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The brilliant 22 year old British lad Andy Murray crashed out of the Madrid Open after an intense match with Argentine rival Juan Martin Del Potro on Friday. Murray who currently holds the world number 3 position was up by 5-2 in the first set but in due course lost out as Martin improved his game.

In this quarter final match Murray had an extremely unsteady start and soon found himself at 15-30. Though he recovered and picked up his game through a series of good returns it still didn’t prove to be enough. A powerful cross-court backhand caught Martin completely unawares. However as the game proceeded Martin got a much-needed break as Murray lost his service game. Perhaps Murray was getting tired in his Adidas Barricade 5 tennis shoes, as the tide began to turn. Martin made the most out of this and without wasting any time upped his momentum and finally emerged on top. Defending champion Murray exited the tournament as the final scores tallied to 7-6 6-3. This defeat came as a rather unwelcoming gift on Murray’s 22nd birthday.

Murray and Martin have faced off a total of three times till now but the Argentine was never able to beat the British number one. The only clay court match between the two came at the Rome Masters in 2008 which turned into an on-court war of words after Murray asserted that the Argentine had apparently insulted his mother. Martin currently holding the world number 5 position will play the world number two Roger Federer, who beat Andy Roddick 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 to reach the semi-finals. Murray’s shaky start probably set the tone for the rest of the game but the world still waits anxiously for the next time the two warring rivals battle it out on centre court.

Andy Murray, who lost to Rafael Nadal in the final in his previous tournament, is all set to experience victory at the Sony-Ericsson Open in Miami. If Murray wins this tournament, it would take him to the new heights in his career. He will be placed third in the world rankings. He will most probably become the first British since the rankings began in 1973 to reach in the top three slots.

This Scottish player needs to reach the final in order to surpass the Serbian player Novak Djokovic, who in a recent interview said, “I go into every tournament wanting to win.”

Andy Murray defeated Marc Gicquel 6-0 6-4 in his previous match. He has a first round bye and faces Juan Monaco in his opener match on Saturday. The Russian player Teimuraz Gabashvili defeated his Italian opponent 6-4 4-6 6-4 and is all set to play Rafael Nadal next, who is among the top seeds.

Roger Federer, the former number one player who has won 14 times at the Elite Masters level and has not won any since Cincinnati in August 2007, is now hoping to end the bad phase of his life. He said, “I hope this year I can change that and get on a good roll again,” said the Swiss star, which will face Kevin Kim in his opening match. I’ve done so well over the last few years I’d like to win a few again.”

Coming to the women’s event, Maria Sharapova is still recovering from her serious shoulder injury. But the sister duo Serena and Venus William are back after they missed Indian Wells tournament.

On the opening day of the Euro/Africa Zone Group One tie, Britain made a miserable start by losing both the opening matches. After John Lloyd’s team lost 2-0 to Ukraine he remarked that it was a long journey for Great Britain in the Davis Cup and they have a mountain of a task to complete after losing both the matches. He further added that he would have been much relieved if they had levelled 1-1 before entering into the doubles.

Lloyd said though they were 2-0 down, it was a pleasure to watch those youngsters as they were a little short. He further added that though he did not like the result but the experience was enjoyable.

After Josh Goodall lost against Marchenko three tie breaks 7-6(7-5), 7-6(7-5) and 7-6(7-2), he admitted that his tactics were not effective where he went wrong, but said that he was handicapped because of the slowness of the court. He said he could not adjust to the pace of the court and it was slow which he did not like. Perhaps Goodall should switch shoes and go with some lighter Nike Air Zoom tennis shoes, or perhaps he should stop making excuses. He further added that the settings of the court were perfect for Andy Murray, who has withdrawn from the Davis Cup Contest at the last moment due to bad health. He concluded that though the game but nevertheless he enjoyed every moment of his debut Davis Cup action.

He also thanked the crowd and said that during the second set when he was double-break down, the crowd could have turned as it appeared at that moment that the match had completely slipped away, however they supported him and carried on which he said was a great feeling.

Andy Murray’s decision to withdraw from the Davis Cup has given a big blow to the British Tennis and the decision of Murray on Monday morning has come as a surprise for Ukraine’s Sergei Bubka Jr. According to him it was early on the part of Murray to have decided so soon. Instead as the zonal tie which is scheduled from Friday to Sunday, he could have waited till the end before making up his decision over fitness; as there could have been a possibility of Murray recovering in the end and maybe he could have played at least one match on Sunday for his fans and the country.

He further added that now with Andy Murray not playing the tie has now completely changed as he being the No. 4 in the world could have won the two singles rubbers. Bubka Junior said in the present circumstances they stand a much better chance in the tie.

