also suffered as a consequence of his, at times, petulant and foulmouthed reaction to the unfolding drama of matches around the world.

'It's a shame it took me to cry at Wimbledon to maybe change the perception of me,' said Murray last week.

'But the support I have had over the past few months has been unbelievable. It has definitely helped.'

Murray knows he polarised opinion in Britain during his rise to the top.

He
said: 'Maybe I've said things I shouldn't have said. You can get away
with that when you are young, but at 19 or 20 people start to question
the way you act on court. Everything you say is judged. I always felt I
hadn't done anything wrong but I started to understand how things
worked.

'I started to become a bit more guarded. Also, I spoke with people about how to deal with that stuff.

'You need to try to be yourself as much as possible but, at the same time, if people don't like you, it's not your problem.'

Murray believes that this summer he has reconnected with the Wimbledon
public. 'Over the last few months I have definitely had that connection
come back,' he said.

'I hope it stays that way.

'Obviously, you see the hard work that the British Olympic athletes have done but the support of the nation, and the media, helped the performance of those athletes at the Games this summer, no question.'

Now Murray has regained that support, he will surely do his utmost to retain it.

And a joyous homecoming in Dunblane on Sunday will be the perfect way to demonstrate the public's affection for the champion who was once characterised as just a grumpy young man.

Andy Murray wins US Open: Team Murray

Posted on September 11, 2012 by adminsports

Andy hit the winning shots… but who's who in Team Murray

UPDATED:

15:12 GMT, 11 September 2012

Andy Murray made history on Tuesday morning when he became the first British man to win a Grand Slam in 76 years, beating Novak Djokovic in the US Open final.

It is not all about the Scot, though, as there is a trusted team supporting him off the court.

Here, Sportsmail looks at 'Team Murray'.

JUDY MURRAY

Andy's mum, Judy is a long-standing tennis coach and taught both Andy and brother Jamie as juniors. She is now the captain of Britain's Fed Cup team and is so often seen leading the encouragement for her sons from the players' box.

Proud mum: Judy Murray celebrates her son Andy's US Open triumph

WILLIE MURRAY

Andy's dad, he is not as prominent as Judy, and juggles running a chain of newsagents in Scotland with following his son around the world.

KIM SEARS

As firm a fixture in the player's box as Tim Henman's dad once was, Kim is Andy's girlfriend of seven years. She is the daughter of former Lawn Tennis Association head of women's tennis Nigel Sears and was once described by Judy Murray as 'the best thing to happen to Andy'.

Happy couple: Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears is a regular in his courtside box

IVAN LENDL

After a long search for a permanent coach following his split from Miles Maclagan, Murray turned to eight-time grand slam winner Lendl at the start of 2012. A cool head, Czech-born Lendl is credited with toughening Murray up and, like his player, lost his first four grand slam finals himself.

JEZ GREEN

Green is Murray's fitness coach and widely credited for turning Murray from a skinny youngster to a bulked-up athlete. He puts Murray through a punishing fitness regime, often in the baking heat of Miami, and has him on a strict diet that can often include up to 50 pieces of sushi in one meal.

Jez Green

Ivan Lendl

Team Murray: Fitness coach Jez Green (left) and coach Ivan Lendl have helped hone the Scot's game

ANDY IRELAND

Physio Ireland insists Murray takes ice baths after games, meaning he can often take over an hour to arrive at his post-match press conferences. Murray has said in the past that he spends more time with Ireland than he does on court.

DANI VALLVERDU

A former singles player himself – if only ever reaching No 727 in the world – Venezuelan Vallverdu has known Murray since he was 14 and is part of his coaching team and acts as his regular hitting partner.

LOUISE IRVING AND MATT GENTRY

Murray turned to XIX Entertainment – the company formed by Spice Girls svengali Simon Fuller – four years ago as his profile grew. Between them, Irving and Gentry take care of all of Murray's PR, with Gentry acting as his main agent.

VIDEO: Andy Murray reflects on the support of the public and of his family

DM.has('rcpv1833450426001','BCVideo');

Wimbledon 2012: Sir Alex Ferguson backs Andy Murray

Posted on July 8, 2012 by adminsports

You've Scot what it takes! Fergie backs Murray to be crowned Wimbledon king

UPDATED:

09:31 GMT, 8 July 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed his fellow Scot Andy Murray to beat Roger Federer and end Britain's 76-year wait for a men's Wimbledon winner.

Murray bids to follow in the footsteps of Fred Perry who lifted the SW19 crown in 1936.

And Manchester United boss Ferguson was among those to offer his best wishes.

Preparation: Andy Murray prepares for his Wimbledon final with Roger Federer

'I join the whole of the country to wish Andy get to the final and for that I congratulate him,' he said.

'I join the whole country in wishing Andy all the best.

'I hope the swell of Scottish fervour drives him on to victory.

