Filed under: Tennis, Wimbledon
It has earned him criticism from some quarters for being disrespectful, however Andy Murray's use of the 'hot-dog' shot is a symbol of the British No. 1's new-found confidence at Wimbledon this year.World No. 4 Murray booked his spot in the fourth round, where Richard Gasquet awaits, as the clocked neared 10pm on Friday evening with a 6-4 4-6 6-1 7-6 (4) triumph over Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic.
The highlight of his performance was an audacious between-the-legs 'hot dog' shot in the seventh game of the fourth set in response to a forehand from the Croatian clipping the net cord, prompting a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd.
It is a shot the fourth seed also successfully executed in his Queen's Club final victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga earlier this month - demonstrating the self-belief the Scot is playing with at present.
COMPETITION: Win a HEAD Tennis Racquet Signed By Andy Murray
Factor in the more relaxed mood Murray appears to be in both on and off the court at the All England Club and the fourth seed appears to be in the best shape he's ever been in as he heads into the second week at SW19.
Murray said: "It doesn't happen that often when you get yourself in that sort of position. I went for it and made it. I'm sure at some point I'm going to miss one and look silly."
The shot has been branded disrespectful by some critics, however former world No. 3 Ljubicic insisted he took no offence.
He grinned: "It's not like he slapped me or anything! His shot touched the net and then my shot touched the net. It happens. There was no other way for him to hit the ball except through the legs, and he made it. I'm sure the crowd enjoyed it."
Ljubicic's attitude should be applauded. After all, why should the crowd, who can pay a small fortune for SW19 tickets, not be treated to such shots of immense skill? Such tricks are the very shots they want to see.
Murray now finds himself in the last 16 for a fourth successive year but his toughest test yet awaits against 17th seed Gasquet, who was a two-set lead and a break down to triumph.
Murray said: "I thought it was an excellent match. I thought both of us played very well. The first game of the second set was a bad game but apart from that I thought it was a very high standard.
"I think I did a good job of keeping my energy high for most of the match. I played a very good third set. And I did well in the tie-break to stay focused and come through the fourth set.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/06/25/wimbledon-andy-murrays-hot-dog-shot-is-proof-of-his-new-found/
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