Murray Advances to Play Djokovic for a Shot at Olympic Medal
August 2, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Andy Murray of Great Britain defeated Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-4, 6-1 to secure a spot in the Olympic semifinals. Next up for Murray is former world number one-ranked Novak Djokovic for a shot at a gold, silver or bronze. Murray took the match in only 59 minutes. In the opener, Murray broke to love for a 3-2 lead against Almagro. Murray was full of confidence on Centre Court as he bent a shot around the outside of the net to hit a winner on Almagro’s side. In the first set alone, the Scott had nine aces.
“It’s great, that was the goal coming into the tournament,” said Murray on the chance for winning an Olympic medal. “It’s nice to get the opportunity. It makes a big difference to play in front of a home crowd. It does add a little bit of extra pressure, but it helps raise your game.”
During the changeover, Almagro called for treatment on his right shoulder. It still was bothering him when Murray broke to love in the second set. Almagro’s frustration began to show when he punched his racquet out of his hand following another break from Murray with a forehand cross-court winner.