'Good luck Andy and enjoy your day.'

Demand: Fans queue at Wimbledon ahead of the men's final

Tennis fans shelter under umbrellas as they queue up to ensure entry to see the mens final in the Wimbledon tennis championships

Former British No 1 Tim Henman, who lost four Wimbledon semi-finals, believes Murray is destined to lift the trophy.

'Andy has done so well. He’s been so resilient,' he said.

'It’s going to be another unbelievably tough task in the final because Roger was sensational in his semi-final.

Roar: Murray will bid to be Britain's first men's champion since Fred Perry

'With Federer’s experience, and his game-style on grass, it’s a difficult match.

'But Andy, with his head-to-head record against Roger, and also the way his game matches up to that of Federer, I believe it is meant to be.

'I think Andy will win. I really do.'

Andy Murray v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Wimbledon 2012 semi-finals

Posted on July 6, 2012 by adminsports

WIMBLEDON 2012 LIVE: All the latest semi-final action from Murray v Tsonga after Federer defeats Djokovic

UPDATED:

15:04 GMT, 6 July 2012

SW19 essentials

All the latest Wimbledon news

Full results from the singles

Join
Sportsmail for the very best live coverage throughout the 2012
Wimbledon Championships.

We'll bring you all the latest news, scores and
pictures as they arrive from the All England Club, plus we'll have
game-by-game coverage of the key matches.

Our
unrivalled team of reporters at Wimbledon will bring you the latest
news and views from behind the scenes – and don't forget you can send
your comments throughout the day to dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

16.03: Positive start from the British No. 1 who holds without too much trouble. Murray 1-0 Tsonga

15.58: Much has been of the role the crowd will have to play in this one. Tsonga is traditionally a crowd-pleaser and and he has a way of magnetising neutrals, while Murray is not one to gee-up support from the home crowd – certainly not compared to 'Tiger' Tim Henman. You get the feeling the Scot might need the crowd on his side in this one though.

15.53: The players come out to somewhat muted applause. I think, in fairness, most of them are out of their seats at the moment to stretch their legs between matches. The players will start warming up soon and the tension is definitely building…

15.49: It looks glorious out there at the moment and hopefully it'll hold out. One thing is for sure, if the next match is anything like the last then we're in for a treat.

15.44: With the sun shining (for a change) over Wimbledon, the roof is being opened for the second semi-final. Let's hope the All England Club don't regret that move later if it rains.

15.37: Up next of course is Andy Murray, who faces Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as he attempts to become the first post-war Brit through to men's final. Stay tuned!

15.34: Huge cheers from the crowd on that conclusion. No doubt they are delighted to see Federer back in the Wimbledon final. It's where he belongs after all.

15.29: GAME, SET AND MATCH! Roger Federer is through to the Wimbledon final! An ace out wide at 40-30 set up victory and from there the 30-year-old kept his cool to close out victory. Djokovic 3-6 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

15.26: Don't forget, the semi-final between Andy Murray v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga follows straight after this and confirmation has come through that the roof will be opened for it.

Fed express: The Swiss world No 3 was in sparkling form on Centre Court

15.24: He needed deuce but Djokovic holds with an ace out wide that only just clipped the line. It's all out attack from the Serbian now – it has to be. Federer is about to serve for a place in the final. Djokovic 3-5 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

15.21: From Sportsmail's Alex Kay:

I'm not impressed with Djokovic's performance. So much so that I might throw away my Uniqlo puffer jacket and sky blue t-shirt.

15.19: That's brutal from Federer, who recovers from that setback of throwing away a chance of putting the match beyond Djokovic's reach to hold to love. Novak now serves to stay in the championships. Djokovic 2-5 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

15.16: It's the match's pivotal game. But in deuce, Federer is given no further opportunities to leave himself serving for the set as Djokovic manages to force Roger into firing into the net. Great comeback there from the Serbian. Djokovic 2-4 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

15.13: Novak is doing himself no favours. A ninth unforced error on the backhand and an impressive Federer winner, with Djokovic left helpless at the net, give the six-time-champion three break points.

But that is tenacity for you. Djokovic saves all three with Federer given very little chance to capitalise.

The world is watching: Djokovic fires a return at Federer

15.10: The Grass Court King is in his element. His first hold to love for a long time includes an ace and the pressure is back on Djokovic. Djokovic 1-4 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

15.09: Djokovic is in no mood to get dragged into another epic game though and quickly serves out to hold. Djokovic 1-3 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

15.07: Huge service game for Djokovic, he can't afford to go 4-0 down. A confident Federer levels at 30-30 with a strong forehand across court, but after Novak edges in front, the third seed brings deuce with a forehand winner.

