This just in…Andy Murray NOT a complete twat!

On Sunday, March 16. I found myself heading to the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California excited for many reasons, the last of which I thought would be Andy Murray’s match against Jurgen Melzer. Without the knowledge of what time players were scheduled, I entered the Indian Wells Tennis Garden unsure of who would set the tone for the day with the first match I was to witness.

While my better half was waiting fifteen minutes for a $6 espresso, I was intently looking at my program, planning each move of the day from court to court. Would I start off my day watching Kusnetsova on center court, that would be a waste of time. Perhaps I would go watch Tommy Robredo battle against an underated Nichoas Massu, that would surely be an intense match. As I began walking to this match, I noticed on the center court scoreboard that Andy Murray was playing against Jurgen Melzer, and he was losing 4-0 in the first set, I had to see this.

There were plenty of seats as we climbed to the center of the stands, slightly to the right of the net. I have always wanted to see Andy Murray live and there he was. The man who holds the weight of the United Kingdom on his back. The man who is so ugly, his mom outwardly expresses his grotesque features to the media. The man who has continuously been likened to Tim Henman, solely due to him being “British”. After watching several passionate rallies, it was quite apparent that, Andy Murray is not Tim Henman. Let me say that again so that all in the tennis world can understand this. ANDY MURRAY IS NOT TIM HENMAN.

I saw many things that surprised me in his two hour tennis match. Murray uses his racquet speed and quickness to paint the lines, pushing and pulling his opponent from side to side. His craftiness sets him apart from other players, quickly reacting to the situation and coming up with the only possible way to win a point. While not being a speed demon, his efficient footwork allows him to move around the court and be in position for even the most difficult shots. His power is deceiving and from any given spot on the court, he can hit an outright winner. All of these aspects make up a game that is unique and has the potential to be brilliant.

Andy Murray is a young superstar and it is time that the tennis world, especially the UK, recognizes and embraces it. After watching him grit and battle his way to victory against Jurgen Melzer, it is clear that he has what it takes. It’s true that Murray does not play with grace, nor would you ever see him applaud the other player when a well hit ball flies past him. He cares too much about winning. Murray is instilled with a fire and passion for the game and doesn’t care who he offends in order to accomplish the ultimate goal of becoming a champion. With this kind of spirit and attitude, who knows… maybe even Tim Henman would have won something.

Thanks to “Handsome” Chapin, a man who once arrogantly walked into the hostile surroundings of private member country club, and bravely destroyed an 80 year old co-worker at tennis…. for this lovely article. For another article, detailing why Andy Murray is conversely, a complete and utter twat, check this out: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/02/20/court_of_king_andy_cant_disgui.html