Lendl's Tricky Tactics

After this years Wimbledon there has been a big change in Murray's tactical aproach to the game. I think it can be attributed to Lendl's influence. Back in the day Andy had a very definite view about the tactic of hitting a ball directly at a player whilst at the net. This video shows Murray's shocked and angry response after Del Potro tried this tactic on him. It shows him vehemently complaining to the umpire asking "Did you see him hit a ball at me? Do you think that was funny?" It then decends into the closest thing you can get to a fist fight on the tennis court.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muM-UQc_Tnk

Fast forward a few years and Murray has now teamed up with Lendl who in some circles is more famous for trying to take a player out at the net than he is for winning slams (how many did he win?...). This has resulted in a dramatic change in Murray's views on the tactic as shown in his semi final at Wimbledon with Tsonga were Murray aimed and successfully hit him where it hurts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg5iNJRv-A4&feature=related

Poor Tsonga! But this time it did get a few laughs (but hopefully not from the umpire). But no one would have expected Murray to try anything like this on Roger? Well maybe Roger was a little worried...

Checking everything for the final. After seeing what Andrew did to Willy's Tsongas this GOAT is taking precautions pic.twitter.com/glTVtxy6

http://twitter.com/PseudoFed

What a shock that Murray did try and hit the great Federer! He was perhaps aiming at the head or maybe even the hair. What Murray didn't count on is how quick Federer's reactions are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4hggudH15c

Of course he wouldn't be able to hit HIM. However until then Federer's play was appalling as he hit 16 unforced errors in that first set. But maybe this attempted hit woke Federer up? So this is where I think Lendl's advice to Murray will not work. It's ok trying it against lower ranked players but against the top three it isn't a good idea to try and ruffle their hair. They may get mad and play better.

Also I would Imagine it might be a bit more difficult at other tournaments for Andy now he has let it be known that he approves of this tactic. I believe Del Potro can hit the ball quite hard. Also Karlavic... and he could still do some damage even if called out for foot faulting.

hawkeye wrote:... This has resulted in a dramatic change in Murray's views on the tactic as shown in his semi final at Wimbledon with Tsonga were Murray aimed and successfully hit him where it hurts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg5iNJRv-A4&feature=related

Poor Tsonga! ...

Poor Wwilly