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Andy Murray has used a book compiled by coach Miles Maclagan to devise his strategy for this afternoon's Wimbledon quarter-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Maclagan's notes detail all of Murray's previous matches, highlighting the pluses and minuses of his opponents.The world No4 says the research “gives him a pretty good idea” of what he needs to do, although ultimately it will be down to Murray to put the theory into practice on Centre Court.
Murray has a 2-1 head-to-head record against the Frenchman and Maclagan's thoughts on those matches were discussed by the pair as they finalised tactics this morning.
While Tsonga does not have a book like Murray's, he has seen enough of the British No1 to have a clear idea of what he will face. Murray's counter-punching style revolves around his movement and anticipation and he is comfortable in a long rally — something that cannot be said of Tsonga.
Murray is on a remarkable run of 21 successive wins over Frenchmen, stretching back to January 2008 when Tsonga beat him in the first round of the Australian Open.
Those losses give the French players on tour a huge collective knowledge about Murray to tap into and Tsonga knows he faces a player who has world-class weapons and one obvious weakness — the second serve.
Here, Standard Sport provides its own assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of both men:
Tsonga's strengths
Big first serve and competent second which can set up serve and volley points. Loves to use his big forehand allied to his first serve in a classic one-two combination to keep points short.
Is happy to work his way to the net with a good transition game and likes to run around weaker backhand so his forehand can dictate the points. His athleticism allows him to deliver running passing shot winners that electrify the crowd. Loves to work the fans to his advantage and feeds off their reaction.
Tsonga's weaknesses
Had to pull out of the French Open with back and hip problems, limiting his build-up to the grass season. Will not want to be dragged into a long contest which means he has to go for the winning shot early in a rally, putting huge pressure on his forehand to deliver consistent success.
Can be moved out of position because of his desire to protect that backhand and, despite his athleticism, his heavy build takes its toll.
n Can appear confused about the style of game to play and his return of serve can hold him back against the very best players.
Murray's strengths
Has world-class movement around the court, seemingly gliding behind the baseline to reach shots that would have other players groping at arm's length.
Improved fitness and strength means he can rally with anyone and the two-handed backhand remains a world-class weapon, made even more potent by the addition of the cross-court option to go with the classic down the line shot and sliced backhand which stays very low.
His first serve has been beefed up to 130mph while the forehand now features a top spin cross-court shot, used to take opponents wide of the tram lines. Is probably the best returner of serve in the game.
Murray's weaknesses
His second serve remains a worry, operating at around 80-90mph and offering opponents the chance to step inside the court to punish this.
Murray's willingness to mix up the pace of his shots can make him too passive and once into that groove, he takes too long to inject much-needed venom into his ground strokes. Also, his long-standing love affair with the drop shot can sometimes be a curse, ruining momentum and handing opponents a lifeline.
Can get mentally down on himself in times of stress and this negative body language is transmitted to everyone at courtside.
VERDICT
Murray carries more ways of winning a point than Tsonga, whose muscular style of tennis relies on high confidence levels and a fully fit body.
Tsonga has conceded the most games — 75 — of any of the quarter-finalists, almost twice as many as Murray's 38, while the Scot has yet to drop a set.
The 10th seed will be aiming to take the initiative and the crowd away from Murray but if he fails to achieve that, Tsonga will become No22 in the list of French players knocked over by the best of British men's tennis.
