BBC Sporttennis

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 12:29 GMT, Wednesday, 10 November 2010

Andy Murray v David Nalbandian as it happened

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times BST)

To get involved, please use Twitter,606 or text us your views & comments on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide). (Not all contributions can be used. Messages will be charged at standard operator rate)

By Mark Ashenden

1500: That's all folks. Get back to work. Expect the paws of Piers Newbery to return for Murray tomorrow. Thanks for all your comments. Nice. See you soon. Night.

More Murray words. After injuring his right wrist towards the end of the match he says: "I hit the half-volley and because of my tighter strings I felt a sharp pain. I got a bit scared when I felt something but at the end of the match I felt ok. We'll just have to wait and see when I cool down in a bit." And on playing Marin Cilic in the next round: "If he serves well it will be very difficult and I will need to get off to a better start."

1456: A sweaty Andy Murray comes off court and reveals a few thoughts. "It was very difficult. I had to change my game and I played serve and volley for the whole of the second set. He was moving me around everywhere and I couldn't hit it from the back of the court. I sent my racquet back to the stringer and I got them back just in time (He had his strings tightened) I played a lot better then. I think I served and volleyed really well today. On a surface like this it works so well. At the beginning of the second set I had to start getting some free shots and I think I threw his rhythm off."
Murray on his injury coming right up.

1450: I'm just going to stick around for some Andy Murray chat on TV. Will be interesting to see how he's feeling - especially with the end-of-season ATP World Tour Finals in London later this month.

1447: The ATP trainer reveals to the Sky commentary team that Murray "just pinched something in the wrist", so it's not as gloomy as originally thought. Phew.

1443: So Murray comes through. A dodgy start. He changed his tactics or rather woke up. He basically started to come into the net a little more and Nalbandian started to make more mistakes. And a great battle at the end considering the wobble with the wrist injury. Who's up next? 13th seed Marin Cilic for a place in the quarter-finals.

Murray 2-6 6-4 6-3 Nalbandian
Murray's serve does not let him down and he races into a 30-0 lead. Another corker and it's three match points. He pushes Nalbo wide and Murray storms into the net and smashes the ball away at the net. What better way to celebrate a Murray win than whacking on Blue Monday by New Order? Brilliant all round. Although it's not my favourite New Order track. Great fight back from the Muzz.

Murray* 2-6 6-4 5-3 Nalbandian
Nalbo dishes up a big serve with the new balls but then plops one into the net. Big cheers and claps from the Parisians (assuming that's where they are from) as Murray takes the first three points. Nalbo's serve has deserted him at a very bad time. Three break points. The match is decided right NOW. Two points saved though as Nalbo nervously plants one into the corner. 30-40. A whole feast of backhand slice from both before Nalbandian plants one too low. The crucial break.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 6-4 4-3 *Nalbandian
17 aces and a fourth double fault. Talk about a mixed bag. Nalbo edges ahead 15-30 though with a cute dropshot at the net. Murray is still firing down some service crackers and he hangs on - even with a big second serve when needed.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 2-6 6-4 3-3 Nalbandian
Murray loses the first point that was straight out of an exhibition match. Three times he returns a big smash from the back and gets further and further away from the baseline. Nalbo finally gets it. Maybe the Argentine is feeling sorry for his opponent? Murray plays two massive returns but the second one finds the net. It's level again. Momentum has swung back towards the man with the hair.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 6-4 3-2 *Nalbandian
Murray survives the first two points as he stretches his fingers inbetween points. He gets it to 30-15. Let's hope this game is not decided with an early withdrawal. Maybe it was all part of the plan. No problems with his serve and he wins the game. Nalbo will be no doubt charging down with some firecrackers in a bit.
* denotes NEXT to serve

1425: Worrying signs for Murray. Possible injury. He's asked if his right wrist is OK and he answers: "I hope so." That means not really. Slow handclaps from the crowd but that will leave Nalbandian with a sense of rejuvenation as he strolls off for a loo break. "There's sharp pain down there" he tells the trainer. Replays show it was a result of a forehand half-volley from the back of the court in that last game. Big winces from the Scot. Time for a cheeky electronic version of a track by The x-x.