Also since the medical advice to Murray has been the medical rest for the entire week, now Britain is left with no option to send in their young players and this is the most inexperienced team of players in the history of Davis Cup for Britain. The Team has only one player Ross Hutchins who has the previous experience of competing in the Davis Cup competition. Obviously Murray is not happy at being sidelined during this crucial team, but as per doctor’s orders we expect to seem him in more comfortable Adidas trainers and off of the tennis court for at least the full week. Britain’s Captain John Lloyd is concerned about Andy Murray’s absence from the competition but feels that the young players who are being given a chance to represent the country in Davis cup are very talented and maybe they may outshine in the tournament. Colin Fleming has made a return to tennis after three years. He was studying Finance and economics at the University of Stirling.

Andy Murray, the World No. 4, is not playing for Great Britain in the Davis Cup due this weekend at Braehead. Disappointed Murray insisted last night that he was unable to play due to a virus which has infected him badly more so this being the home tie. He said last week he had withdrawn from Dubai Championship due to this virus problem and was expecting to get cleared up before the games of Europe / Africa Zone to be played against Ukraine. Andy Murray further added after his examination the doctor has advised complete rest for a week which has to be respected. He was also feeling very terrible and confirmed that this illness has really hitting him hard. He also felt sorry for all those fans that were making their journey in the hope of watching Murray in action.

The Andy Murray exclusion was also confirmed by John Lloyd which is a big blow to the fans who were expecting Murray in action. Of course, no one is more disappointed than Murray himself that he will not be able to lace up his Adidas tennis shoes for the Davis Cup. This has resulted in Lloyd bringing in Josh Goodall whose has a world ranking of 192 and Chris Eaton having 383 world ranking to play on Friday and Sunday’s singles.

Andy Murray exclusion was also confirmed by John Lloyd which is a big blow to the fans who were expecting Murray in action. This has resulted in Lloyd bringing in Josh Goodall whose has a world ranking of 192 and Chris Eaton having 383 world ranking to play on Friday and Sunday’s singles.

John added he has five young players who are desperate to play who have displayed that they can manage long matches both physically and mentally. Considering the objective of finding Murray’s back-up, he is hopeful that their effort of the play-off competition should pay off with Eaton, Goodall, James and Fleming all fit to play with Hutchins certainty for doubles.

Greg Rusedki has been forewarned by Andy Murray that if he is keen in getting a place in Davis Cup team of Great Britain then he should establish himself as a good and an outstanding player and not just rely on his existing reputation. In April 2007, Greg made his exit from the sport, however lately he has announced that he has been asked to make a comeback through wildcard entry in certain tournaments. He even mentioned that he not only desires but also aims for playing for Britain again.

Andy, who won the first round against Ivan Ljubicic, which took place last night at Rotterdam and the left over team mates played a Europe or Africa zone which was declared as draw against the Ukraine at Glasgow (March). The captain of the team, John Lloyd has said Greg Rusedski (a thirty five year old gentleman) – thanks but no thanks for the instant.

For Andy, Greg’s verdict was unpredictable. Although, Andy is assured to perform in anyone of the 2 singles berths against Ukraine, John is also providing 6 more players with the intent of achieving the 2nd position.

The six players, such as Jamie Baker, Colin Fleming, Josh Goodall, Alex Slabinsky, James Ward and Dan Evans, will tiff at National Tennis Centre which is in Roehampton and this is scheduled to be played just a week prior to Glasgow tie. Whoever wins the 3 best of the 5 set tournaments will get an opportunity to unite with Andy. We know Andy is guaranteed to be swinging his Head MicroGel Radical Pro racket well, but the question is how his teammate will perform. Rusedski made his final professional performance at the Davis Cup (April 2007), where he played a doubles along with Jamie Murray.

In a very anti-climax kind of way, Andy Murray defeated Nadal to win the World Tennis Tournament at Rotterdam. I had high hopes for the Scotsman from the start and to see him face Nadal in the final was more than what I had asked for. I am happy he won but not for the way it happened.

World number four Andy Murray managed to defeat world number one Rafael Nadal in just under two hours with the score reading 6-3 4-6 6-0. It was Murray’s third successive victory over Nadal that also ensured him his 10th career title. Murray had a great week and played well in final too. But Nadal’s knee injury kept him from playing his best in the closing stages.

Murray himself has suffered injury that has forced him to pull out of the tournament in Marseille next week. But in this tournament it was Nadal’s injury that played a more important role. Nadal called for the trainer when he was 2-1 up in the second set but was still able to win the set.

The third set was the actual anti-climax. It goes to the credit of Rafa to have decided to play the set even though he was very much in pain. His knee injury prevented him from playing his natural game and he was seen struggling with his serves as well as volleys.

Murray felt sorry for Rafa for his hurt leg and accepting the great player that Rafa is, Murray said, “It shows how good a player he is- he was still managing to beat me with one leg.” He also pointed out that he is not happy with the way the otherwise happy and successful week ended.

