Flashy Young in steady Murray’s sights
BRITAIN’S Andy Murray is looking to make sure lightning does not strike twice when he renews hostilities with “flashy” American wild card Donald Young tonight.
Murray meets baseball-cap-and-earring-sporting Young in the last 16 of the US Open, eager to avoid a repeat of March’s shock defeat to the 22-year-old at Indian Wells.
That Masters event upset came during the Scot’s woeful slump in form following loss in the Australian Open final, and Murray is a revitalised force now. But he knows better than to underestimate Young, a former junior world No1 who has already claimed the high-profile scalps of Stan Wawrinka and Juan Ignacio Chela this year at Flushing Meadows.
Murray said: “He’s talented so he can hit winners from all parts of the court. That’s why he’s dangerous, he’s very flashy and gets on a roll when he’s playing well.” Murray’s straight-sets win over Spain’s 25th seed Feliciano Lopez in the third round late on Sunday night was his best performance of the competition. The world No4, still seeking a first grand slam title, looked rusty against Somdev Devvarman and then went two sets down before beating Robin Haase in round two.
Yet he approaches one of the ghosts of his early-season wilderness heartened now by a sense of momentum, if not any obvious thirst for retribution.
“It’s not so much revenge against Donald, it’s more for the situation I was in there and making sure I can move on from that. It’s a big match for me because of what happened earlier in the year,” Murray added.
“I think energy-wise I’ll be feeling good going into that one for, hopefully, a long second week.”
Flamboyant Donald, ranked 84 in the world, has been compared to Andre Agassi for his colourful attire and penchant for jewellery.
“As far as style, I like to play with style,” he says. “I don’t like to be boring. I like colours. I like to wear flashy things if I’m feeling good.”