Murray* 2-6 6-4 2-2 Nalbandian
Nalbandian plays another bad one into the net and it's 30-30. Tense and crucial times for the Argentine. Murray comes forward on a second serve but Nalbo spots it and serves a clever one long leaving Murray to send it wide. Game.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Twitter
alexwillisACE on Twitter: "Incidentally, Andy Murray has won 5, lost 5 in best-of-three set matches that went to 3 sets this year. A 6th win please?"
Good stats. Thank you.

Murray 2-6 6-4 2-1 *Nalbandian
A slight wobble at the start from Muzz and Nalbandian takes the first point to give him some much-needed hope. It's then 0-30 as Nalbo recovers from a delicate Murray dropshot and the Argentine swipes cross-court brilliantly. That will give him a massive boost. Muzz digs deep with his service weapon and it's 30-30. A great rally from the baseline and Nalbo hits the net again needlessly. A tired looking shot. Murray hangs on.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 2-6 6-4 1-1 Nalbandian
Murray wins the 16th point in the last 19 as he takes the first point against Nalbo's serve. Nalbo soon leads 30-15 though and then has quite a lengthy conversation about a 'let' call with the umpire (who's dressed like a waiter by the way - dark suit and open neck white shirt). Not the sort of class you'd expect in a place like Paris. Nalbo gets lucky with a ball dribble over the tape and he's 40-15 up. Murray roars back though and it's time for more DEUCE. Nalbo battles his way through though. Just.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 6-4 1-0 *Nalbandian
Nalbandian is struggling slightly and he plays a bad one into the net to hand Murray the opening game. OK - here we go. I hereby declare that this match has turned around. Official.
* denotes NEXT to serve

1402: A toilet break for Murray. A quick breather and the players are soon set for the decider. Top stuff. Thanks Andy. If only there was a service that could provide toilet breaks for live text commentators. Here we go then. Who's your pomme frites on for taking this match then?

