Andy Murray’s struggle to find his feet in the 2011 season continued as the Scot was blown off the court, 6-4, 6-2, by an inspired Thomaz Bellucci today in Madrid. Originally scheduled to be contested elsewhere, the match was relocated to Manolo Santana Stadium after Juan Martin del Potro withdrew from his match against Rafael Nadal with a hip injury. Judging by the tepid crowd response and the bored looks of the many Atletico Madrid football players in the stands, the British and Brazilian No. 1s were not an adequate substitute.
However, Bellucci gave the crowd plenty to be excited about. It’s been almost 10 years since Gustavo Kuerten won his last Roland Garros title, and Bellucci—now coached by Larri Passos, Guga’s former coach—has struggled with the expectations of his home nation in the past. That feeling may be no stranger to Murray, but in this, their first meeting, Murray was taken by surprise. Bellucci has a huge left-handed forehand which he used to devastating effect in this match, cracking at least sixteen clean winners off that side. What surprised Murray were Bellucci’s aggressive returns, which neutralized his first serve more often than not, and his eagerness to move forward and attack at the net.
Bellucci’s game is all about spin, shape and work on the ball, coupled with power. What has let him down in the past has been his temperament, suggesting that he was the kind of opponent Murray should relish playing, but once Murray had failed to capitalize on three break point chances, the Brazilian got the bit between his teeth and edged out a tough first set. Murray’s forehand was a culprit, failing to stand up to the pressure. From there, Bellucci bloomed in confidence, setting up his stall in front of the baseline and dominating the court, even serve-and-volleying at one heady moment.
Without wishing to take away any credit from Bellucci for coming up with a performance that few could have seen coming, Murray needed to step out his comfort zone, to take risks and jog the Brazilian out of his groove. He didn’t. It was especially egregious that he failed to use his solid backhand to take time away from Bellucci and his deep backswings. But this was a halcyon day and well-deserved win for Bellucci, half a year Murray’s junior, for his fourth and biggest quarterfinal of the year. He took advantage of conditions which benefited his power game and earned his first win over a Top 5 player—the first for any Brazilian since Kuerten’s victory over Roger Federer in 2004. It can only help his confidence. Murray, though, is going on to Rome and back to the drawing board, once again.
—Hannah Wilks