Murray vs Isner: Murray’s craft to see him reach US Open semi finals
Published:Andy Murray has looked nowhere near his best at the US Open this year, but his variation should prove too much for John Isner in the quarter finals at Flushing Meadows.
Murray started the Grand Slam slowly when needing five sets to beat Robin Haase, but was much improved when brushing aside Donald Young in straight sets in the fourth round.
He also comfortably beat Isner without dropping a set at the 2010 Australian Open and although the American should improve on his performance in this loss, reaching the semi finals of his home Grand Slam looks beyond him.
Isner will be overjoyed at reaching his first Grand Slam quarter final and is perhaps in the best form of his life ahead of facing Murray, winning his last nine matches.
However, Isner is a little one dimensional and predictable, heavily relying on his big booming serve and powerful forehand to win points.
He has so far sent down the most aces in the US Open this year.
Murray is considered one of the best returners in the game and should have the craft to take Isner out of his comfort zone.
If he can get the American running around the court, he should comfortably advance.
It is 1/6 in the US Open tennis odds that Murray beats Isner, with the American 4/1 to send the home fans into a frenzy by progressing to the last four.
Six of Isner’s 14 sets at the US Open this year have gone to a tie break and there is no reason to doubt that at least one of his sets against Murray will do the same.
The 4/7 that there is a tie break in the match is arguably the best bet on offer, although 12/5 looks good value that Murray wins 3-1.