Someone is having a tantrum
Murray* 2-6 6-4 Nalbandian
That is the finest point so far in the match for me. Should be worth more than one point. How about Strictly Come dancing style judges score each point and decide what each point should be worth? nahh rubbish idea. Sorry - what a waste of letters that was. Back to the game. Murray uses every shot in the book including drop shots, lobs, cross-court shots and my favourite - the super-low backhand slice. Two of them in fact. It's 0-30 and Murray is sniffing a break and the set. Nalbo plays the ball into the net and it's Murray's first break points. That's pressure for you. Can he do it? Nalbo plays an easy one long and WALLOP - it's the set for Murray and Nalbandian slams his racquet down on to the floor. Great stuff from Murray. Raising his game and striking at the right moment.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 5-4 *Nalbandian
Murray leads 15-0 and then Nalbo lobs him. It looks a corker as it lands on the line - or does it? Murray challenges but replays show it kissed the back of the baseline. That squeaky-bum just squeaked a little louder. And then an ace gives Muzz the game. A break in a few minutes would do nicely for the Brit. Nalbo not showing too many weaknesses so far though.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 2-6 4-4 Nalbandian
A massive forehand lands straight at Nalbo's feet and he plays it long. 15-15. Murray's energy levels have risen 22%. I know because I just got out my energy level reading machine. It's 40-15 and Nalbo serves one that skips wide to Murray's forehand and as the Scot bounces back into court the Argentine wrong-foots him. Lovely stuff. It's the squeaky-bum tennis 4-4 time. How's this going to go?
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 4-3 *Nalbandian
Murray looking much stronger and brighter at the net and he goes 40-0 up. An ace gives him the game. The momentum has definitely changed. I can sniff it. If he bags a service break now then I will officially announce the Muzz comeback has commenced.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 2-6 3-3 Nalbandian
Nalbandian leads 30-0 up but he takes his eye off the ball and plants one below the tape. If he loses this game he will not be a happy boy. I can't stress enough that he's really got bad hair. Maybe it's just the hairband that's not helping. Sorry to mention it twice but there's no excuse! He levels the match though. His serve is solid. Murray has won just two of 23 points on Nalbo's serve. Astonishing stat.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 3-2 *Nalbandian
Murray again comes into the net on the first point but he's passed easily. Smash goes the racquet. Grumpy times for now. He's 0-30 down but his serve gets him back in it and then it's 30-30 after quick and strong wrists at the net. A few signs of a recovery. Nalbandian plays one wide and it's game over as Murray shows some slight signs of improvement. Reckon he will come back?
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 2-6 2-2 Nalbandian
A sweet sweet forehand half-volley sends Murray running the width of the court but it's all to no avail for Murray. Nalbo looks sharper than the kitchen knife I used to make my sandwiches this morning. Murray comes into the net and has his opponent struggling for once. The camera closes in on Murray and he's coughing and spluttering into his hand like an 83-year-old man. Has he picked up some dreaded bug in Paris I ask myself? Nalbo squeezes through to get it level again.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 2-1 *Nalbandian
Murray remains in a good gear (higher than the first set anyway) and serves up a few treats. He leads 40-0 and then sends a regulation forehand long and wide. Sloppy. But another ace and he keeps his nose in front.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 2-6 1-1 Nalbandian
The comeback is put on hold as Nalbandian keeps his cool and plays a very steady service game. Murray still scrabbling about - he just seems a bit slow reading the baseline returns.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-6 1-0 *Nalbandian
Murray has officially woken up and he's got the concrete out of his trainers with three serve and volleys. It works like a dream as well and he holds serve.
* denotes NEXT to serve



Text in your views on 81111
Anon because at work!, via text 81111: "I can see Davey coming away with a win here. I know Murray beat him a few months ago but I've got a feeling about this one"
Some of you have texted in worrying your texts haven't reached me - especially those in Guernsey. Don't worry. I've got them. Keep up the good work. How are those beautiful Channel Islands? My mum and dad had their honeymoon on Guernsey about 123 years ago. Happy memories they tell me.

Murray* 2-6 Nalbandian
Nalbo looks comfortable and opens up a 30-0 lead. Again he comes to the net and Murray is nowhere as he scampers along the baseline before planting his return into the net. Wallop. An ace gives Nalbandian the first set in 33 minutes. Easy.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 2-5 *Nalbandian
Murray holds on for now with a standard serve hold. What would you be saying to Murray at the end of this set to turn this around?
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 1-5 Nalbandian
Easy-peeezy. One game from the opening set. The commentators are calling Murray 'pedestrian'. I think that's an insult to pedestrians to be honest. He's struggling and looks like a man who's playing with a plate load of chips (or frites) inside of him.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 1-4 *Nalbandian
Nalbandian is flying. Murray is also flying but only flying around the court chasing shadows right now. Nalbo is the one really asking the questions by coming into the net and just pushing Murray to all corners of the court. The one time Muzz makes a rare advance to the net and Nalbo has a cheeky lob up his sleeve. It's another break for the Argentine and all pretty comfortable for him.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Text in your views on 81111
Lee in Switzerland, via text 81111: "yes! A big fat cheque, which is what Andy will be sticking in his back pocket after the final win against Federer!"
I like it a lot. See comment above 1244 for origins of this ridiculous punter challenge.

