Murray returns to Monte Carlo Masters, plays Muller in R2

 

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By Jake Davies

  • Andy Murray [1] vs Gilles Muller
  • Murray plays his first competitive match since his early exit in Indian Wells
MONTE CARLO, MONACO – Andy Murray makes his tour return for the first time since his opening loss in Indian Wells, where he will face Gilles Muller in the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters.

 

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Andy Murray [1] vs Gilles Muller H2H: Murray leads 4-0

Andy Murray makes his return to competitive action this week in Monte Carlo and his first opponent Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller. The 2017 season has not gone the Brit’s way so far. Most of his season has been curtailed with a bout of shingles and now a right elbow injury that prevented him from playing Miami.

Murray’s opening match on the red clay should be a perfect match for the Brit to find his feet, on a surface he never usually found comfortable in the earlier stages of his career. His opponent prefers the faster courts. He has found most of his success on the grass and hard courts, so Murray should be able to dispatch Muller comfortably in their Monte Carlo second round match-up.

Lets not forget that Muller was coached by Jamie Delgado for a long period of time until they split in February of last year. Muller experienced some of his greatest successes on a tennis court with his guidance, which included returning to the Top 50 while playing into his 30’s.

The left-handed Muller likes to move forward and come in towards the net at every opportunity. He will recognise that Murray is one of the greatest baseline players of all time, so a perfect volleying display is required in order for Muller to get the upset win over the World No.1

I think Murray will win in a comfortable straight sets. The prolonged rallies and additional time that he will have on a clay court will make it extremely difficult for Muller to play the way he wants to play in slower conditions.

Prediction: Murray in straight sets.

 

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