• Australian Open, Day Seven

Andy Murray's tactics too good for big-serving Isner

ESPN staff
January 24, 2010
Andy Murray is through to the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time © Getty Images
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Andy Murray produced a tactical masterclass to outplay the big-serving American John Isner and progress to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

The world No.4, who is yet to drop a set, saw off Isner in straight sets 7-6 6-3 6-2, and will now face a tougher test in the guise of defending champion Rafael Nadal. Of the top ten seeded players in the competition, it is just Murray and sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko who have won all their matches in straight sets.

At 6'9", Isner is one of the biggest servers in the men's game and, fresh from his first tour victory in Auckland, the world No.28 made an early statement of intent, winning his opening service game to love.

Murray had insisted he was not concerned about his own serve prior to the match, but there were signs of nerves as he served three net calls before getting his fourth attempt over successfully. However, Murray answered his critics to comfortably hold his opening two service games, and it was the Scot who got the first break point in the fifth game, only for Isner to respond with an unstoppable ace to hold.

The opening set continued to go with serve, with the power of Isner a match for Murray's tactical play. But the longer the rallies went on, the stronger Murray looked as he patiently waited for his opponent to make the errors.

Murray twice served to stay in the set, and going into the 12th game at 5-6 Murray had dropped just two points on his serve. However, three points for Isner saw the American force his first break point, and Murray facing a first-set defeat, but after a brief wobble Murray held his nerve to force a tie-breaker.

As the momentum swung in the tie-break, it was Isner's first double fault of the match that handed Murray his chance, and he made no mistake in sealing the opening set when Isner's attempted drop shot failed to sneak over the net.

With his opponent visibly drained, the second set was easier for Murray. He created break points in Isner's second and third service games but was unable to capitalise, finally making it third time lucky when he took full advantage of three break points to go 5-3 up. However, Murray was forced to save two break points of his own to hold on and win the set.

At 2-2 in the third, Murray made the all-important break, producing a stunning passing shot on the stretch to put one foot in the quarter-finals. From then it was mere formality as Isner crumbled and was broken once more.

Afterwards Murray admitted coming out on top early on was crucial. "I had my coach serving to me from the service line to get used to the height," he said. "But once you get on court it is still very tricky. Winning the first set was so important as I knew he would be a little bit tired having had some long matches and he's still in the doubles. The first set was always going to be crucial and I'm happy to get through it."

Looking ahead to the quarters, Murray admitted he was looking forward to a clash with the defending champion. "I played Rafa in the fourth round here a few years ago and lost in five sets," he said. "And I won in four at the US Open in 2008, so it will be great match to watch."

However, it was not to be a British double as Heather Watson fell in the first round of the junior girls' event. The US Open junior champion lost in three sets to China's Hao Chen Tang 6-1 4-6 6-1.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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