Andy Murray defeats Lukas Rosol in straight sets
Well, that’s it folks. All in all it was a solid performance by the Wimbledon and Olympic champion and Rosol never really bothered him. I feel confident that he will only get better. Just as I wrap up I get some emails pouring in...so a big thank you to all who stayed with me on this one. Thanks so much for the kind words on Twitter as well!
I’ll be back later in the week so make sure you tune in.
Have a great Wednesday.
Andy Murray wins third set and match
Third set: Murray 6-2 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Murray begins the game with an unforced error and wouldn’t it be ironic if this is the game where Rosol breaks...he starts strong with a great forehand winner. 0-30. Rosol makes a mistake with a backhand and it’s 15-30. Murray comes to the line as if his life depended on it, which basically shocks Rosol. 30-30. Murray gets a match point due to another unforced error....and wins it with a service winner!
Thank you so much, Gavin! Means a lot. Yes, you’re my first email...and the only one I need. Thanks again!
Hello Luis, as you haven’t used any emails from readers so far in the AM match - and we’re 3-2 in the 3rd set and probably final set - I’m assuming you haven’t received any, which is shocking and sad. So, just want you know that someone is reading your updates and I’m hanging on every word, and feel free to use this email even if it is devoid of any wit or interest.
Gavin Twedily
Third set: Murray* 5-2 Rosol (*denotes next server)
The game begins with a challenge and it’s 0-15. Rosol gets embarrassed by Murray as he gets lobbed going up the court...poetry in motion. A backhand unforced error means its three break points for Murray...loses the first one to a weird high, arching forehand that goes out. But the next one does it.
Third set: Murray 4-2 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
In my opinion, if Murray wins this game, the match is his as Rosol hasn’t been able to break AM’s serve this evening. A strong first serve is too much for the Czech and it’s 15-0. A backhand error that goes into the net makes it 30-0. Another error and it’s 40-0...Rosol with some life as he powers a great forehand return. A great volley means he takes the game.
Third set: Murray* 3-2 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Every now and again, Rosol pulls off a great second serve, which Murray can’t return. The Czech keeps the pressure with some good forehands but it goes out. 30-30. A backhand unforced error means it’s a break point for Murray. Huge point. Murray rushes it with his own forehand unforced and it’s deuce. Rosol comes to the line again and fails to capitalize as his volley goes out. Advantage to Murray, but the Scot, once again rushes his forehand and it’s 40-40. A tremendous shot by Murray close to the net and it’s a third break point...and this time he takes it!
Third set: Murray 2-2 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
Murray once again makes an unforced error and it’s 15-15. The best rally of the match finishes with a beautiful drop shot by Murray and it’s 30-15. Rosol is sticking around, though, and makes it 30-30 with a great forehand. Murray, though, takes the game and it’s 2-2.
Third set: Murray* 1-2 Rosol (*denotes next server)
There are signs where we see Murray forcing the game and rushes his shot selection as if he was saying, “enough already, let’s go home.” Not the best way to think about it as Rosol makes it 30-0 thanks to a couple of unforced errors. Another mistake by Murray - a simple forehand that doesn’t go over - and it’s 40-15. Rosol makes a backhand unforced error and it’s 40-30. A fantastic effort by Murray to reach a long forehand is not enough and Lukas Rosol wins the game.
Updated
Third set: Murray 1-1 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
How will Murray answer? The Scot remains on the baseline, waiting for his opponent to make mistakes, which he does with a couple of unforced errors. A great cross-court volley makes it 40-0 but Rosol wastes no time in the next point as he returns his serve with a great forehand. Murray’s serve is too accurate for Rosol as it goes 1-1.
Third set: Murray* 0-1 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Murray really is locked in and looks to take this set but Rosol knows its now or never and starts strong. After he serves he runs to the net hoping to rattle Murray. He wins it with ease.
Andy Murray wins second set
Second set: Murray 6-2 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
Murray serves with new balls and loses the first point but gets one back with an ace. That is followed by another ace and it’s 30-15. Rosol’s backhand is all over the place and goes way out. Double set point to Murray and he takes it with an ace. Rosol challenges but it’s right on the line. One more set to go for Murray.
Second set: Murray* 5-2 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Rosol is fighting in this one and takes a 30-0 lead thanks to some powerful serving. But inconsistency returns as he makes a double fault...and another. That’s eight DFs in the match. Rosol wins the next point as Murray fails to go over the net when Rosol approaches. A third ace for Rosol wins him the game. The Czech is still fighting.