15.02: Federer hasn't looked bullet proof on serve but he's stayed professional and a hold to 30 ensures the Swiss takes firm control of what he hopes is the final set. Djokovic 0-3 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

14.59: BREAK! It's a Djokovic collapse. The crucial point is at 0-30 where the Serb rifles well wide with an easy looking forehand to hand Federer three break points. The top seed saves one with a quite brilliant forehand that stayed low, but he over-hits again on the baseline to gove Federer another break. Djokovic 0-2 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

14.56: A chance for Djokovic to break straight back Not here, The fourth-set opener is level at 30-30 but Federer serves out. Djokovic 0-1 Federer 3-6 6-3 4-6

14.53: From Infostrada 2012:

Djokovic has come back from 2-sets-to-1 down against #Federer twice in Grand Slam play, at the 2010 and 2011 US Open.

Thinking time: Both players rest after Federer (right) took the third set

14.50: BREAK! Perfect pressure scenario. Djokovic falls 0-30 behind after a delightful Federer forehand winner, but recovers to 15-30. However a simple smash to level falls far over the baseline and Federer has two set points.

He misses one but a long rally follows and Federer shows his opponent how the smash is done by claiming the third set, The crowd on their feet after that – great tennis. Djokovic 4-6 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.46: That's more like it, Roger! First-set Federer turns up as two serves out wide are too difficult for Djokovic to deal with and it's another hold for the Swiss. Djokovic 4-5 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.45: Huge break point for Djokovic who has been on top in this game, but Federer's strong serve down the T is too powerful for Novak who returns over the baseline. Deuce.

14.41: A more straightforward hold for Djokovic than his last service game as only a miscued forehand which nearly bounced in the crowd proved his only setback. Djokovic 4-4 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.38: Federer's fury at failing to break is all let out at the start of his service game as he fires an ace down the T. The third seed fires wide next shot but after that it's a straight path towards holding. Djokovic 3-4 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.37: From Sportsmail's Mike Dickson:

Definitely brightening at Wimbledon with Fed and Djok. Murray-Tsonga could well start outdoors.

14.34: Huge hold for Djokovic. It climaxes with the two players at the net but despite Federer showing cat-like reflexes to hit a volley, it sails over the baseline. Djokovic 3-3 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.31: Unfortunate for Federer who is bamboozled by Djokovic hitting the net-cord as he runs to the net, but the next point sees Novak hit an inch lower and it's back to deuce.

On the attack: Djokovic returns a shot against Federer

14.27: Federer has only had two break points all match but he is handed a third as Djokovic produces his second double fault. What follows is the point of the match. Both gain momentum with tremendous forehands but a wide shot from the Swiss star takes it to deuce, much to Novak's delight.

14.24: Djokovic looks to take the initiative by really attacking Federer, but two points that are inches away from being winners only find the net. Another error to over-hit the baseline sees Federer hold. Djokovic 2-3 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.21: The rallies are short which suits Federer but Djokovic isn't being troubled so far as he holds to 15. Only an overhit backhand causing the Serb problems. Djokovic 2-2 Federer 3-6 6-2

14.19: It's not vintage tennis by any means but this is really quite close as Federer holds to relative ease. The crowd are a bit quiet too as tension reigns. Djokovic 1-2 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.14: Djokovic mops up the mess though by denying any more break points and serving out. Djokovic 1-1 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.11: A look of anguish to the skies (roof) from Federer after an awful return at 15-30 denies him a chance of two break points. He wins the next point to set one up anyway but a another poor forehand flies well wide and we go into deuce.

Thumbs up from me: Wimbledon's 2001 champion, Goran Ivanisevic was in attendance at Centre Court

14.07: Nerves for the Fed fans at the start as Djokovic opens at 0-15 but the third seed wins a morale boosting rally before holding with a slam dunk smash. Djokovic 0-1 Federer 3-6 6-3

14.04: No let up from Djokovic, who offers Federer a sniff at the start but no more as her serves out the set to love…with an ace. This match is flying by. Djokovic 6-3 Federer 3-6

14.01: Federer has the pressure of serving to stay in the set, but he produces his best hold in the second as closes out to love with an ace. Over to you Novak. Djokovic 5-3 Federer 3-6

13.58: It's official, Djokovic has hit perfection. Federer opens with a fortunate cross-court return but from then on it's all Novak. He holds with a cross-court winner that is called out but on challenge is proven to be in by a millimetre in – if that. Djokovic 5-2 Federer 3-6

13.55: Djokovic tries to become more adventurous as he approaches the net, but it's not his strong point as Federer holds fairly easily. Djokovic 4-2 Federer 3-6

13.53: From Sportsmail's Mike Dickson:

Very much a case of Djokovic finding his feet. 31 in 2nd. If Borg was a better mover he must have been superhuman.

Andy Murray currently warming up indoors across the road, Tsonga on next court. Drier weather expected after 3pm. Important.

