When Andy Murray came bursting into the professional scene, he was seen as a prodigious teenager who will mature soon enough and would perform great deeds on court and would topple records that seemed daunting for a Brit. Since Tim Henman, there has been no British player who has made an impact in the tennis scene. Constant chirping from the pundits that Fred Perry’s achievement has not been emulated yet was already doing the rounds. Murray was seen as an idol who will put these noisy comments to rest, but the aggressive expressions never was exhibited in his game and he repeatedly choked in the big games.
Coming of age – Andy Murray
He would romp away against lesser known opponents and showcase some of his best tennis against lesser seeds, but when it came to the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic, he floundered easy chances and agonizingly let slip opportunities that were up for grabs. Just like how Roger Federer broke down after a string of defeats in the finals in quest of his 14th Grand Slam, Andy Murray too broke down a Wimbledon 2012 where he lost from a set up to the champion Swiss. Although his camp is not that fun to watch, his game is really admirable with lovely strokes peppered here and there. With those deceptive drop strokes from behind the baseline and the telling forehands deep into the toes of the opponent, Murray often held the player on the other side of the net uneasy.
Until 2012, Murray was seen a real good talent, but not a formidable force that was strong enough to traverse all the way to lift a Grand Slam crown. But, as 2012 dawned, Andy flew under the caressing wings of Ivan Lendl. Ivan’s effect on Murray clearly shows in the attitude. Murray no longer panics on long rallies, Murray no longer squanders break point opportunities like he used to, Murray no longer loses his cool and gives in to emotions, Murray no longer loses finals.
Murray embarked on a journey to winning ways when he thrashed Federer in the Olympic Games finals to clinch Gold for Great Britain. What confidence that must have given, we wouldn’t know, because he went on to smash his way through at the US Open to lift his first Grand Slam.
Murray is currently going great guns at the Australian Open, Melbourne Park, and he can be seen come of age, finally. Judy Murray would be really happy as she sees her son sap the match out of his opponent. Big 3 just became Big 4, and when Rafa returns we are in for a crackerjack of a year ahead.
Tags: Andy Murray, Australian Open, Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tim Henman, US Open
