Andy Advances as Fish Retires

Andy is through to the quarterfinals of the Artois Championships, as Mardy Fish was forced to retire with an ankle injury after one set. Andy had been leading by one set 7-6(5) when Fish retired.

The match had promised lots with both players bringing some strong tennis to the court. Fish had the chance to get an early break at 2-2, when he created two break points at 15-40. Strong ground strokes and serving pulled Andy through that game though, and Andy immediately went on to have break point in Fish’s next service game. Fish who served well throughout the first set, trumped an ace to deny Andy. The game was not over though and it turned into the longest game of the set with several deuces. Andy was denied further opportunities to break, and Fish went on to hold for 3-3.

There were no more break points in the match as it rolled into a tie break. Here, Andy clinched an early mini break to lead 2-0. He did not relinquish this break and at 6-5 a strong forehand had Fish diving to the ground, leaving the court open to a backhand winner from Andy that sealed the set.

Unfortunately, the dive from Fish caused the ankle injury that lead to Fish’s retirement. Despite having the ankle heavily strapped, Fish was unable to continue.

Andy will now play the winner between Britain’s number one Andy Murray and Ernest Gulbis.