Round Two For Andy In Memphis

‘Walking in Memphis’may be the theme song for the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships as several top players were sent walking Tuesday. While James Blake, Max Mirnyi and Robby Ginepri all took early exits, Andy held off an upset and defeated fellow American Mardy Fish in a thrilling three sets, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6.

It is no secret that Mardy Fish and Andy have quite a history. You’d be hard pressed to find a true Andy fan who didn’t know that they are former high school basketball teammates, housemates, Davis cup teammates, road trip pals and as of late internet poker junkies. Obviously the two have shared some memories over the years. Although tonight’s meeting did not end in either Andy or Mardy running down a freeway in their boxers (which has happened), it was equally as exciting for the tennis fans at center court.

The first set opened with each holding their serve, until Andy converted his first break point only 15 minutes into the match for a 4-2 lead. With a strong 83 first serve percentage, Andy held on to stretch his advantage to 5-2. In a commanding push Andy challenged Mardy in the eighth game, but Mardy was able to save two set points. Fish returned with force earning three break opportunities, but Andy found comfort in his prime weapon and served out the set 6-3.

Undeterred by the first set and showing little weakness form his former injuries, Mardy stepped up significantly in the second. Mardy earned repeated opportunities to break, but Andy resiliently defended two crucial break points and held to 4 all. In the second set Andy’s first serve weakened slightly allowing Mardy to vigorously challenge the second serve. Andy held his ground sending the second set in to tie-break. Both Andy and Mardy taunted each other with mini breaks early on. After Mardy surged to a 6-4 lead, Andy was able to save the first set point, but Mardy capitalized on the second set point, leveling the match at a set a piece.

Andy opened the third set on his serve with a needed hold. After spending most of the second set on the defense, Andy regained momentum in the third and had two break point opportunities. Mardy made it clear they were not playing on the same team tonight, denying Andy the break. Without losing concentration Andy held for a 3-2 lead. The set unfolded routinely on serve until a suspenseful 10th game. In a back and forth deuce game, Andy fought off Mardy’s first four chances to level the set on serve. Eventually Mardy took the fifth game point and evened the match at 5 all. To the delight of the fans, both held serve to send the third set to a final tie-break. Andy took a mini break early and held for a 3-0 lead. Not leaving anything to chance, he stretched the gap to 5-0. Mardy struggled on his serve and gave up a crucial point, giving Andy 5 match points. Andy saw his opportunity on the third, clinching the match, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6.

Check back for all the latest news on Andy’s visit to Memphis. Go Andy!