Andy Murray on Day Two of the Schroders Battle of the Brits in London, UK
Andy Murray on Day Two of the Schroders Battle of the Brits in London, UK | (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)

Tennis | ATP Antwerp 2021 | Andy Murray marches on in Antwerp, faces Diego Schwartzman next

By Ros Satar

  • Andy Murray [WC] v Diego Schwartzman [2]
  • First Meeting

ANTWERP, BELGIUM – After a tough fought battle against Frances Tiafoe, Andy Murray gears up for another battle, against second seed Diego Schwartzman.

 

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Andy Murray [WC] v Diego Schwartzman [2]

Could Andy Murray be the second Brit to beat Diego Schwartzman in as many weeks? They face each other for the first time in the second round of the European Open in Antwerp.

 

H2H & Match Fundamentals

Andy Murray [WC] v Diego Schwartzman [2] H2H: First Meeting
ATP Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium
Hard (I) Prize Money: €10,915
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Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2021)

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H2H: Andy Murray (WR 172) Diego Schwartzman (WR 13)
Tournament Previous Best Title (2019) Final (2016, 2017)
1st Serve % 58.7 62.5
Service Games Won % 83 77.1
Break Points Saved % 63 59
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 49.7 56.7
Break Points Converted % 38.3 44.5

On first look, it would appear that Murray will be up against it from the more consistent Scwartzman over the year – but it is wirth noting these stats have to be indoor and outdoor combined, as this will be Schwartzman’s first indoor hard court match.

 

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Playing Styles & Prediction

Murray has been steadily improving the more he has played, although always the perfectionist, he is still unhappy with how he is making his playing decisions. However he hung in toe-to-toe with Tiafoe in the first round and it has been a while since he has gone for three straight tie-break sets. How he pulls up will be very important.

Schwartzman might well be smarting at being outplayed by eventual Indian Wells champion Cameron Norrie, so it will stick a little to be beaten by a second Brit in a row.

Murray’s defence and point construction is of course legendary by now, but in Schwartzman he faces as good a returner (if not better) than himself.

Arguably the more compact Argentine will move a little better than the man with the tin hip, and this could be another gruelling round for Murray.

Prediction: Murray in three sets.

 

 

How to Watch/Follow ATP Antwerp

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