BNP Paribas Masters, Paris

[CR3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs. [CR46] Borna Coric (CRO)

Murray had no interest in losing a second time to Coric.  There’s nothing like a previous loss to motivate a player and some players are fortunate enough to be able to change the result in their next encounter.  Murray is the better player; however, if you are distracted, a hungry young player can take you by surprise and that’s what Coric did earlier this year when he defeated Murray 6-1, 6-3.  Losing to a younger or a lower ranked player never sits well with veteran top ranked players.  The sting of a loss lingers in the memory more than the excitement of a victory and despite what they may say in public, they want revenge the next time they play that person.  Serena Williams never forgave Maria Sharapova for beating her in the Final of Wimbledon and the Tour Championships in 2004 and has not lost a match to Sharapova since that year.

No one likes to lose, multiply that by a hundred for the top players.  It’s what makes them Champions, they are fiercely competitive.  Coric had nothing today against Murray, clearly showing that his last victory was the result of Murray not being fully engaged.  Today, Murray never gave him a break opportunity.  Coric, determined to prove that his defeat of Murray was not a fluke, pressed a tad too much.  He was too erratic today and with so many errors against a focused Murray, he was never going to get the victory.  Coric is talented.  He has learned a lot and is adapting very quickly to life on tour and it’s reflected in his ranking. He rose to a previous high of 33 earlier this year; however, he still has a lot to learn and Murray taught him a thing or two today and got his revenge, 6-1, 6-2.