Murray* 1-3 Nalbandian
Best winner of the match so far and it comes from Murray's racquet. A cracking cross-court pass and he soon goes 30-15 up. Murray's not quiet settled yet though and he goes long to give Nalbo a chance to stride on. The Argentine comes into the net and has a simple back-hand smash but he blows it wide. Deucey time. Nalbo comes through as the pace of the game slightly quickens.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 1-2 *Nalbandian
Murray stuttering somewhat but a pair of large serves get him out of trouble and it's 30-30. Nalbo wearing a headband today and he looks like Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits that is - but it's not a great look it has to be said). But he's the one playing the tennis so far. Nalbandian mixes it up from the back and he gets the first break.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray* 1-1 Nalbandian
Don't really need to say too much about that game. A hatful of big serves. And that's that. I'll save my fingers for the longer more interesting games. What are you all doing today then?
* denotes NEXT to serve

Murray 1-0 *Nalbandian
Nalbo takes the opening point with an easy smash at the net. Murray in his peacock blue shirt. Nalbandian in a super-scarlet shirt. Bit like Man City lining up against Man United for all you football fans out there. A scrappy start and it goes to 30-30 with Nalbo going long. No real rallies yet. The court is a pleasant shade of green - reminds me of subbuteo pitches if that means anything to anybody. Big Murray serve takes it to deuce and an ace gives him the advantage and then BOOM - another ace and Murray wins the game.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Twitter
jonnyboy613 on Twitter: "straight sets for Muzza today I feel Mark, Nalbandian has not been at his best dropping a set to an out of sorts Cilic"
Interesting. PLUS I've had my first EQUE word. And it's BARBEQUE. Nice effort. Here we go. Murray to serve.

Twitter
jambags38 on Twitter: "Perfect timing as I start my lunch hour! C'mon Andy/Andrew/Murray/Muzz/Muzza/A-Muzz!"

1250: Big noisy welcome to the two players. Lights. Pumping tunes. Seems to be the way forward for many sports trying to sex it all up. Boxing. Snooker. Twenty20. Tennis. Imagine the players coming out to music at Wimbledon. Go on. Imagine it. That would go down well wouldn't it? Two minutes from starting in Paris.

Twitter
Andy Murray on Twitter: "My physio AI just asked the driver "what is the difference between a discotheque and a bibliotheque?" Clueless"
Murray loves his tweeting and this was a tweet from Monday. Can anybody think of any other words with -EQUE on the end?

1244: A bit of background some of you probably already know. Nalbandian plummeted to number 161 in the rankings this year having missed six consecutive Grand Slam tournaments with injury. He's since made round three of the US Open and is back at number 25. A bit of a battler this boy. Murray is world number four and seeded three this week. The winner plays Marin Cilic who earlier beat Sergiy Stakhovsky in three sets. Should be like a stroll in a Parisian park for the Scot right?

1241: I want your thoughts. Tweet me @bbcsport_mark, text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide) with TENNIS before your message, or join the banter on 606.

1239: The Murray v Nalbandian head-to-head reads like a footie score with the Argentine 2-1 up but Muzz won the last one when he beat him for the first time this year in Toronto. But cast your mind back five years and you may recall Nalbo coming back from two sets down to win in Murray's first match on Wimbledon's Centre Court. How do you see it going today folks?

1236: I may be in London but my eyes and ears are telling me the players are wielding their stringed weapons in France. It's the Paris Masters and Murray is playing David Nalbandian in round two. Murray received a first-round bye and is in action fresh from winning the Valencia Masters doubles tournament with his brother. Jamie even skipped his honeymoon to play in that. Nice one.

1231: Afternoon. Anyone up for a drizzle of tennis? It's only the mighty Muzz in action. Or rather Andrew Murray if that nickname easily offends. Who's in?



Print Sponsor


see also
Murray beats Nalbandian in Paris
10 Nov 10 |  Tennis
Murray happy with Paris surface
09 Nov 10 |  Tennis
Murray brothers seize first title
07 Nov 10 |  Tennis
Federer backs six-week ATP break
09 Nov 10 |  Tennis
Nadal confident of making London
08 Nov 10 |  Tennis


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites