Tim Smyczek puts in good effort, but it is world No. 4 Andy Murray who advances to Farmers Classic quarterfinals
Top-seed Andy Murray sets up to strike a forehand against the American qualifier Tim Smyczek. Murray defeated Smyczek in three sets, winning 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.
By Daniel Khayat
July 29, 2010 11:18 p.m.
World No. 4 Andy Murray was expected to coast through his second-round match at the Farmers Classic on Thursday night. What he got, however, was a run for his money that no one could have predicted.
Murray outlasted Tim Smyczek in a hard-fought, three-set battle, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, though it was substantially closer than the line would suggest.
“We grew up in juniors together, so I’ve seen him a few times, and I was expecting a tough match,” Murray said after the match.
Smyczek’s athletic style of play and his deadly drop shot seemed to unnerve Murray, the tournament’s top-seeded player, at numerous times throughout the night, but the Brit’s powerful serving and solid play kept him afloat and eventually allowed him to come out on top.
Smyczek’s biggest asset was the support of the fans at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. He won them over almost immediately with his limitless grit and determination along with his acrobatic backhands and smooth all-around game. The crowd cheered every point the Milwaukee native won and groaned after each missed opportunity.
The first set, which Murray won 6-1, may look like a landslide on paper, but in actuality, Smyczek gave Murray all he could handle, making him work for nearly every point.
The second set was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. It featured a marathon third game that saw Murray and Smyczek play out several deuces and ended with the American receiving a large ovation for winning the match. The game also included Smyczek’s most impressive shot of the match, an inch-perfect drop shot that countered Murray’s own and left the Scotsman stunned. Smyczek would win the set 6-4.
But after Murray took a 2-1 third set lead, he unleashed some magic of his own. As Smyczek fired a forehand to the middle of the court, the two players converged at the net, exchanging a series of three straight volleys that ended with Murray rocketing a passing shot right by Smyczek to take a 3-1 third set lead and all but seal his victory.
Murray will face Colombian Alejandro Falla in the quarterfinals Friday night. Falla upset No. 5 seed Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in his second-round match on Thursday.
Even though he did not emerge victorious, Smyczek caught the attention of all in attendance and made his name known. During his interview on the LATC’s public address system, Smyczek was asked about his thoughts on his performance.
“It was definitely a thrill,” Smyczek said. “It was a little overwhelming to go up against the No. 4 guy in the world, but I thought I gave him a match.”
The rest of his response was drowned out in a sea of applause as the fans sounded their appreciation for his effort.
Thursday’s results
Feliciano Lopez (Spain) def. Dudi Sela (Israel), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4
Alejandro Falla (Colombia) def. Ernests Gulbis (Latvia), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-8)
James Blake (USA) def. Benjamin Becker (Germany), 7-5, 7-6 (7-5)
Ross Hutchins (Great Britain) / Jordan Kerr (Australia) def. Feliciano Lopez (Spain) / Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia), 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5)
Bob Bryan (USA) / Mike Bryan (USA) def. Ernests Gulbis (Latvia) / Dmitry Tursunov (Russia) 7-5, 6-3
