Murray Tames the “Mad Dog”
Wimbledon
May 29, 2014
Andy Murray made quick work of taming Marinko “Mad Dog” Matosevic at Roland Garros this afternoon.
Despite clutching what appeared to be a tight hamstring at times. Murray maintained his free-flowing superiority to finish off the erratic Australian in simple, straight sets.
Now the improving Andy will face Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round of the French Open on Saturday. The German beat Murray on clay four years ago in Monaco. But the Scot has come up a few levels since then. The Wimbledon champion will feel confident of progressing further still. Though he knows the number 28 will provide a more searching test.
Matosevic, famous for his theatrical on-court fireworks and multiple body-rolls, seemed to lose heart the more Murray seized control. The match simply wasn’t close enough to provoke any histrionics from “Mad Dog” the underdog. Although the Brit’s first serve was wayward in the opening set. That deficiency didn’t seem to matter as he took it 6-3. Murray’s accuracy improved in the second set. He went on all-out attack and made just five unforced errors on the way to a 6-1 romp. The final set was never in any doubt, even after Andy was broken when he was serving for the match at 5-2. A spectacular break-back clinched it at 6-3, though the victory hardly sent out a chilling warning to the likes of Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
So far there seems to be more drama surrounding Murray’s choice of coach than his matches.
Suggestions that Amelie Mauresmo might be Murray’s shock coaching choice have been laughed out of court by experts such as the former British favourite, Greg Rusedski. An even more illustrious female tennis legend, Martina Navratilova admitted she would be interested in the role if asked, while Murray himself has joked that ‘no one wants to coach me.’
The true successor to Ivan Lendl will be revealed after Roland Garros, where Andy has been able to preserve plenty of energy for the latter stages.
However, with no pressure on Murray’s shoulders in France, he might just gain some much-needed confidence going into Wimbledon. He is gaining some momentum – and not before time.
Want to see him play? Buy your tickets here today.