Wimbledon 2011 Day 1: Gimeno-Traver v Murray

There was a pretty good atmosphere for this – the crowd was back (especially given that it was raining pretty heavily and there had been an announcement that for health and safety, the big TV on the hill was not going to be used… it did seem a shame although as the match progressed and as all the Pimmsy debenture holders toddled home) people were coming in with resale tickets.

Things started strongly with both players holding their serves, While Daniel (because I am NOT writing that out surname every time!) had a couple of long service games, it was clear he was going to be no pushover. Andy had his chanced to break Daniel, but was held off.
Andy came out swinging very well, and looked very confident in his shots in the early stages, and with solid holds on his serve.





However, trouble was just around the corner and what seemed to be a lapse of concentration saw Daniel take the initiative and the break! A lob that went long gave Daniel the first set.
Cue lots of twitter angst!







Again, Andy had his chances to break in the second game of the set but didn’t take them. Things continued with serve, and it looked to me like Andy was beginning to play a little more aggressively and he FINALLY converted BPs to lead 5-3, serving out to take the second set.



Nerves settling around the court, who knew that what would follow next was a complete unraveling of Daniel’s game, after a long and tortuous game in the third game. Andy managed to break with a passing shot, although he still seemed to be relying more on wearing Daniel down and waiting for the mistakes.
Thanks to a FF/DF combo, Andy led 3-0. That seemed to be the turning point in the match, because Daniel just seemed to have no answers anymore with Andy taking the third set with an ace and a bagel, to boot!



The fourth set started with a repeat of the third – Andy breaking Daniel right at the start and from that point on, it really was just returning practice for Andy.
A second bagel, a 4-setter to start his campaign and it had to be said, in that last game, Daniel just had given up completely and looked like he wanted off the court!











Walked back to the bus followed by the match umpire, Pascal Maria, who autographed my programme for me!

Home at 10pm – 12 hour stint at the tennis… and more for Day 2!