Andy Murray in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open, Melbourne
Andy Murray in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open, Melbourne | (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Monte-Carlo 2023 | Murray faces stern test against De Minaur in Monaco return

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Andy Murray v Alex De Minaur [14]
  • H2H: De Minaur leads 2-0
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – Andy Murray faces a stern opening test in his Monte-Carlo return as he takes on 14th seed Alex De Minaur.

 

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H2H & Match Fundamentals

Andy Murray v Alex De Minaur [14] H2H: De Minaur leads 2-0
ATP Monte-Carlo 2023 Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Clay (O) Prize Money: $23,100
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Andy Murray makes his return to Monaco after a six year absence and the Brit opens up with a stern test in the form of 14th seed Alex De Minaur.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

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H2H: Andy Murray (WR 57) Alex De Minaur (WR 19)
Tournament Previous Best SF (2009, 2011, 2016) R2 (2022)
1st Serve % 63.1 55.8
Service Games Won % 82.6 81.7
Break Points Saved % 62.2 56.3
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 50.7 53.6
Break Points Converted % 31.9 43.7

Murray will need to improve his break point efficiency over the course of the clay court season especially against an opponent like De Minaur.

 

 

Playing styles and prediction

After winning the Acapulco title, De Minaur has suffered a recent dip in form after failing to win a match over Indian Wells and Miami. The Australian will look to improve his overall point construction as he looks to gain the momentum back over the clay court swing. De Minaur will look for a top 16 seeding in Paris as he looks to do better in the big events.

Murray will look to do better on return especially on the De Minaur second serve while the Australian will look to test Murray’s physicality on clay by using the angles and being as aggressive as possible. Should Murray maintain a consistent level on serve and be efficient on break points then he should advance but as usual it will be a tricky contest for the Brit to negotiate.

Prediction: Murray in three sets.

 

 

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