Closing Window - 4/14/2011

Date: 4/14/2011
Result: Monte-Carlo R3, Andy Murray def. Gilles Simon, 6-3 6-3
Why it matters:
- So I've regularly recounted Murray's travails since I started my blog, but always in the honorable mentions section.  This a truly noteworthy result, and for the positive for Murray.  He beat someone who, although not at his absolute best on clay, has spent more time on the surface than Murray.  This is the type of win that'll kick start Murray's campaign for the year.  But he can't stop.  He missed out on his opportunity to join the "Federer-beating" that Nadal and especially Djokovic have made their hobby this year that have put the new generation in the forefront.  Murray is their contemporary, and supposedly their equal as well.  And he has a great record against Federer.  If he can pick up a big win over someone like Roger on clay, then he might jump back in the conversation among the elite contenders at every major.  Despite the fact that he finaled in Australia, his lack of competitiveness against Djokovic concerns most pundits, who wonder if he ever can win one.  He needs to get back in the conversation, before another talking point comes up.
- Simon's loss means no French players are left.  That's a scary thought for the French public desperate for a home champion.  The French haven't performed on the terre battue for awhile now.   France has the fraternity of players that Spain has, but doesn't have a "leader" that can motivate the others.  Simon could be that leader.  He's likeable, motivated and most importantly Simon seems like he's got the skills and ability on all surfaces to succeed, as well as a good record and experience against the top guys. If Simon can bear down and take on the mantle to lead the French charge, before guys like Tsonga, Monfils, and Gasquet move past their prime, then perhaps the French can have their home champion sooner rather than later.

Honorable Mention:
- Monte-Carlo R3, Ivan Ljubicic def. Tomas Berdych - 64 62 - After his ranking dipped following his early loss in Indian Wells, it seemed like the beginning of the end for Ljubicic.  But a spirited run in Monte-Carlo, his hometown, may have revived things.  Berdych has been playing well, and this loss isn't embarrassing.  He just needs to make sure that he's "on" for his big defenses in Paris and London.