There are many ways to win a tennis match. During this year’s US Open, USOpen.org will be playing a numbers game, digging deeper into the statistical analysis of select matches to provide highlights, further insights and data points on player performance.
In a titanic battle in Arthur Ashe stadium, it was Stefanos Tsitsipas who raised his game in the fifth set decider to defeat Andy Murray, 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The two players could not be separated after four very close sets. To understand how close the match was, we analyzed the percentage of shots both players spent in offense, neutral, and defense.
Balance of play: Sets 1-4
Murray offense: 22%
Both players in neutral: 54%
Tsitsipas offense: 24%
However, it was the fifth set where Tsitsipas dictated play, increasing his time in offense, forcing Murray into defense.
Fifth set balance of play
Murray offense: 15%
Both players in neutral: 56%
Tsitsipas offense: 30%
Why is this important? The analysis shows when players spend 10-15% more time in the offense than their opponents, they win the set over 80% of the time.
How did Tsitsipas wrestle control of the fifth set?
It was the forehand of Tsitsipas, which proved to be the decisive factor as the Greek player gained control.
Tsitsipas forehand stats: Sets 1-4
Average Speed: 75 mph
Average spin: 2998 rpm
Winner percentage: 12.5%
Unforced Error percentage: 14%
Shots which put Murray in defense: 31%
Tsitsipas forehand stats, Set 5
Average Speed: 79 mph
Average Spin: 3005 rpm
Winner percentage: 19%
Unforced error percentage: 13%
Shots which put Murray in defense: 47%
In a very high-quality fifth set, it was the Tsitsipas forehand that forced Murray in defense regularly, which proved to be decisive.
