Yes, Andy Murray really did beat Roger Federer.

Don't miss this piece by Dave Winship of OnTheLine.org.

If the British Lawn Tennis Association harboured any lingering doubts about the lucrative three-year contract it offered Brad Gilbert to work with Andy Murray - the richest coaching contract in the history of British tennis, they were surely dispelled when the Scottish teenager became only the second player this year to beat Roger Federer.

Murray's victory didn't come out of nowhere though, since he defeated Andy Roddick at Wimbledon a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the exileration caused a bit of a letdown that lead to Murray exiting the tournament meekly in the very next round. I commented at the time on the effect on the Britometer.

Many people then thought that his defeat of Roddick was a flash in the pan and that his loss in the next round was the real Andy Murray. I think that was a mistake, because it would be highly unusual for such a young player not to have a letdown after his first big victory -- especially when he's a Brit who has it at Wimbledon. The subsequent defeat was no reason to lose faith in his potential. The LTA apparantly saw what he needs and supplied it.

But, of course, with Brad Gilbert, you get a little more than that.

Anyhow, this defeat of Federer will be viewed as due to Gilbert's coaching. In fact, I heard some gnashing of teeth over that on this side of The Pond.

Perhaps that assessment is justified.

But do read the rest of the article -- MURRAY IN A PICKLE. I won't tell you why, because that would "spoil" it ;-)