Andy Murray in the third round of tthe 2022 US Open, New York
Andy Murray in the third round of tthe 2022 US Open, New York | Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Gijon 2022 | Murray faces Davidovich Fokina test in Gijon opener

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Andy Murray [WC] v Alejandro Davidovich Fokina [6]
  • H2H: First Meeting
GIJON, SPAIN – Andy Murray’s return to the ATP tour sees him take on sixth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a tough opening round in Gijon.

 

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H2H & Match Fundamentals

Andy Murray [WC] v Alejandro Davidovich Fokina [6] H2H: First Meeting
ATP Gijon 2022 Gijon, Spain
Indoor Hard Prize Money: €6,565
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Andy Murray is looking to finish his season strong with the indoor hard court season and first up for Murray is Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Gijon.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

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H2H: Andy Murray (WR 46) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (WR 31)
Tournament Previous Best N/A N/A
1st Serve % 59.6 67.6
Service Games Won % 80.8 74.9
Break Points Saved % 57.6 54.7
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 55.3 50.1
Break Points Converted % 39.7 40.6

Murray’s efficient returning will prove vital if he wants to win this match especially as his serving statistics haven’t been up to his usual standards this season.

 

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Playing styles and prediction

After a breakthrough tournament in Monte-Carlo, where he reached his first Masters 1000 final, Davidovich Fokina has struggled to back that up this season. The Spaniard will be hoping that a second week performance at the US Open is the perfect platform to build on as the end of the season approaches over the next couple of months.

Murray will need to be aggressive on return and be aggressive on his first shot after the serve to stand a chance against Davidovich Fokina’s athleticism and power from the baseline. The Spaniard will look to create angles and use depth to put Murray into uncomfortable positions in the court, forcing the errors from the Brit.

One thing is guaranteed in this match, apart from Davidovich Fokina falling over, and that is entertainment. The Spaniard’s recent form gives him the slight edge in what should be a tight contest.

Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in three sets.

 

 

How to Watch/Follow ATP Gijon 2022

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