Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Sport

Andy Murray
Feat of clay: Andy Murray sent a message to the main contenders at the French Open

Andy Murray: I've shown I can beat the very best on a clay court

Chris Jones, in Paris
29 May 2008


Andy Murray was delighted to prove the doubters wrong as he showed that he can be a real threat on clay with a stunning 6-4, 6-0, 6-4 hammering of Jose Acasuso at the French Open.

His second-round victory over the Argentine came in just 98 minutes and was his first-ever against a highly-rated clay court specialist at Roland Garros.

Murray admitted: "I still feel like I am getting questioned about why I am not doing better and I wanted to show I can beat the top clay court players.

"I was hitting shots that not too many guys can hit.

"Acasuso might not be a Federer or a Nadal but I showed I can play on clay. I wanted to show to myself I can do it.

"To win in straight sets, not lose my serve and break five or six times doesn't happen too often. It's not usual for a match to go as well as that.

"I'm very pleased, it was a great performance. I was very aggressive and my shot selection was great."

Murray even kept his cool when the umpire told him he would not get a let, despite accidentally hitting a linesman during a rally when he was pinned near the back wall.

"When I took the racquet back I felt I hit him very hard," he said. "I think it was on his head or his shoulder. The umpire said he couldn't do anything about it. That hadn't happened to me before."

The victory has given the No10 seed new confidence and set himself up for a clash with Spain's Nicolas Almagra, one of the most dangerous clay court players on the circuit. The 19-year-old has won two titles on the surface this year, beating David Nalbandian and Carlos Moya in those finals.

Murray said: "I put him in there with the top players on clay. I think he can play great.

"He's got a big serve, a big game. Doesn't move particularly well but he plays very aggressively and dominates the majority of his points. But I want to make the second week, that's my goal."

That match is tomorrow but second seed Rafael Nadal has not got the luxury of a day's rest as he will be back in action against France's Nicolas Devilder this afternoon, just 24 hours after beating Thomaz Bellucci 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 in the first round. Rain delays mean the Spaniard, chasing a fourth Roland Garros title in a row, needed three days to complete the match.

It was Nadal's 22nd victory in a row at Roland Garros and he said: "I don't think it's quite natural that all the guys who were to play their second match on Tuesday will play before me.

"That doesn't make sense. My opponent will have had two days of rest, and known about it in advance because of the weather forecast. I'm not complaining but I am saying there are things that are not logical about this."

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, the third seed, easily beat second round opponent Spaniard Miguel Angel Lopez Jaen 6-1,6-1, 6-3 in just 80 minutes and has sympathy for Nadal. He said: "It may be a little bit rough on him but I don't think the organisers did it on purpose."

Tomas Berdych became the highest men's seed to exit the French Open when he was beaten 6-3, 4-6 ,5-7, 6-3, 6-4 by local favourite Michael Llodra, who was roared to victory by fans.

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic, seeded two, needed only 55 minutes to batter Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-2 and move into the third round, where she will face Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki.

Serena Williams, the fifth seed, and only former winner left in the draw after Justine Henin's retirement, had some problems before accounting for Mathilde Johannson, who served for the second set before the American came back to win 6-2, 7-5.

Russia's Anna Chakvetadze, the sixth seed, made the second round with a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 win over Nuria Llagostera Vives.

Vera Zvonareva powered past Stephanie Foretz, of France, 6-2, 6-1.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Chris Robshaw to captain England for rest of Six Nations Chris Robshaw Chris Robshaw will lead England for the rest of the Six Nations after winning his two games as captain
  • Thierry Henry set for final game for Arsenal against AC Milan Thierry Henry Thierry Henry will play his final game for Arsenal at the San Siro with manager Arsene Wenger wishing he could stay for longer
  • I've played at Wembley, thanks to the JLS boys Phillips Idowu Phillips Idowu exclusive: JLS are a cool bunch of guys, I've got all their albums and I've followed them closely since The...
  • Chelsea stars say 'get Guus ­Hiddink in now' Guus ­Hiddink Senior Chelsea players want Guus ­Hiddink to return to Stamford Bridge as manager and save the club's season
  • Robin Van Persie has score to settle on his return to big stage Arsenal players Arsenal striker was harshly sent off this time last year but a brilliant run of form since has put him in a perfect position to put his...
  • England's luck is in as Charlie Hodgson leads the charge Charlie Hodgson Fly-half never gave up on Test career and that spirit is serving the team well
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Sean Dyche delighted with Valentine's Day victory for hard-working Watford Craig Forsyth Watford boss Sean Dyche hailed the Hornets' team spirit as they made it 10 points from 12 to continue their upward movement in the...
  • Alan Curbishley is No1 choice for Wolves Alan Curbishley Alan Curbishley is due to be interviewed for the job of Wolves manager
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •