Solid Start in OZ

Monday, January 18, 2010

Andy has moved comfortably into the second round of the Australian Open after a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Kevin Anderson of South Africa.

It’s a giant-killing of sorts, but only because Anderson is 6ft 8 inches tall and lost.

Andy meanwhile goes into the second round having barely scratched the surface of his energy reserves. And that’s all a seed can ask for.

Not that it was a dull match to watch under the Rod Laver arena roof, far from it.

There were glimpses of some subtle changes to Andy’s attacking game both off the ground and at the net that will be interesting to look out for further down the line. Mix all that in with the variety and passing prowess that come as industry standard, and it’s no wonder Anderson struggled.

By Andy’s own admission, he would have wanted to serve better, but there won’t be too many grumbles.

The South African came through qualifying without dropping a set, but took 22 minutes to get on the board as Andy tore through the first set in 29 minutes.

Anderson didn’t have the confidence to come in on his serve, and subsequently found himself wanting in the back court exchanges.

And at 6ft 8 inches, he was just as uncomfortable having to deal with the drop-shot cum slice which Andy used to great effect.

It took Anderson 58 minutes to register an ace, a sign of how well Andy returned and volleyed; he didn’t charge in on everything, but when he did, he invariably won the point.

The second set was as comprehensive as the first, and the third only offered Anderson temporary respite in a solitary break that was immediately overturned.

On a day when some players won’t finish their matches due to the weather, getting yours done in 1hr 37 minutes is only a bonus.

Speaking after the match, Andy was suitably pleased.

“It’s a really good start,” he said. “I moved very well and hit a lot of returns back in play; would have liked to have served a bit better but the scoreline was good.”

“Just over an hour and a half on court, a lot of the guys might not finish today so it’s good to get off.

“Kevin did not drop his serve all the way through qualifying and, with his height, it is obviously a weapon.

“It was a tough first round for me. I was a little bit nervous at the start but I broke him straight away which was important.”

“It’s a lot slower (under the roof), it’s a little easier to get your timing – It’s been really windy the last few days, and tough to practice.

“I practiced on that court four days in a row, and when it’s warm, it’s so, so fast.

Asked why he seemed so relaxed, Andy highlighted his preparation. The hard work, and the not so hard work.

“We went to the beach a few days ago, trained hard for four days then took a day off – that was nice.

“We went to the casino and lost some money! We’re staying in an apartment this year, so it’s a little more relaxed.”

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