Where's our roof Fans on Henman Hill take cover under umbrellas

13.50: If the first set was Federer's, this is Djokovic's. The Serb quickly races 40-0 ahead and despite the third seed trying to stop momentum with a challenge, Djokovic quickly polishes off the game with a love hold. Djokovic 4-1 Federer 3-6

13.47: Federer is in a rut following some more sloppy forehands as we go into our first deuce of the match. The Swiss star stops the rot though as he aces out wide before Djokovic returns a backhand off-court. Djokovic 3-1 Federer 3-6

13.44: The engine is fully up to speed for Djokovic now. He has won eight of the last nine points as he holds to love. Federer is starting to make a few errors now – forced and unforced. Djokovic 3-0 Federer 3-6

13.42: BREAK! Djokovic has become more aggressive and it's paying off as he picks up three break points. The first sees him fire over the baseline but the second is taken after Federer forehands into the net. Djokovic 2-0 Federer 3-6

13.40: Federer is not even looking where he is playing the shot as he volleys on the track line to make it 40-30, but a simple forehand into the net that follows enables Djokovic to hold. Back to basics Roger. Djokovic 1-0 Federer 3-6

Down and out: Djokovic lost the first set to Federer

13.37: From Infostrada 2012:

Federer wins 1st set. He is 5-2 against #Djokovic in Grand Slams when winning 1st set. Djokovic came back to win at US Open 2010 and 2011.

13.35: It's the Federer of old. The 30-year-old takes the first set with a hold to love and there really was nothing Djokovic could have done about it. The Serbs slip at the net when he was broken was the only glaring fault between the players. Djokovic 3-6 Federer

13.32: And there is the case in point. Djokovic holds to love playing the sort of excellent tennis he has all tournament. Now he has to somehow break down the Fed-express. Djokovic 3-5 Federer

13.29: Federer is on fire. Djokovic is not playing badly at all but one slip on his service game has cost him a break, and he just can't touch the Swiss's serve after only reaching 15 again. He now serves to stay in the set. Djokovic 2-5 Federer

First blood: Roger Federer produced the first break of the match

13.26: BREAK! Djokovic is on his way to a simple hold as he aces for 30-0 but the Swiss star takes four straight points to take firm control of the first set. Djokovic 2-4 Federer

13.23: Federer also joins the ace club, firing two (no wall thuds though) as he holds to 15. Djokovic 2-3 Federer

13.20: Djokovic opens with an ace down the T (The best ones, because of the thud against the wall!) but Federer comes back into the game with a clever backhand while the Serb is at the net. That's the only concern for the top seed though who serves out. Djokovic 2-2 Federer

Star showing: Kylie Minogue (left) and Andres Velencoso watch on from the Royal Box inside Centre Court

13.17: The Swiss holds to 15 again. The Serb searching for ways to get into the Federer serve challenges one, but few in the crowd are surprised to see the ball was correctly called in. Djokovic 1-2 Federer

13.14: An impressive response from Djokovic though who holds to love without breaking sweat. Errors nowhere to be seen so far. Djokovic 1-1 Federer

13.11: Easy hold to 15 for Federer, great way to get started for the six-time champ. Djokovic 0-1 Federer

13.08: Away we go as Roger Federer serves at the start of this semi-final.

13.05: Federer leads the head-to-head 14-12 but has won only one of the last five grand slam meetings against Djokovic.

13.00: It's been raining all day in London and that includes SW19 so no surprises that the roof covers Centre Court as the players make their way out.

Loud cheers for both with the indoor conditions only adding to the atmosphere.

Ready for battle: Roger Federer (left) and Novak Djokovic arrive at Centre Court

12.56: From Infostrada 2012:

Federer has played 21 sets in @Wimbledon semifinals, and has won them all (via @DavidLawTennis).

I can't see that 100 per cent record continuing today. Djokovic is the favourite and I will be surprised if he doesn't win, let alone not winning a set.

12.53: And with that in mind let's focus on the first match of today. Djokovic v Federer, current champ v the legend – it's going to be utterly fantastic.

12.50: From Infostrada 2012:

Six of 10 GS meetings between #Federer & #Djokovic have been 3 sets (split 3-3), 2 have gone 4 (2-0 Fed), 2 have gone 5 (2-0 Djokovic).

Raring to go: Andy Murray (second left) arrives at Wimbledon

12.45: Before we look at today's action in more detail, a glance back to yesterday, and the semi-finals on the women's side of the draw.

Serena Williams made it through to her seventh Wimbledon final after she brushed aside Belarussian Victoria Azarenka in straight sets. A report of that match can be read here.

And in the other semi-final, Agnieszka Radwanska became the first Pole to reach the SW19 final as she took just 69 minutes to beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-4. That match report is here.

12.40: Sportsmail's Mike Dickson has written a preview of today's semi-final, and that can be found here.

12.35: Andy Murray's former coach Brad Gilbert says that Tsonga's backhand is his weakness, you can read his thoughts on the match here.

12.30: Good afternoon and welcome to Sportsmail's live coverage of day 11 of the Wimbledon Championship.

Coming up this afternoon we have British No 1 Andy Murray playing for a place in the final against Frenchman Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. But before that defending champion Novak Djokovic takes on six-time champion Roger Federer.

Eye on the ball: Andy Murray is aiming to reach his first Wimbledon final

Wimbledon 2012: Andy Murray tipped to reach final by Tim Henman

Posted on July 6, 2012 by adminsports

It's in your hands, Andy! Henman tips Murray to lay ghosts of distant past against Tsonga

UPDATED:

22:12 GMT, 5 July 2012

Few are more aware of Wimbledon and its traditions than Tim Henman, patron saint of British semi-finalists, but even he can take only so much.

‘I have heard Fred Perry and Bunny Austin talked about for long enough,’ he declared. ‘I would be pretty happy for that conversation to end.’

Perry was the last home men’s winner in 1936, Austin the last men’s home finalist in 1938 — Henman is right that they have been venerated for a very long time and he would love Andy Murray to be the one who makes them a little less memorable.

Take it easy with those serves! Andy Murray has been urged by his coach, Ivan Lendl, to protect the strain on his shoulder by limiting his practice serves during major championships

When he takes on Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Murray will equal Henman’s mark of competing in the last four on four separate occasions and it is tempting to think that, of their eight semi-finals combined, this one presents the most realistic chance of progress towards the ultimate prize.

Henman, now 37 and commentating for the BBC, twice faced Pete Sampras, once Lleyton Hewitt and once Goran Ivanisevic. Murray has had two against Rafael Nadal, one against Andy Roddick and now an encounter with the fifth seed.

For both men, two of those — the Sampras and Nadal matches —seemed improbable assignments, the other three were more realistic opportunities and now along comes a match which looks the most winnable of the lot.

While Tsonga is ranked higher than either Roddick or Ivanisevic was, the circumstances are more promising, based on what has been going on at this sometimes turbulent Wimbledon.

Talking tactics: Murray listens to his coach, Ivan Lendl, during a training session in SW19

For Henman, who took Murray under his wing when the shy teenager joined Britain’s Davis Cup team, there is no doubt his friend deserves to cross the massive divide that the next three days present.

‘He is a better player than I ever was, better equipped to go further,’ Henman said. ‘It’s great to see him playing so well at the right time. He is ready. Given the intensity of his last match and the opportunities Ferrer had, the way he stuck in there, it was his best performance at Wimbledon.

‘To come back out at the end of the rain break and pick up at the level he left off was very impressive.’

These are days when Ivan Lendl really earns his money, as drawing the best out of his charge in the second week of Grand Slams was what it was really all about when the audacious move to hire him was made in December.

Firepower: Murray is better equipped to win Wimbledon than he ever was, admits Tim Henman

Henman believes that could be a crucial factor: ‘I think it will be important. When you have someone in your corner who has been to 20 Grand Slam finals and lost his first four (Murray has lost three), just that voice of wisdom and reassurance will be great for Andy to have.’

Lendl has been far more than a manager or psychologist for Murray, though, and in the wake of Wednesday’s thrilling four-set win over Ferrer the 25-year-old Scot revealed one of the training innovations.

A striking feature of Murray’s progress this fortnight has been the improvement in his serve and it turns out it may be the result of a Lendl adage that less can be more in this department.

Fourth time lucky

Murray v Tsonga: vital statistics

‘Ironically, I hit a lot less serves than I used to,’ he said. ‘Ivan is more of the opinion that you need to rest your shoulder and make sure it is loose, not tired, when you go out on the court and into tournaments because over the course of two weeks you hit thousands of serves.

‘So I’ve hit fewer since we started working and maybe that’s a reason I am serving well deeper into the tournament. We’ve worked a lot on the second serve. Against Ferrer it wasn’t always about the pace. I was getting a lot of kick on it and making him hit high returns that he struggled with.’
Another change has been with the tactics board.

Rest up: Murray takes a seat after practice with Lendl and his team on Thursday

Rest up: Murray takes a seat after practice with Lendl and the rest of his team on Thursday

In Murray's path: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

‘I now talk tactics with him the
night before a match. You still speak 40 minutes before as well but
we’ve started to talk the night before so I can process it. Someone like
him is very exact, he doesn’t miss anything and gives lots of
information.’

If both
players perform to their levels of the last 11 days then Murray will
win, but Tsonga is dangerous because his form can blow in like a
tornado on a calm summer’s day.

For instance, in the French Open quarter-finals four weeks ago against Novak Djokovic he lost the first set 6-1 in 21 minutes and three hours later held four match points in the fourth set before bookending the match with another 6-1 reverse.

