Paris Masters

[Sir David Gray]

Andy Murray continued his excellent form by reaching the quarter finals of the Paris Masters for the second year in a row. He beat Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3 7-6 and will now play David Nalbandian for a place in the semi finals.

Murray is also a step closer to Novak Djokovic in 3rd place in the world rankings after he was knocked out today by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

[Hank Schrader]

Out of interest FH, and you know your stuff, has Murray ever beaten Nalbandian? Can't seem to remember him ever doing so. Nalbandian has been hot and cold in recent weeks and months, I fancy Murray in 3 sets.:agree:

[PC Stamp]

They've only played once before, Nalbandian taking a five setter in the quarter finals at Wimbledon in 2005.

[hibby19]

They've only played once before, Nalbandian taking a five setter in the quarter finals at Wimbledon in 2005.

Murray was 2 sets up in that match as well but sadly threw it away. It was most likely down to his fitness, or lack of, back then. He is a lot fitter now and is much more focussed, not to mention being on fantastic form at the moment. Should be a good match.

[Ivan Drago]

Murrays heading oot.

[Sir David Gray]

Andy Murray's hopes of becoming the first player to win three Masters titles in a row came to an end this afternoon after David Nalbandian beat him 7-6 6-3 in less than 2 hours.

If i'm being honest, the better man won. Murray looked distracted for most of the match and looked quite sluggish. His first serve also let him down.

It's been a wonderful year for Murray though and he has no reason to feel down. He has reached a career high of number four in the world, reached a Grand Slam final, won two Masters titles and beaten Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic for the first in his career and he has also easily booked his place in the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

It will be difficult for him to better his form over the past 12 months in 2009 but if he could get anywhere near the standards that he has set in 2008 then he really could get to the very top.

By the way, Roger Federer has pulled out of Paris with a back injury and his quarter final opponent, James Blake, has a bye into the semis.

[Sir David Gray]

Another big name has fallen in Paris.

Rafael Nadal had to retire in his match against Nikolay Davydenko. He was struggling during the entire first set with a leg injury and Davydenko took it 6-1 at which point Nadal decided to call it a day.

The latest semi final draw which is almost complete is now;

Nalbandian v Davydenko
Blake v Roddick/Tsonga

In terms of how things look for qualification for Shanghai, six players (Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray, Davydenko and Roddick) have all qualified which leaves two places up for grabs.

As it stands right now Juan Martin Del Potro and Gilles Simon are both going to Shanghai but they are both out of Paris and have to wait and see who wins the tournament before knowing if they will qualify.

Nalbandian and Tsonga both probably have to win in Paris to get a place at Shanghai, whereas Blake could probably make it if he gets to the final.

[LamontHFC©]

Bet that semi-final line up is a real let down for the French fans after Murray, Nadal and Federer were all set to go through in the last round. Oh well. :greengrin

[Sir David Gray]

David Nalbandian will play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final of the Paris Masters in what will be a straight play off match for qualification to the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

Nalbandian defeated Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 5-7 6-4, whilst Tsonga beat James Blake 6-4 6-3.

Those results mean that Juan Martin Del Potro has qualified as the seventh best player of 2008 and he joins already qualified Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray, Davydenko and Roddick at the showpiece event in China.

[Hank Schrader]

David Nalbandian will play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final of the Paris Masters in what will be a straight play off match for qualification to the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

Nalbandian defeated Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 5-7 6-4, whilst Tsonga beat James Blake 6-4 6-3.

Those results mean that Juan Martin Del Potro has qualified as the seventh best player of 2008 and he joins already qualified Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray, Davydenko and Roddick at the showpiece event in China.

I watched the Nalbandian v Davydenko match up till the first game of the second set. The way Davydenko started the match it looked as if those "match fixing" allegations were going to resurface, so unbelievably out of form he looked. He barely won a point in the first set!! He must have come back well though.