Shanghai Rolex Masters, China

Every player struggles with doubts at some point in a match, and when they take over, your game deteriorates.  It is a vicious cycle, because with every mistake you make, the more your confidence drops, which leads to further errors. Doubts got the better of [CR55] Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) in the first set against [CR11] Andy Murray (GBR).

Gabashvili’s game is much better than the score indicated and he was determined to prove that.  He fought back in the second set and even had set points; however, doubts crept in again, costing him the set and ultimately, the match.

When you compete at such a high level in a match and you have nothing to show at the end for your efforts except a loss, it is difficult to remain enthusiastic.  Gabashvili must build on the positives though; he did not stop trying.  He competed extremely well in the second set; unfortunately, it was not enough.

Murray, despite his own struggles, was able to get the win in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5; however, he too must have doubts about his current form.