Google News Paul Annacone explains what Andy Murray needs to do after his latest loss
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3031
Former American tennis player Paul Annacone suggests Andy Murray needs to make some adjustments that would help him adapt to the players with the modern style of play. On Thursday, Murray suffered a straight-set defeat to Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Auger-Aliassime, one of the most promising players on the Tour, handed a 6-3 6-4 loss to three-time Grand Slam champion Murray in the Rotterdam round-of-16. Murray never really stood a chance as Auger-Aliassime controlled the match from the start until the end.
"The biggest thing is, old habits die hard. We know that Andy Murray likes to be reactive, he likes to be a counter-puncher and rely on those tremendous defensive skills, but it's not going to cut it anymore," Annacone said on Tennis Channel, per Sportskeeda.
"People are too athletic, there is too much power. He is going to have to find a way. And he can, because he has a big serve and he has one of the best two-handers out there."
Prakash Amritraj on Murray
Former Indian tennis player Amritraj agreed with Annacone that Murray needs to make some adjustments in his game.
"It didn't look like his body let Andy Murray down there. I think he gained a lot from this [defeat against Felix Auger-Aliassime] on the learning side. He knows he has to go back to the well a little bit," Amritraj said. "He's going to have to bring out a little more firepower.
He cannot rely solely on defense like he used to. His body may not be completely there, like it was, so he is going to have to add a few more elements to his game, against these top players." Murray finished his 2021 season a bit early so he could rest and then put up a strong preseason. Murray made it clear he wants to make notable results in 2022 and make deep runs at the Grand Slams.