He has caused Murray trouble on grass before, notably in the Wimbledon quarter-final two years ago, when the British player was lucky that another brainstorm intervened.

Tsonga was leading 7-6, 6-6 and was at 5-5 in the tiebreak when he left a looping ball deliberately, only to see it land almost inside the baseline like a snowflake. Murray went on to seize the initiative and run off with the remainder of the match.

Murray’s supreme defensive skills ought to frustrate Tsonga sufficiently, but the Brit is the one with everything to lose. If he can withstand that pressure then Austin’s ghost will be laid to rest… and then it will be time to think about Perry’s.

Wimbledon 2012 Andy Murray insists title is not on his mind

Posted on July 4, 2012 by adminsports

Murray reaches for the sky with Ferrer up next, but Brit ace insists title is not on his mind

UPDATED:

23:26 GMT, 3 July 2012

Andy Murray looks to the heavens as he contemplates his Wimbledon quarter-final against David Ferrer.

But he refuses to dream of the ultimate prize, despite Grand Slam nemesis Rafael Nadal being removed from his path.

The 25-year-old Scot dodged the Court No 1 rain to finish off Marin Cilic 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, but is desperate not to get ahead of himself despite being just three victories from the title.

Heavens above: Andy Murray toasts his passage through to the last eight

‘I’m sure it would mean a lot but it’s so far away,’ he said. ‘I’m not feeling the sensations you get when you’re close to winning a major right now, because I’m playing the No 5 player in the world and I lost to him just a few weeks ago at the French Open. It’s just too far to think about it now, I’ve thought about it in the past, but during this tournament it’s not something on my mind.’

Of the five quarter-finals Murray has played at Wimbledon — an open era record for a Briton, overtaking Tim Henman — Spain’s Ferrer is his toughest opponent since Nadal beat him in 2008.

Tough task: Murray must be at his best against David Ferrer who beat him at the French Open in June

But the stakes are higher as the world No 2 does not stand in his way in the semi-finals, as in the past two years.

Instead the winner will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Lying in wait: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is the likely opponent for the winner - should the Frenchman beat Philipp Kohlschreiber

Lying in wait: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is the likely opponent for the winner – should the Frenchman beat Philipp Kohlschreiber

Murray brushed aside any controversy about being forced to play a match off Centre Court.

He said: ‘I don’t think I should get preferential treatment. I don’t deserve to play all my matches on Centre. Just because I’m from this country I don’t think I should get special treatment. But I hope I play my next few matches on Centre.’

Wimbledon 2012: It"s not all white for Radek Stepanek

Posted on June 30, 2012 by adminsports

Court report: It's not all white for rebel Stepanek

UPDATED:

21:59 GMT, 29 June 2012

Wimbledon. Famous for strawberries, Pimm's and wearing white. Which made Radek Stepanek's decision to wear red and blue trainers all the more confusing. The Czech didn't get away with it though.

Seeing red: Radek Stepanek changes his trainers

Umpire Kerrilyn Cramer was on the case and ordered Stepanek to change his trainers. The oddest thing was that Stepanek had a white set of trainers in his bag ready to put on.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Slightly miffed to have received a string of congratulatory messages late on Thursday night and most of yesterday for knocking Rafael Nadal out of Wimbledon. It seems people think I am a spitting image for world No 100 Lukas Rosol. I'd argue I (the one on the left of the picture) have nicer eyes but he probably edges me out on the cheekbones. You can make your own minds up.

TIM SAVES THE DAY

You'd think being the British No 1 for three years and bursting into tears when she won her first-round match would mean people at the All England club recognise Elena Baltacha.

Rescue act: Tim Henman (left)

Not one clueless security guard, who stopped Baltacha and her agent from going up on to the roof of the broadcast centre to do an interview. Luckily committee member Tim Henman swooped to the rescue, escorting the ladies to their appointment.

MAD ABOUT ROGER

There is liking Roger Federer and then there is this. Penny Day from Kent queues up overnight every time the Swiss master plays so she doesn't miss a match. What is more, she does it with dyed red hair, Federer earrings, a signed Federer dress, a signed Federer jumper and a signed Federer bag. She has met the 16-time Grand Slam winner on more than 30 occasions and has followed him to Basle, Rome and the O2.

NO JOY FOR JAMIE

Jamie Murray has enjoyed plenty of success down the years in mixed doubles – he won the title here with Jelena Jankovic in 2007.

Going out: Eric Butorac (left) and Jamie Murray

But reaching those same heights in the men's competition has proved difficult for the Scot. And Andy's older brother fell short again as he and American partner Eric Butorac were defeated in straight sets in the second round by French veterans Michael Llodra and Arnaud Clement.