Nadal on his part proved that he is a champion, on court and off it too. He accepted he had a problem with the injury but added, “Andy played very well today and he deserved to win the tournament.” Nadal’s knees have been questionable recently, and he has always been susceptible to injuries with his hard playing style. Hopefully Nadal’s trainers will have him working a solid rehabilitation plan, like training on the Life Fitness R1 recumbent bike, so that his knee improves and he is again in top form. With 6 grand slam titles at age 22, if he manages to stay healthy, then Nadal could definitely cement his status as the greatest ever.

I enjoy the kind of fierce competition guys like Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, etc. bring to the game of lawn tennis but what I appreciate more is their humility and respect for other players’ achievements.

Andy Murray is all set to play in the first round of the singles event at World Tennis Tournament at Rotterdam. He is likely to face a tough challenge in his match against Croat Ivan Ljubicic. This would be Murray’s first tournament after his 4th round exit from the Australian Open.

Andy’s career is always in limelight for he is the player who is the only hope of British tennis fans to see their fellow country man win a grand slam and preferably Wimbledon. Before him Tim Henmen was the guy who seemed like he could do that but he always looked so close and yet so far. He did manage to reach Wimbledon semi-finals (6 if all slams taken) but that’s the maximum he could achieve.

Incidentally, Murray is from Scotland and at 4th rank is currently the highest ranked British player on the Men’s Lawn Tennis ranking. What’s disturbing is that there is no other UK player in the top 100. I don’t even want to mention the sorry state of affairs in women tennis in context of Lawn Tennis. In any case you won’t believe me even if I told you.

He had raised a lot of hopes when he reached and eventually lost to Roger Federer in US Open final in 2008. Every England fan wants him to win every time he walks out on that tennis court. His match in Rotterdam is not going to be any different. But more than that they want to see Murray in his Nike Air Max Breathe Cage tennis shoes actually winning a grand slam, preferably Wimbledon. Murray and Ljubicic have played each other earlier on number occasions. Murray, who though is second seeded here, can’t take his first round match for granted as on the last three encounters against Ljubicic he has lost. The Croat on his part is also going through bad phase for a long time now. He is ranked only 48 in the world though he was once the number 3 in the world.

Being a big fan of Murray I am hoping he wins at Rotterdam so that he gains confidence and we can hope to see a British lift at least one of those Slams this year.

Andy Murray, the pre-tournament favourite, was sent packing in the fourth round by Fernando Verdasco in a nerve wracking five-setter played at centre court. The defeat also brought an end to all the hype and hysteria, partly created by the British media and bookies, surrounding the player and also brought his winning run to a grinding halt.

Given the favourite tag ahead of the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic, Murray was obviously under tremendous pressure to prove that he has truly arrived and that his recent victories over the top-two raked players were no fluke. But, unfortunately on Monday he found the No. 14 ranked Fernando Verdasco of Spain just too hot to handle, and in the process blew away a one-set lead, to accept defeat in a cliff-hanger 2-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. Murray’s cause was also undone by the fact that he missed many a crucial points and allowed his opponent to come back when he could easily have tightened the noose around his opponent.

Murray however refused to be demoralised by the defeat, though acknowledging that it truly hurts, especially when you are in such great shape. He instead took solace from his last appearance at the event; where he lost to eventual finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the first round, but went on to have a great year capturing five titles. In other matches, top-seed Rafael Nadal, who wears similar Nike Air Max Breathe Cage tennis shoes to Andy, was as usual in his elements as he dismantled 2007 runner-up Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The muscular bulldozer from Spain, who has tried a new full-sleeve attire for the event much to the dismay of his female fans, is yet to drop a set and it everybody’s guess that it will take a Herculean task to stop him from claiming his first crown Down Under.

Roger Federer is not the one who likes to mince words, as he recently proved. When asked about his comments on the British bookies describing Andy Murray as the favourite, or at least equal favourite, to win the Australian Open he simply laughed of the bookies. He said that it amuses him to no end when the bookies tend to ignore the credentials of other more deserving candidates, such as Nadal, Novak, and himself.

Federer said that to place Murray ahead of a player like unstoppable world number 1 Rafael Nadal with his Nike Air Max Breathe Cage II tennis shoes, defies logic, especially if one considers the manner in which the latter virtually ruled the tennis world last year. And then there is Novak Djokovic, who is the defending champion.

Coming back to his own chances at the Open, the player who is seeking Pete Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles; he said that it is a mistake to underestimate him as he is the reigning US Open champion, where he annihilated a out of sorts Murray, and is peaking at the right time. He also added that unlike last year, he is much fitter and hungry this time around.

As for the favourite tag given to Murray, he said that the player is still to make a genuine challenge at any of the majors he has entered, save for the US open. Records also state that Murray has only twice been beyond the fourth round at a major, a not too impressive statistics for a layer to be given the favourite tag, we believe.

It apparently has to do with the British hopes going a bit overboard to find their first men’s Grand Slam champion since 1936.