Australian Open, Melbourne
Men’s first round
A MURRAY (GB) * v J-W TSONGA (Fr)
5-7
Asterisk denotes server
“Murray needs to up the ante and be a bit more aggressive at the start of this second set.”
BBC Sport’s John Lloyd in Melbourne.
Murray 5-7 Tsonga
Some solid serving and that’s the first set done and dusted for Tsonga after an hour of play - at the moment he is well in control. Murray must be feeling as blue as the garish new Plexicushion courts at Melbourne Park. Still a long way to go though…
“Andy, I have not stayed up all night just to watch you play middle-of-the-court wimpish returns my little sister could make. You’re a Scot - pull it together.”
Dan, Exeter on text 81111
“Tsonga has got it spot on so far. He has done his homework on Murray and is making sure he has control of the rallies from the start.”
BBC Sport’s John Lloyd in Melbourne.
Murray 5-6 Tsonga
Oh dear - back to square one. Murray’s second serve is being eaten alive by Tsonga at the moment and a wild shot by the Scot gives the Frenchman two break points. An epic rally goes the way of the Frenchman and he will serve for the set once more.
Murray 5-5 Tsonga
Just what the doctor ordered - Murray’s best game of the match so far gives him that vital break back at the best possible time. Old Muzza gives a shout of joy - and, thousands of miles away, so do I.
“I’m not asleep yet but maybe I should try…I have an exam tomorrow! Are they playing on a swimming pool? Maybe I’m just tired.”
Faz, Bradford on text 81111
Murray 4-5 Tsonga
Even when Murray is serving he seems to retreat to a couple of feet behind the baseline - Tsonga in contrast is on the front foot trying to come forward - and attacking the ball. Only when he is facing a setpoint does Muzza venture forward and he recovers to hold out.
A close call but Tsonga will still serve for this first set.
Murray 3-5 Tsonga
If you didn’t know already, you should be aware that Tsonga has a big serve. A VERY big serve. No chance for Andy and the Frenchman is within a whisker of the first set.
“Should really be in bed by now, but Murray is just too good to miss. COME ON ANDY!!”
Mark, Nottingham on text 81111
“You get the feeling that Tsonga is going to have to work very hard to close out this set.”
BBC Sport’s John Lloyd in Melbourne.
“Murray has a totally different attitude now to how he was when he was coached by Brad Gilbert. There is still a long way to go in this match.”
BBC Sport’s John Lloyd in Melbourne.
Murray 3-4 Tsonga
Murray’s shot selection is still letting him down and he is inviting his opponent to hit him as hard as he likes. Hmmm, not a good idea when Tsonga is nicknamed ‘Ali’. It’s another battle for Murray to hold his serve but a wayward Tsonga forehand sees him do exactly that.
Murray 2-4 Tsonga
A scrappier game by Tsonga, who makes a couple of unforced errors for the first time, but he still has that big serve on his side and a first ace of the match restores his two-game advantage.
“Would a healthy crop of hair would help to shield Andy from the effects of the sun? Maybe its part of his Australian Open preparations”
Charlie, London on text 81111
Murray 2-3 Tsonga
Better from Murray, who has looked nervous in the early stages. His serve comes together at last and things are looking up.
He is on his own now as the only Brit in the singles draw. Jamie Baker went down, but not without a fight, losing 6-4 6-4 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 to Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic.
Murray 1-3 Tsonga
Another lengthy game - both players are battling for every point. Tsonga is coming to the net whenever possible and that tactic is working well because Murray just cannot get his lobs right - they are either too short or too long right now, and the end result sees the Frenchman hold serve.
Bad news for fellow Brit Jamie Baker by the way. He has lost in four sets to Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic. I will give you more details when I get them.
“Murray is looking like a mean Simon Amstell. The colour of the court is making my eyes water. 1000 words to go!”
Iain on text 81111
Iain had 3,000 words to write on ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ at the start of Serena Williams’ match - so at this rate he will be done by the end of Murray’s first set.
“Murray is not doing enough with his groundstrokes. You cannot hope Tsonga is going to miss - at the moment he is controlling all the rallies and you cannot afford to mess around with him.”
BBC Sport’s John Lloyd in Melbourne.
Murray 1-2 Tsonga
Another tough game for Murray and this time Tsonga takes his chances to break. Both players are mixing their shots up and showing some subtle touches - neither of them are just about slamming it from the baseline - but Tsonga has the edge so far.
Murray 1-1 Tsonga
Another edgy game and Murray is feeling the heat already - not surprising with that barnet of his. Having sported big hair myself at various times, I know it does not mix well with the sort of sunshine we are getting at the Rod Laver Arena. Tsonga holds to level the match.
The only other Brit in singles action in Melbourne, qualifier Jamie Baker, is doing us proud. He is trailing big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic but has just won the third set. Latest score is Karlovic is leading 6-4 6-4 6-7 (1-7) 2-0. I will give you updates when I get them.
“C’mon McMurray son.Title is yours!.”
Scotty on text 81111
Murray 1-0 Tsonga
Murray opens with an ace but the rest of the opening game is a lot edgier. Tsonga is producing some inspired shots but the Scot saves four break points and survives a nine-minute game to hold out. Phew!
Murray is not happy about the big screens at the Rod Laver Arena that mean he can see himself in action while he is playing the point. Might be a tad distracting that!
“I’m awake! Going on holiday tomorrow so no point going to bed! Amazing Jankovic game!”
Paul, from Southport on text 81111
0330: Here we go. Murray to serve first.
0325: News from the Vodafone Arena where third seed Jelena Jankovic has scraped through after a real ding-dong battle with 17-year-old Austrian Tamira Paszek. Paszek had three match points but Jankovic came through to edge an epic encounter 2-6 6-2 12-10. Phew!
0323: Murray loses the toss but Tsonga chooses to receive. The Frenchman is known for his big serve so it is a strange decision.
For those of you hungry for tennis action, you can also watch this match on BBC Two, while UK users can also see our super Scot in action on a stream on this website too.
“Tsonga needs to win three sets to beat Murray and I cannot see him doing that. He is dangerous but he will need to get a good start and players know now that Murray is tough to beat. This will be an interesting test for Murray and he may lose a set but I think he will get through.”
BBC Sport’s John Lloyd in Melbourne.
0322: Murray and Tsonga are introduced to the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena. There is a fair bit of support for Murray - that support could come in handy.
0320: It’s a beautiful day in Melbourne, and the Rod Laver Arena is bathed in brilliant sunshine. It is not so sunny in Shepherds Bush so I need some company - let me know your thoughts on the action by texting 81111 with the word TENNIS before your comment.
0310: Anyone for tennis? Congratulations if you have stayed awake this long - Andy Murray’s opening match of the Australian Open against unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is just minutes away.
Source: Live - Murray v Tsonga
