A new Murray?

Last night in his first round match inside Hisense Arena, Andy Murray appeared to be a completely different man. When Murray went down a break to the teen American Ryan Harrison, I waited for the headshaking and pouting to begin. Then when Murray went down a second break, I waited for the headshaking, cursing, and racquet abuse. Most tennis fans wonder whether Murray has the patience to deal with any coach, better yet a strong-willed coach in Ivan Lendl. One match into the 2012 Australian Open, and spectators can already notice a change in Murray’s demeanor on the court. I found it crazy not seeing Murray scream at the top of his lungs when he missed an easy forehand into the bottom of the net.

            On court, Murray did what he has always done, which is grind out every point, counterpunch and defend and ware down the opponent. This was a big test for Murray. Not only was it the opening round of a Slam with a new coach, it was scorching on the court. Murray was also taking on Harrison whom he never had played before, or even hit with.

            The American came out on fire hitting his backhand all over the court for winners compared to the normal Harrison we are use to seeing by pushing his backhand right to the middle of the court and going from offense straight to defense.

            Harrison was able to take the first set pretty easily, and I thought he could keep going strong in the match. Murray never showed negative emotion, and as a result won the match in 4 sets which is key if he wants to keep having great results. If his emotions are in check and he is always positive that could be the biggest improvement to his game. Murray stayed patient when he was down, instead of pulling the trigger and releasing all of his emotions.

The Coach of Andy Murray, Ivan Lendl

            Tomorrow when Andy Murray takes the court again, pay attention to his body language over the course of the match and see if you notice something different. If Murray develops his demeanor into something similar to Roger Federer on court, you might see him in more tournament championships.