White Tiger
Trust Me
offline
Registered: Mar 2004
Local time: 12:57 AM
Location: The Historic City of Portsmouth, England
Posts: 2540
|
Andy Murray's rapid rise through the ranks of professional tennis continues with the biggest scalp of them all - world number one Roger Federer.
The 19-year-old Scot, who rose to a career high 21 in the world rankings earlier this week, defeated the Swiss superstar 7-5 6-4 to reach the third round of the Cincinnati Masters.
Prior to Murray's straight sets victory - his first against Federer - only world number two Rafael Nadal had beaten the eight-times grand slam winner so far this year.
And, after finishing runner-up up in Washington and making the last four in Toronto last weekend, the result confirms Murray as someone capable of causing more upsets at the forthcoming US Open.
Federer's incredible tournament record - he had advanced to 17 straight ATP finals - looked to be on shakier than usual ground from the off as Murray gained break points in both his opening service games.
Although he failed to exploit the first chance, a wayward Federer backhand allowed Murray the first break of serve.
The advantage only lasted two games but, with Murray matching his opponent confidently from the baseline, another break point was achieved, and duly converted, in Federer's next service game.
Federer broke back again but, following a lengthy rally, Murray created another break point after smashing home an attempted lob.
Again he failed to take his chance at the first attempt but, following both a Federer ace and netted forehand, the 25-year-old then double-faulted.
Murray was by now 5-4 up and serving for the opening set. But, in a match that featured 12 breaks in all, the youngster subsequently lost his serve to 15.
But, by again going to advantage before his opponent double-faulted, Murray went 6-5 ahead before an ace signalled a one-set lead.
Murray looked to increase his advantage after taking three break points in the first game of the second set, taking the third when Federer hit a backhand long.
Federer levelled soon afterwards but, with the next four games going with serve, another exchange of breaks saw the score tied at 4-4.
The crucial break then came Murray's way - a scorching backhand setting up a break point on Federer's next service game.
Again the point was saved but, with his aggressive shot-making bearing fruit at exactly the right time, Murray edged 5-4 ahead.
A near-perfect service game then sealed an historic victory for the seemingly nerveless Scot.
|
08-16-2006 10:31 PM
