Murray Wins in Paris

Andy Murray won the Paris Master, beating John Isner in three sets.  The victory was expected for the new world number one.  However, Isner’s performance had some interesting features to it.  First, he beat Jack sock on the way to the final and resumed his position as the highest ranked American man.  He also was able to crack the top 20, sparing American tennis fans the ignominy of having no male players in the top 20.  In several of his matches here, including the final, Isner came to the net quite often, and displayed a deft touch on short-hopped balls as well as some good volleying.  Given the limitations to his baseline game imposed upon him by his huge body, and, given his terrific serve, the serve-and-volley approach looks like a good one for him.  Another factory that favors this tactic is Isner’s age.  He is now 31 years old, and not quite as well suited as he once was to protracted baseline rallies.  A very good year end performance for John.

London is next up and should be quite interesting.