- Andy Murray [WC] def Taro Daniel 6-2 6-2
- Murray v Roberto Bautista Agut [2] | H2H: Murray leads 3-1
DOHA, QATAR – Andy Murray gained redemption on Taro Daniel to cruise into the second round of Doha where he faces second seed Roberto Bautista Agut.
[table “ADPDAll” not found /]
Andy Murray [WC] def Taro Daniel 6-2 6-2
Andy Murray earned revenge from his Australian Open defeat to Taro Daniel as he dropped only four games on his way to a comfortable victory. The opening exchanges went with serve with Daniel proving why he was such a tough opponent for Murray in their meeting in Melbourne as he hit winners from improbable angles.
However Murray’s defensive skills and energy was on another level in Doha and after the fifth game Murray dominated proceedings as he won 12 of the next 14 points to claim the opening set as his resilience earned him opening set dominance. Just like the opening set, Daniel made life difficult for Murray at the start of the second set. This time Daniel broke at the start of the set for the early advantage before Murray earned a hard-fought break back.
Murray’s defensive shot-making mixed with sharp footwork earned the Brit more opportunities and the three-time grand slam champion proved clinical in the big moments. Two more breaks of serve in the fourth and eight games sealed redemption and more importantly a place in the second round of Doha.
Andy Murray [WC] v Roberto Bautista Agut [2] H2H & Match Fundamentals
|
Andy Murray [WC] v Roberto Bautista Agut [2] |
H2H: Murray leads 3-1 |
|
ATP Doha |
Doha, Qatar |
|
Hard (O) |
Prize Money: $22,975 |
|
3rd on Center Court (Not before 15:00 GMT) |
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
Murray now faces a tough test as he takes on former champion Roberto Bautista Agut in the next round.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022 – Hard)
|
H2H: |
Andy Murray (WR 87) |
Roberto Bautista Agut (WR 16) |
|
Tournament Previous Best |
Winner (2008, 2009) |
Winner (2018) |
|
1st Serve % |
60.6 |
68.3 |
|
Service Games Won % |
81.9 |
73.6 |
|
Break Points Saved % |
54.3 |
50 |
|
2nd Serve Return Points Won % |
52.6 |
56.2 |
|
Break Points Converted % |
31.9 |
45.7 |
Murray has the edge on serve but is coming up against an opponent who is more clinical on return.
Playing styles and prediction
Bautista Agut hasn’t had the best of starts of the season with the Spaniard suffering a disappointing five set defeat to Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open. However the Spaniard is capable of beating any player on his day and returns to the scene of one of his most successful tournaments.
Murray will need to be consistently aggressive while displaying the world class defensive skills that earned him a good win over Daniel in the last round. This will be a tough match considering how well Bautista Agut serves and plays in Doha but should Murray get through than this is a win that can take his tennis to a new level for the rest of the season.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in three sets.
 |
|---|
How to Watch/Follow ATP Doha
|
Live Stream |
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
|
Live Scores |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |