Things have not gone according to plan for Andy Murray in the clay court season as he failed to impress in Monte Carlo and Barcelona Open. It has been a below par year for Murray so far, but the Scot will be keen to change things around in the Madrid Open ahead of the second grand slam of 2017, French Open.
Murray opens his Madrid Open campaign against wild card entry Marius Copil. This is his first head to head single match against the world number one. Murray is expected to cruise past his opponent on Tuesday and set himself up for tough matches down the pike.
Talking about preparations, Murray looks determined to win the Madrid Open. He was slogging it out in practice on Monday. Preparation is one thing, and execution is a whole different ball game. He has faltered on the execution side in 2017.
Can he change all that in Madrid Open?
The Scot's recent history in Madrid Open is in his favour. He won the title in 2015 and was runner-up last season. Murray loves playing in the competition, but he has to bring his A game to get ahead in 2017.
"I like it here. I play well, especially the last few years. I think the altitude helps my game a little bit on the clay, makes the conditions a little bit quicker, which I like," Madrid Open official website quoted Murray as saying.
Murray should take one game at a time and look to regain his form to last in the competition. His focus will be on Copil as of now. Though the 26-year-old Romanian may not cause many problems for Murray, the Scot cannot take his opponent for granted, given his grand slam experience.
Where to watch
Andy Murray vs Marius Copil match is tentatively scheduled for 3 pm local time, 6.30 pm IST start
India: TV: Ten 3. Live Streaming: Sony Liv.
USA: TV: Tennis Channel. Live Streaming: Tennis Channel Live.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1. Live streaming: Sky Go.
Global live stream: Live tennis.
