For the first eight games of his Wimbledon semi-final, Murray played Nadal like a smart angler outwitting a less than brilliant fish. He achieved this by guile, subtlety and consummate skill, without ever resorting to brute strength. The rapier rather than the bludgeon.

These endeavours were magnificently supported by a first serve which was often unplayable and always reliable. Let it be noted that this weapon was also a rapier, dependent on superb timing for its effectiveness. No trace of the bludgeon in this aspect of his game either.

All this changed towards the end of set one. For reasons unknown (pressure?) Murray seemed to decide that rallies must be ended more quickly.  With this in mind he started launching rockets, and most of them ended in the stat called “unforced errors.”

This really did put pressure on him, and he passed that pressure om to his service, in the hope that it would get him out of his predicament. Result? His first serve disintegrated . The rest is history.

Andy Murray could be the best tennis player in the world. A master tactician, with all the skills which that role demands, plus a first serve as good as any. But in order to make best use of his abiliities, he must learn to be patient, and to trust his amazing talents.