Normal service resumed Rusedski's power proves just too much for

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Nov 27, 2005 | by Natasha Woods

ANDY MURRAY'S habit of transforming a tennis match into a nerve- shattering drama continued last night as an exhibition game against Greg Rusedski turned into a war of attrition with the Scot struggling with his back, his rival nursing a calf injury and a ball girl in tears after being speared by a 120mph serve.

Sky Sports, which devoted a large chunk of its Saturday night schedule to the inaugural Aberdeen Cup between Scotland and England, would not have felt short-changed as Rusedski proved there was still life in the old dog with a 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) over the 18-year-old Scot.

This was no half-hearted exhibition. The 32-year-old emerged victorious, but only after a tiebreak provided the climax of a second set which had every twist and turn imaginable, including on- court treatment for both players and that unfortunate incident following one blistering serve from the Canadian-born star.

Murray must have been cursing himself at the end, for he was 4-0 up in the tiebreak and poised to take the match into a final set. But Britain's No2 showed cool experience to overcome his young rival, his massive serve proving a decisive weapon in the game's key moments.

"It's almost impossible to break Greg when he serves like that, " admitted Murray, who has rocketed up to 65 in the world rankings this year.

"I cannot do a lot differently than I did today. I need to get some more first serves in, but when your back is hurting that is not easy."

The teenager is a fan of boxing and a friend of Amir Khan, and this was a battle of wills which was akin to Rocky with rackets by its closing stages. The rising star of British tennis had looked down and out as Rusedski rushed to a 3-0 lead in the second set, having taken a tight first set after capitalising on Murray's one poor service game. Murray's discomfort was clear during this spell of the contest, for he repeatedly massaged the area of his back above his left hip. He revealed it was a nerve problem, but one which was being addressed with both physical work and physiotherapy.

However those who spotted his restricted movement and immediately started to pen more headlines about question marks over his fitness were then surprised to see the problem seemingly evaporate as Murray showed tremendous battling qualities to bring the set back to 6-6 and force a tiebreak.

The quickness of the court didn't suit Murray, but it did play right into the hands of his big serving rival, although Rusedski's difficulties with his ball toss ensured he peppered his game with double faults as well as aces.

But what a serve it remains.

It was a weapon which demanded respect.

For until the moment the main protagonists stepped on court, this felt exactly like what it was; a made-for-television special featuring pipers and pantomime patriotism to welcome home Murray after a season which saw him go stellar.

Only then Rusedski thundered down his first massive serve and Murray's face grimaced with determination.

And you knew it mattered.

Exhibition match or not, here was a major scalp to be had for a young Scot who has cut a swathe through the tennis world in 2005. Murray beat British No1 Tim Henman for the first time last month and last night he had a chance to beat another man ranked in the world's top 40 and a former Grand Slam finalist.

Tonight, when the Aberdeen Cup concludes, he will get another chance in a return match against Rusedski.

Asit stands England lead Scotland by two points to one-and-a- half with threeand-a-half points still to play for. Does it matter? Well Elena Baltacha, who had impressively put Scotland ahead before the top two took to the court, provided an insight into the mood in the home camp. "Everyone wants to win here, " said Britain's top female player. "I don't think they are taking it as seriously as a tournament, but everyone is trying to have fun and also perform."

It looked serious enough between Murray and Rusedski, but of course there remains an element of fluff and nonsense about this whole event;

this poor man's Davis Cup with Saltires ranged up against the Cross of St George.

Still the significance was there amid the screaming fans who ringed the court at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre and welcomed Murray like he was a heartthrob from the latest boyband.

Back in April, when Murray made his debut on the ATP Tour, it would have been inconceivable that seven months later a whole tournament could be built around his fame and popularity.

Buthereitwas, atGBP35a ticket and half that for concessions, the whole thing beamed nationwide. It was compelling last night. And there is more to come today.

TODAY'S PLAY

5pm A Murray and J Murray v D Sherwood and G Rusedski 6pm Scott Lister v Oliver Golding 7pm J Murray and E Baltacha v D Sherwood and K O'Brien 8pm G Rusedski vs A Murray For ticket information, call the Ticketline on 0870 272 6600.

Tickets are priced at GBP35 for adults and GBP17.50 for over 65s under 16s.