Features

So near yet so far for Murray

Author: John Harris
Date: 03/02/2010
Tennis betting

With the dust now settled on the Australian Open, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the so near yet so far title challenge of Britain's Andy Murray.

The ever-improving Scot waltzed his way through to the final where he met the masterly Roger Federer, but the 22-year-old fell flat when it mattered.

Murray smashed South African hope Kevin Anderson, losing just four games in the the three-set demolition before disposing of Marc Gicquel from France.

He saw another Frenchman off in round three, this time it was Florent Senna who was put to the sword, again in just three-sets.

Number 33 seed John Isner of United States was beaten before Murray's masterclass against world number two Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals.

Murray scorched his way to a two-set lead after winning 6-3, 7-6 and after holding a 3-0 lead in the third, the Spaniard retired with a long-standing knee injury for Murray to progress to the semis.

It was here he then dropped his first set of the tournament when Croatia's classy Marin Cilic threatened an upset, but Murray demonstrated his doggedness by taking the contest 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to set up a dream date with Federer.

However, it was Federer who claimed his 16th Grand Slam title by seeing off Britain's number one in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.

Can Andy Murray claim the Wimbledon title this year and end a 74-year wait for a British Grand Slam winner? - Latest Tennis Betting

Murray's near-miss has left tennis fans on home soil scratching their heads wondering if he can become the first Briton since Fred Perry to land a Grand Slam title.

Perry won the Wimbledon crown 74 years ago and although Murray has undoubted quality and time on his side, he needs to go and prove a point to his doubters and beat Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic and co in a Grand Slam final.

Murray, who is the second favourite behind Federer to land this year's Wimbledon prize, should come out of his disappointment bigger and stronger.

He has also received a glowing report from Manchester United football manager and fellow Scot, Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said: "Disappointment is something we all face but the important thing for him is to get over it.

"He has the determination to succeed the next time. Murray is only 22 and has achieved a lot in his career so far. He is a star who has got to major semi-finals and finals and everybody is talking about him."

Murray has the chance to get back to winning ways at the Open 13 in Marseille, France starting on February 15.

This will be part of his preparation as the online betting second favorite sets his sights on the bigger prize, the Wimbledon championship, which begins on 21 June.

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