Murray beats Federer in Qatar Open

[lala]

This is phenomenal. Murray's now beaten Federer SIX times in their eight encounters. His record against Roddick, who he plays in the final, is five from eight.

It's mad enough having a Scotsman as British #1, but true intergalatactic Cuthulu madness to contemplate that said Scotsman really is one of the very best in the WHOLE WORLD.

Andy Murray recorded another victory against Roger Federer to set up a final clash with Andy Roddick at the Qatar Open in Doha.

The British number one took his record against the former world number one to six wins from eight matches with a 6-7 (6/8) 6-2 6-2 victory.

He will now be favourite to beat Roddick, who overcame Rafael Nadal's conqueror Gael Monfils 7-6 (7/1) 3-6 6-3 in the other semi-final.

Murray, who needed treatment to his back early in the final set, recovered well after losing the first set and stayed on course for back-to-back Qatar Open victories.

The match was the sixth between the pair over the last 12 months, with Murray having won four of those clashes but not the one he really wanted - the US Open final.

There is no doubt Federer does not enjoy playing the Scot and a victory over him ahead of the Australian Open would have been very welcome.

(Full story: www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-books-final-clash-with-roddick-1295653.html)

[puffin]

Very nice to see. It's been a long time coming.

[Brittles]

Its nice being a Murray, even though young Andra is no direct relation.

Andra being Scottish has nothing to do with it, Wimbledon - and Nedal - will always be his litmus test, and if he wins that he will win it for Britain. Nae' worries.
;D

[lala]

Agreed, CB, but Scotland's thorny relationship with tennis is proverbial. Monty Python based a whole episode of the Flying Circus around it - unique in the annals of python history, I believe.

[lala]

P.S. Re-reading the opening post, I note that the website's internal censor disapproved of Andy Rod-D-I-C-K. Priceless. Well meaning buffoonery like this forces us to think bad, dirty thoughts, trying to work out why it's 'bleeped' out part of an innocent word.

[Brittles]

Lala, the admin (presumably Foxy) can amend, modify, insert or delete any words they think fit.

So if Andy Rodthingy wants to make a request his name should revert back to R.o.d.d.i.c.k. but maybe he doesn't give a F.U.C.K.

[sushimo]

Andy Murray successfully defended his Qatar Open crown with a majestic straight-sets win over Andy Roddick.

The impressive Scot, showing no ill-effects from a back injury that saw him require treatment in his semi-final win over Roger Federer, triumphed 6-4 6-2.

YES!!!!

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/7821469.stm

[nicebutdim]

But will he ever win Wimbledon?

[Libby]

Great to see Andy Murray doing so well. Whether or not he is the best tennis player in the World is debatable however. Nevertheless a good victory for him.

[sushimo]

He's got the right mentality and game play to win it. Just down to the pressure he gets from the British media and crowds - they will be his worst enemies (sadly). But yes, I would put money on him achieving Wimbledon.

[Libby]

Fingers crossed he does, i think he could do it!

[nicebutdim]

Well so far he`s beaten all the contenders hasn`t he. Let`s hope he can stay focussed and injury free, eh.

[Libby]

Indeedy! Let's hope. Trouble is all it takes is one setback or injury and the entire tournament goes down the pan. It's all down to skill and a lot of luck on the day.

[lala]

Well done, the lad. I can't take all the credit, of course.