Andy Murray is one of the hot favourites to win the French Open title, after his impressive triumph over Novak Djokovic in the Rome Masters last week. His performances in clay have been on the rise, and a title in in Paris will further enhance his growing reputation on the red surface.
Not only did he emerge victorious in the Rome Masters, Murray also finished runners-up in the Madrid Masters, while reaching the semis in Monte Carlo. Hence, the Scot player will not be short of confidence at the French Open.
However, he needs to take it one step at a time and concentrate on his first match against Radek Stepanek on Monday. Murray has been in great form, and one does not see the Czech tennis player, who is the oldest in the main draw at 37 years, defeating the second seed.
There seems to be an air of confidence regarding Murray, who is enjoying his game in clay. The way he delivers his down-the-line passes and his incredible strong, leading to aces, has got people talking about him as the one to beat as well, alongside Novak Djokovic. Rafael Nadal is also one of the major contenders for the French open.
Murray's return has even looked stronger now, and he has started to play the drop shots more. Murray is on top of his game, and his performances reflect that the self-belief is back.
Murray has ended his partnership with Amelie Mauresmo, who was his coach. Jamie Delgado replaced Mauresmo. The Scot is happy with Delgado.
"With the way that everything went in Rome and Madrid, things obviously are going well just now, so no need to rush into anything. I'm happy with the work I have done with Jamie so far. He's pretty calm. He's a relaxed guy. He's a good coach. I enjoy working with him, and [he's] had good results too with Gilles Muller, and we started well," ATP official website quoted Murray as saying.
Murray's first round opponent, Stepanek, might not have had a spectacular singles career, as he is known to be an expert in the doubles competition. Stepanek's best performance at the French Open has been a fourth-round finish in 2008. The Czech player won three matches in the qualifying stages to feature in the main draw.
Where to watch live
Andy Murray vs Radek Stepanek French Open first round match is the fourth match at Phillipe-Chartier Court. The first match on this court will start at 11 a.m local time (2:30 p.m IST, 10 a.m BST, 5 a.m ET).
India viewers can watch the French Open action on Neo Sports and Neo Prime. Audience in the UK can watch 2016 French Open live on ITV or ITV Player, while viewers in rest of Europe can do the same on Eurosport and Eurosport Player.
Viewers in the US can watch French Open matches live on Tennis Channel, ESPN 2 and NBC, with live stream options on Tennis Channel live, Watch ESPN and NBC Sports Live Extra.
Fox Sportsand Foxtel Play is the place to be to watch the French Open 2016 live in Australia.
Middle Eastern countries can watch French Open 2016 in BeIN Sports and online on BeIN Sports Connect.
Fox Sports will broadcast French Open 2016 live in Asian countires.
Listeners across the world can also catch to the semifinal matches live on Roland Garros Radio.
