TENNIS in DEPTH.

Andy Murray, the great Brit hope, answered his critics in the quarter final game against Nadal with an aggressive style performance that he has never shown before. From the very first point Murray’s game plan was evident, and he carried the plan out to perfection. Murray’s defensive skills, his speed around the court and his mental prowess are all key components of his game, but his lack of offense has had even his most loyal fans critical of his play especially when he loses. But today he showed that he is quite capable of being offensive minded, and his execution was devastating. The backhand crosscourt and service were two shots that kept Nadal deep behind the baseline allowing Murray to dictate the tempo of the match.

Ahead by two sets 6-3, 7-6, and 3-0 in the third and on his way to victory, Murray’s penetrating strokes caused Nadal to pull up short with a recurrence of his knee problem. After a time out, he nodded at his coach in the stand, and went to congratulate Murray on the win.

How serious is the injury? Is Nadal’s future in doubt? Only time and an examination will answer those questions. Everyone is hoping that he has merely tweaked his knee, and that he will be back in a week or so.

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