DISMAY FOR THE DUTCH

So, what of Arantxa Rus, the blonde Dutch girl who knocked out world No 5 Sam Stosur of Australia on Wednesday The 21-year-old was back in action yesterday, taking on China's No 30 seed Shuai Peng out on Court 12. Unfortunately for Rus – and for her recently enlisted army of male supporters – she could not produce another upset, instead going down rather tamely in a 6-1, 6-2 defeat. Peng is in round four for the second year in a row.

Michael Owen changes agent ahead of final move: Charles Sale

Posted on June 28, 2012 by adminsports

All change as Owen plots his final move

UPDATED:

23:32 GMT, 27 June 2012

Michael Owen, whose Manchester United contract ends on Saturday, has switched to a new agent for the final move of his playing career.

Owen, who was managed by sports agency giants Wasserman Media Group, is now being looked after by ex-Umbro executive Simon Marsh, who has been a close friend of the former England striker since he signed for the brand as a 15-year-old.

Marsh, who parted company with Umbro after the Nike takeover, is setting up his own football agency and Owen is the first client. He was in Dubai on Owen’s behalf last week discussing the mooted move to Al Shabab, who had been competing with Stoke for his signature.

Making a change: Michael Owen has a new agent

WMG, who compiled the famous 32-page brochure to help sell Owen before he left Newcastle to join United in 2009, will continue to work with the 32-year-old on his existing contracts with Umbro and watchmakers Tissot.

But although Owen has enjoyed a long and profitable relationship with WMG, his loyalty to Marsh is the bigger pull.

Mac calls up Tim for sitting on the fence

BBC pundit John McEnroe has made reference to his colleague Tim Henman’s conflict of interests after he stayed on the fence in the fall-out from David Nalbandian’s Queen’s disqualification.

Duel role: John McEnroe mocked Tim Henman for his role at the All England Club and BBC

McEnroe said in jest that anyone might think Henman was a member of the All England Club’s committee of management — a dual role that somehow doesn’t bother the BBC even if his first priority is to stand up for the AEC.

Hodgson's links spread far and wide

The most unlikely link between Wimbledon and Euro 2012 is that tennis powerbroker Stuart Smith, past president of the Lawn Tennis Association, played in the same school football team at John Ruskin College in Croydon as England manager Roy Hodgson and Steve Kember, the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace forward.

School links: Roy Hodgson was at school with tennis power broker Stuart Smith

And one of few books in the games room of England’s Krakow hotel was Rafa Nadal’s autobiography.

Garcia won't stick the boot into McIlroy

Golfer Sergio Garcia, who came to Wimbledon dressed for tennis with a racket in hand, is best placed to have an opinion on Ryder Cup colleague Rory McIlroy’s drastic loss of form since starting a relationship with Caroline Wozniacki, who suffered a shock exit on Wednesday.

Garcia, who went out with former Wimbledon champion Martina Hingis, says: ‘All golfers have highs and lows in their careers whatever is happening in their private life — and it’s great if the pair of them are having fun together.’

Charles Sale: All change as Owen plots his final move

Posted on June 28, 2012 by adminsports

All change as Owen plots his final move

UPDATED:

22:55 GMT, 27 June 2012

Michael Owen, whose Manchester United contract ends on Saturday, has switched to a new agent for the final move of his playing career.

Making a change: Michael Owen has a new agent

But although Owen has enjoyed a long and profitable relationship with WMG, his loyalty to Marsh is the bigger pull.

Mac calls up Tim for sitting on the fence

BBC pundit John McEnroe has made reference to his colleague Tim Henman’s conflict of interests after he stayed on the fence in the fall-out from David Nalbandian’s Queen’s disqualification.

Duel role: John McEnroe mocked Tim Henman for his role at the All England Club and BBC

Hodgson's links spread far and wide

School links: Roy Hodgson was at school with tennis power broker Stuart Smith

And one of few books in the games room of England’s Krakow hotel was Rafa Nadal’s autobiography.

Garcia won't stick the boot into McIlroy

Wimbledon 2012: British talent shines through

Posted on June 27, 2012 by adminsports

High five! Wonder Ward leads march of the Brit bunch at Wimbledon

UPDATED:

22:49 GMT, 26 June 2012

Two huge roars across the All England Club, separated by just a few minutes, sent out the message loud and clear: British tennis doesn’t always need to be about Andy Murray.

Moments after Elena Baltacha defeated Italy’s Karin Knapp, James Ward triumphantly raised his arms in the air after beating world No 36 Pablo Andujar for his first ever win at Wimbledon.

Brit special: Elena Baltacha produced the goods in the round one

Brit special: James Ward produced the goods in the round one

Brit special: Elena Baltacha and James Ward produced the goods on Tuesday

The 25-year-old was soon joined in the second round by British women’s No 1 Anne Keothavong, who swept aside Spain’s Laura Pous-Tio 6-3, 6-3. With Heather Watson having won on Monday that makes it five Brits through to the second round for the first time since 2006, when Tim Henman, Andy Murray, Richard Bloomfield, Martin Lee, Jamie Delgado, Sarah Borwell and Melanie South all made it.

