The Murray vs Tsonga Match Up

Written by: Staff on 6th July 2012

The Murray vs Tsonga Match Up

epa03297811 Andy Murray of Britain returns to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during their semi final match of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 06 July 2012. EPA/GERRY PENNY |

All of Great Britain will be fixated on their #1 Andy Murray as he looks to make it to his first Wimbledon final against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Two years ago, Murray knocked out Tsonga in four sets after Tsonga apparently injured his knee. This time, Tsonga comes back playing some of the best tennis of his life. Andy has been a good problem solver this tournament so far, figuring out his opponents while coping with the immense pressure. The key to Murray’s success and the elation of his fans will be his ability to play like a rock from the baseline while using touch and change ups to keep Tsonga guessing. Tsonga will find success by playing “bigger” tennis than Murray – We all know he’s a showman and likes the big stages, but his serve and volley tactic coupled with booming forehands will be a difference maker.

Murray’s strength has always been his ability to handle pace, redirect it, and mix things up. Recently, he’s even been able to dish out some pace. Put all those things together and you almost have yourself a Roger Federer! But seriously, this combination works against Tsonga because Tsonga likes a rhythm, likes to take control of points and play straight up tennis while relying on his ridiculous athleticism. The more times Tsonga can pound down serves, blast forehands, and knock off sitter volleys, the better for him. This type of tennis frustrates Murray to no end because it takes Murray’s talent and skill for cat and mouse tennis out of the match. Murray can keep Tsonga off balance and away from this game plan by not allowing him to attack using his normal combinations; the more times Murray forces Tsonga to use up his acrobatic shots just to stay in points, the more he’ll be rewarded later in the match.

This match will definitely provide great entertainment for tennis fans everywhere. It will be interesting to see how each player handles the pressure – As Tsonga becomes the villain and Murray tries to carry the weight of an entire nation again.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Sports, Tennis News, Wimbledon Championships