Andy Murray Competes At A High Level
Although since his comeback it has been a struggle, it is a joy to watch him enjoying the challenge of competition. Perhaps younger players can learn something from him. Do not treat cavalierly the game that brought you riches because you never know when that opportunity will be taken away from you. Actually, he can teach us all a valuable lesson. Show respect for the gifts and talents you have been blessed with or run the risk of losing them.
Andy Murray endured a grueling five set battle against the twenty-first seed, Nikoloz Basilashvili. After winning the first set easily, the match took a turn when his opponent elevated his game to win the second set. Murray got off to a commanding lead in the fifth set; however, Basilashvili was not ready to concede defeat. He battled to the very end, but so did the Brit, who eventually won 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 on his third match point.
Surprise Victories Down Under
Not really a surprise as Kaia Kanepi can be a tricky opponent to play. [16] Angelique Kerber found that out today when she lost 4-6, 3-6. Sorana Cirstea upset [20] Petra Kvitova 6-2, 6-2. Maddison Inglis defeated [23] Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-2. This was a surprise, but perhaps not as the Australian wildcard had homecourt advantage. Richard Gasquet upended fellow countryman, [29] Ugo Humbert, 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-3.
Embed from Getty ImagesAmerican Successes On Day Two
Steve Johnson battled back to win in five sets. He defeated Australian, Jordan Thompson 7-6(5), 6-7(6), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. I often wonder what toll these grueling five set matches take on the body. It is doubly taxing in the hot and humid conditions down under. American Maxime Cressy battled hard to defeat his fellow countryman, [22] John Isner. In the battle of big servers, the younger player prevailed 7-6(2), 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-7(4), 6-4.
[20] Taylor Fritz was challenged in the first set against the German qualifier, Maximilian Marterer. However, the American prevailed to win 7-6(8}, 6-3, 6-2. Winning that first set was key for Fritz, it took the fight out of his opponent. Surprise win from Hailey Baptiste. The twenty-year-old American battled hard for this three-set victory over Caroline Garcia. She prevailed in the end after dropping the first set 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3. Frances Tiafoe had a battle on his hands against the Argentinian, Marco Trungelliti. After dropping the first set 3-6, things looked good for the American to win in four sets. However, it is never over until the last ball is struck. Tiafoe won 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
Embed from Getty ImagesAmerican Losses On Day Two
Another disappointing performance from Sloane Stephens. Of course, as fans we have no idea what’s going on behind the scenes. However, that becomes irrelevant as everyone expects you to be ready to play at your best, especially at a major. The American lost 0-6, 6-2, 1-6 to [17] Emma Raducanu. When you see a score like this, you wonder: “If she can win the second set 6-2, why did she not win the match?” Only Stephens can answer that; however, it has become a pattern of play for her. What we don’t understand, when we make something a habit, it can be difficult to break the habit when it becomes unhealthy.
Shelby Rogers will have to regroup after this loss. It is often such a bitter pill to swallow when you come so close. Rogers lost 6-4, 3-6, 5-7 to Ana Konjuh. The American wildcard, Robin Anderson, lost to Samantha Stosur 7-6(5), 3-6, 3-6. It is always unfortunate when you have to play a fellow countrywoman, or man. Caroline Dolehide made it through the qualifying rounds only to lose in the first round to [27] Danielle Collins 1-6, 3-6. Ann Li lost to a much lower ranked player, Xinyu Wang, 6-7(5}, 3-6.
Embed from Getty ImagesI have never heard about this twenty-eight-year-old American, [228] Emina Bektas. She made it through the qualifying rounds only to lose in the first round to Liudmila Samsonova. The Russian won 7-5, 6-4. American qualifier, Katie Volynets, lost to a tricky opponent, Beatriz Haddad Maia. Good effort from Volynets, who won the first set 6-3, but lost the match 2-6, 3-6.
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