Set up for a letdown - 3/12/2011

Date: 3/12/2011
Result: Indian Wells R2, Donald Young def. Andy Murray 7-6 6-3
Why it matters:
- "How did this happen?" seems to be the common view about this result.  If we break it down, it isn't THAT shocking.  Murray has to be going through a let down after the Australian Open final (lack of) performance he put in, and he also is probably rusty following an extended break since early February.  Young, on the other hand, was well used to the Indian Wells conditions coming through the qualifying and winning a first round match (Murray had a bye).  Additionally, the knock on Young has always been his lack of physicality.  While I don't diminish the amazing talents of Murray, he's not going to overpower Young the way someone like Soderling or Verdasco could. I saw some of the match, and Murray just didn't dictate as well as he needed to.  He played the passive tennis that most pundits think may prevent him from winning a major, and this time it cost him a 2nd round match.
- After Miami (where he would be well served to have a good result), Murray will have a long road ahead on the clay courts.  Though no one expects him to seriously contend, if he keeps improving, little by little, on the clay as he has the last few years, there's no reason he can't build enough confidence to be a serious threat at Wimbledon again this year.
- Look at Young's reaction to winning this match (at about 3:00) in.  I totally understand how happy he must be for winning, but I fear this seemed like a "I did it! I reached my dream" moment.  I think Young is feisty and emotional, but he hasn't harnessed that like Lleyton Hewitt has successfully done.  At the US Open in 2008, Young lost to Blake in 5 sets and really failed to conserve energy when necessary, which may have cost him the match in the end. Young can't rest on this win; he must build on this, ideally as quickly as possible by taking out Robredo next round.  But based on his reaction, I think Young might take too much time celebrating and sink back into the shadows.

Honorable Mentions:

-Indian Wells R2, Juan Martin del Potro def. Ivan Ljubicic - 57 64 62 - del Potro is nowhere near his top level, but he's getting better and better.  Meanwhile, Ljubicic's dream win last year is all a distant memory.  Ivan's ranking is set to plummet, and his career may come to a close soon, too.

-Indian Wells R2, Dinara Safina def. Daniela Hantuchova - 76 64 - Is Safina ready to get back to the top of the game?  This is a decent first step against a tough opponent, especially at Indian Wells.  Two-time IW champion Hantuchova continues to frustrate her fans.  After a title last month in Pattaya City, another early loss.