Since becoming the World No. 1 Andy Murray is yet to lift a major title. With him being the No. 1 seed, expectations would be higher.
Since 2008, Murray has not lost before the last eight in back to back quarter finals so he has to get his act together in Paris for the tournament in the last week in May. After crashing out early in Australia – in the fourth round to MischaZverev – he would need a good turn out this time around.
Novak Djokovic has left everything in doubts with his recent tennis. As the defending champion and as someone who did a career Grand Slam last year, he needs to prove a point. His world No. 2 status is also at stake with him posting loss after loss this year. Unlike Murray, in over a decade he has not lost in back to back quarter finals at majors. After his slump against Denis Istomin in the Australian Open and his recent one at Monte Carlo, Djokovic desperately needs to save face. Read more »
Maria Sharapova did not look that perplexed after being beaten by Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic at Roland Garros yesterday.
She dismissed it as “just an off day”.
Sharapova was probably not in the prime of her health during the match, but, still, to lose in straight sets was a pretty bad result for her.
Sharapova, though, was not of the view that her illness was the reason she suffered the defeat.
According to the Russian beauty, in spite of her illness, she was out there to compete and if she lost, she lost only because she could not play as well as she needed to.
Speaking to the media persons post the match, Sharapova said, “Lucie’s game on the day was much better than mine. She was very innovative, created the chances and won the match.”
“Using illness as an excuse is not something that I like to do. When you are out on the court, you are a competitor and you look to win regardless of whatever your condition is.”
“I am hoping my health improves quickly and I get a bit of time to get myself prepared before the Wimbledon starts.”
The Roland Garros could have seen another huge upset yesterday as the American youngster Sloane Stephens had managed to go on the verge of defeating her compatriot and world no. 1 Serena Williams. Read more »
Andy Murray reckons his preparation for Melbourne Park is much better this year than what it was the previous year.
In 2014, Murray was just recovered from a back operation and his body was perhaps not in the best shape for Australian Open. He had played in the tournament though, but, was clearly rusty and could not get past Round of 8.
It was Roger Federer who had got him knocked out of the competition back then.
But, this year, it’s been different with Murray. Having ended the last season on a high, he is confident and jubilant. There are no fitness issues either with him. He played fine tennis in United Arab Emirates a few weeks ago. So, he is up for it and one can imagine him to be able to make at least to the semis. Read more »
May 16, 2017 7:16 am | 