Laura Robson and Johanna Konta were unable to join this year’s winners as they bowed out despite taking much higher-ranked opponents to the wire.

After sealing a gutsy victory, delighted Baltacha ran over to Judy Murray — her Fed Cup captain — who told her she will also be going to the Olympics, news that saw them both burst into tears. ‘I was very emotional,’ said a tearful Baltacha.

Baltacha has endured what she called a ‘nightmare’ few weeks, losing her British No 1 spot, contracting conjunctivitis and struggling with a neck problem which meant she didn’t practise her serve for five days leading up to the match.

Upsetting the odds: Ward's win over Pablo Andujar proves British tennis isn't just about Andy Murray

All that against the backdrop of potentially missing the Olympics she was so desperate to be a part of.

‘I think everything I’ve been feeling over the past three weeks has all come out in those tears,’ she added.

Up next for Baltacha is last year’s champion Petra Kvitova, a match she admits she has little chance of winning, although it could give her another chance to play on Centre Court.

‘The first time I played on Centre I remember crying for probably an hour before I went on because I was overwhelmed that they put me on such a big court. Have I got a shot at beating her Probably not but you never know.’

Ward was facing an opponent in Andujar with whom he was already familiar as the pair were formerly hitting partners. It soon became clear on Court 14 that the contest would be closer than the 137 places that separated them in the rankings.

Blotch on the copybook: Laura Robson was undone by former Grand Slam champion Francesca Schiavone in three tough sets

Neither was able to establish a firm grip during four sets in which the balance of power shifted on numerous occasions.

And it appeared as though the match was slipping away from the British No 2 until a disputed call in the sixth game of the final set went Ward’s way when the Spaniard slipped over.

Ward asked if his opponent was OK and received a rebuke from the umpire who had misinterpreted the Briton’s comments. ‘I’ll keep my mouth shut in future,’ he said later.

From there on, Andujar failed to win a game, but Ward insisted such a performance had been coming after a recent improvement in his form.

‘I’ve not been playing like someone with my ranking recently,’ he said, ‘I’ve been unlucky to meet guys at the top of their game. But Pablo is a very good player. He has wins in clay-court tournaments for fun and he’s not ranked 36 in the world for nothing.’

Ward’s triumph was tinged with disappointment as he had been hoping for a wildcard entry into the Olympics, but there was some good news.

For good measure: Andy Murray kept up his side of the bargain with an easy win

The prize- money for reaching the second round was enough for the Arsenal fan to reconsider his decision to give up his season-ticket at the Emirates. The 14,500 will be ample for Ward to renew. A win over No 10 seed Mardy Fish on Thursday and he might be able to afford a corporate box.

Keothavong reached the second round for the fourth time in her career, seeing off world No 102 Pous-Tio comfortably after a topsy-turvy start to the match.

She said: ‘Does this mean everyone is going to write something good Brits winning matches at Wimbledon. Isn’t that what everyone wants For Wardy to come back and win a match like that is brilliant.

Marching on: Anne Keothavong beat Spain's Laura Pous-Tio in straight sets

‘I think it’s been great. The better all the Brits do, I think the better all round for everyone.’

Robson became the British No 2 on Monday, breaking into the world’s top 100 for the first time, and cruised to the first set 6-2 against former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone. But the Italian rallied to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

‘I thought I was in control and then just made a few mistakes and let her get back into the match,’ said Robson. ‘She’s a Grand Slam champion and took advantage of that completely.’

Konta, who only received her British passport last month, impressed but paid the price for not taking her chances in the match held over from Monday against world No 32 Christina McHale, losing 6-7, 6-2, 10-8.

The 21-year-old, who was born in Sydney to Hungarian parents but has lived in Eastbourne since 2005, said: ‘I’m happy I was able to bring out the level that I want to start playing at. But I’m kicking myself. I had opportunities I didn’t take.’

Jamie Baker’s hopes are in the balance after rain stopped play with the Scot a set and a break down against Andy Roddick.

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: henman

Andy Murray: I used to get hate mail sent to my locker at Wimbledon

Andy Murray wins US Open: Team Murray

Wimbledon 2012: Sir Alex Ferguson backs Andy Murray

Andy Murray v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Wimbledon 2012 semi-finals

Wimbledon 2012: Andy Murray tipped to reach final by Tim Henman

Wimbledon 2012 Andy Murray insists title is not on his mind

Wimbledon 2012: It"s not all white for Radek Stepanek

Michael Owen changes agent ahead of final move: Charles Sale

Charles Sale: All change as Owen plots his final move

Wimbledon 2012: British talent shines through