Second set: Murray 5-1 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
Murray and Rosol have the same average speed on their serves (129mph) but they key for the Scot is the accuracy. His placement unnerves Rosol as he makes it an unforced error on a second serve return. He begins to push it and makes it another mistake on his return. 40-15. Lukas stays alive, however, as he smashes another powerful forehand deep to the baseline. An unforced error from Murray and it’s deuce. On his second serve, Rosol gets closer and Murray takes advantage. Rosol also keeps coming to the line, thinking that it will magically work at some point and rattle Murray...but it doesn’t. AM wins it.
Second set: Murray* 4-1 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Rosol begins strongly here as he sticks around in a long rally, forces Murray to make an unforced error. One by him, however, and it’s 15-15. Murray wins the next point and it’s 15-30. There’s a delayed call and Murray challenges a deep forehand, which he loses. Rosol staying alive here as he keeps using that strong forehand that is too much for AM. 30-30. Rosol keeps and keeps coming to the net and right now, in this game, he succeeds as he makes it 40-30. Rosol wins the game with an ace. His second of the match.
Second set: Murray 4-0 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
This evening is slipping away for the 81st seed. Murray will now serve as he looks locked in. He now knows that all he needs to do is allow his opponent to make the mistakes and not force the game. Rosol keeps coming to the net and Murray keeps answering with a great backhand, unreachable to Rosol. 40-0. The shot of the night wins it for Murray as he does a lovely backhand with his back to Rosol.
Second set: Murray* 3-0 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Rosol is running out of choices as he continues to struggle around the net. A backhand volley unforced error lets him down and it’s 0-15. He gets one back with a good rally and it’s 15-15. Another unforced error by Murray makes it 30-15 and I think Rosol really NEEDS this game. But guess what, two straight double faults are not going to help and Murray can break here...a third double fault (!!!!) and the Olympic champion takes it.
Second set: Murray 2-0 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
Rosol is beginning to understand that in order to take more control of this match, he has to be more aggressive. He is looking to come to the line every time now. It doesn’t seem to be working, however, as Murray picks out his shot selections like candy from a store. 40-0 to AM and he wins it with an ace. Murray is locked in.
Second set: Murray* 1-0 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Rosol takes the first point as Murray hits it low into the net. The issue, once again, is his backhand and just like that it’s 15-30. Murray has basically deciphered his opponent’s weaknesses and keeps attacking them. Two break points. Murray is in the zone as after a long rally, AM comes to the line and wins it.
Andy Murray wins first set
First set: Murray 6-3 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
Can Murray finish off the set here? As mentioned earlier, he does not want to get into a long match. He begins strongly with a great forehand. A long rally ends up with a volley from Rosol as Murray kept feeding his forehand. 15-15. The Czech is let down by his backhand once again as he makes the 18th unforced error of the match so far. An ace for Murray (5 so far) makes it 40-15 and another backhand unforced error means he takes the set.
Updated
First set: Murray* 5-3 Rosol (*denotes next server)
A camera pans on Kevin Spacey as Rosol begins. His backhand really is letting him down as another one hits the net. 0-15. The same thing happens again and Rosol is beginning to show signs of frustration. He decides to change things up by attacking the net but a drop shot doesn’t work and Murray has triple set point. Rosol gets one back as AM rushes with a backhand. Another mistake and it’s 30-40. Rosol sticks to his strategy, attacks the net and this time it works as he brings it to deuce. Once again, Rosol wine the battle with a strong forehand and it’s advantage to Lukas. Impressive game for Rosol as he wins it!
First set: Murray 5-2 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
The umpire has requested to the crowd that they lower their voices and McEnroe commentates that he has never heard it so loud here....well, it’s NYC, what do you expect? We’re New Yorkers. We’re loud. Murray doesn’t seem to mind as his serve working to perfection. 40-0 to the Scot. He wins the game with an ace.
First set: Murray* 4-2 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Who will break first? Well, could it be Murray as Rosol begins with a double fault. His greatest weapon - the forehand - means he comes back. After some mistakes from both it’s 30-30. Murray tries to lob Rosol after a rally but the Czech rises to the challenge. Speaking of challenges, Murray wasn’t happy with the previous shot and questions it. Loses. An unforced error makes it deuce. A lucky slice by Rosol that just skims the net gives him the advantage but another shot over the line brings it back to a second deuce. Another unforced error gives Murray a break point opportunity, the first in the match, but can’t capitalize as Rosol gives a great volley after a serve return. A double fault gives Murray his second break point...but once again, the serve is too much for the no. 2 and it’s 40-40 again. Rosol picks it up again with a great forehand as he goes to the net after his serve and its advantage for the server. Guess what? It’s 40-40 again as Murray wins a great rally. This one is more than seven minutes long now. Murray lobs him after a backhand return from Rosol and the Czech can’t make it. Third great point for Murray...and he TAKES IT after an unforced error.
First set: Murray 3-2 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
Murray, once again, is let down by his backhand and it’s 0-15. He challenges a forehand by Rosol and wins it to make it 15-15. Murray keeps feeding Rosol’s forehand (a mistake) and the outcome is obvious. 15-30. Murray comes back with a smart second serve and ties it up. Finally, Murray pushes his opponent to hit a backhand and Rosol puts it in the net. Murray wins a long rally with a backhand unforced error and it’s 3-2 to the Scot.
Updated
First set: Murray* 2-2 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Rosol’s serve really is extremely accurate and does not hold back on the forehand either. It might be harder than expected to break a game in this one. Just as I say that, he commits a forehand unforced error but then responds with a deep powerful shot. At 40-30, Rosol with another forehand and it’s game. Remember, the last two times they have played, Rosol has won the first set.
First set: Murray 2-1 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
Murray also begins this one with a double fault and blames the light on the new roof, that’s followed by an ace and it’s 15-15. Murray seems to be struggling with his backhand right now and Rosol challenges one, but it’s in. 40-15. Another unforced error backhand from Murray and it’s 40-30. There seems to some noise in the stadium and the players seem to lose some focus. Murray, however, wins it with an ace.
First set: Murray* 1-1 Rosol (*denotes next server)
Rosol begins the game with a double fault. He challenges but it’s too late. The review shows that it was in. Rosol picks up the tempo and leads 30-15 with a powerful forehand and an unforced error by Murray. He gets comfortable with his serve and wins the game.
First set: Murray 1-0 Rosol* (*denotes next server)
What a start. Rosol, as expected, coming out early with a bag of tricks, with a lovely drop shot which Murray can’t reach and just like that it’s 0-30. Murray comes back with a nice strong serve and an unforced error by Rosol. 30-30. After another long rally, Murray already knows that his opponent loves to come to the line and beats him to it with a powerful forehand. Murray wins the game with another unforced error.
And we’re off. Let’s play some tennis! Murray will serve first.
A little more on tonight’s match as both players enter the court to warm up. Despite the fact that Murray is enjoying a good summer (Wimbledon, Rio) the US Open has not exactly been the greatest venue in the last few years. Since his title victory in 2012, the Scot actually hasn’t gone past the quarterfinal stages and last year he lost to Kevin Anderson in the round of 16. The key factor will be to avoid a long, tiring match so he can sustain his energy against tougher opponents. He cannot underestimate Rosol - remember, this is the man who was so great in Wimbledon in 2012 and defeated Rafael Nadal. When he’s on, he’s on. Recently, however, that hasn’t been the case as he failed to qualify for the Cincinnati Masters. Time will tell to see which player we’ll see tonight.
The stadium is ready.
Updated
It’s all over. Serena Williams easily defeats Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. It was her 80th win at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It seems she has shaken off the Rio disappointment and her shoulder seems to be pain-free. You can read more right here:
Here’s a good read from Kevin Mitchell regarding Andy Murray’s momentum as he begins his US Open campaign.
Weather report
A beautiful evening in Queens, NY. The temperature is a pleasant 79F (26C) with low humidity. Perfect weather for some night tennis.
Just a reminder that tonight will start once the match between Serena Williams and Ekaterina Makarova is over. The American - seeking her 23rd Grand Slam title - won the first set 6-3 and they are 1-1 in the second. You can follow the match with my pal, Tim Hill.
Preamble
Hello everyone and welcome to day two of the US Open here at Flushing Meadows where tonight’s main event from the Men’s Singles tournament features the anticipated arrival of Wimbledon and Olympic champion, Andy Murray. The No. 2 ranked player in the world faces Lukas Rosol (81st) from the Czech Republic as he looks to win his fourth Grand Slam title. A week after winning gold in Rio by defeating a resilient Juan Martin del Potro, the Scot lost to Marin Cilic in the Cincinnati Masters final and enters Flushing Meadows with a 50-7 record for the calendar year. After watching Djokovic’s laboring victory over Jerzy Janowicz last night, Murray must feel confident of winning the whole thing. The defending champion did not look 100% as injuries to his left wrist and right arm made for a sub-par performance, so Andy knows that this is a great chance to claim his second US Open title.
Both players have an interesting history. Last year at the Munich Open, Rosol shoulder-bumped Murray as they were switching sides, causing the Scot to yell, “No one likes you on the tour, everyone hates you” as he was about to return Rosol’s serve. It was basically the Mean Girls equivalent of ATP tour men’s tennis and despite the fact that both players have admitted that it’s all water under the bridge, you can’t help but think this will be on the back of their minds as they enter Arthur Ashe Stadium.
From a game-plan perspective, Murray will be wary of how aggressive Rosol is from the start: the last two times they have faced each other, the Czech has won the first set. But I’m sure the quick jump will not bother the Scot as Rosol usually fades once the match enters the hour-mark.
Stay tuned, this should be a good one.
