- Andy Murray [WC] def Denis Kudla [LL] 6-3 6-2
- Murray v Casper Ruud [2] | H2H: First Meeting
SAN DIEGO, USA – Andy Murray overcame last-minute lucky loser Denis Kudla in straight sets to set up a second round meeting with second seed Casper Ruud.
[table “ADPDAll” not found /]
Andy Murray [WC] def Denis Kudla [LL] 6-3 6-2
Andy Murray reached the second round in San Diego after overcoming late lucky loser Denis Kudla in straight sets. Murray knew about the change in his opponent 90 minutes before the match was due to start after Kei Nishikori withdrew due to a back injury. This saw Kudla step in and the American made a strong start as he held comfortably and denied Murray opportunities to break however.
However Kudla’s serve didn’t hold up for long as the three-time grand slam champion broke in the eighth game, using some effective slices and movement into the net to put the American under pressure. A powerful serve down the T saw the Brit take the opening set 6-3.
After that it was all about the former world number one as he continued to dominate rallies with a mixture of slices and unbelievable lobs. Eventually it was a deep backhand down the line that sealed the crucial break in the fifth game which was followed by another break to love in the next return. Murray would seal the win in 70 minutes with his ninth ace of the match to book his place in the second round.
Andy Murray [WC] v Casper Ruud [2] H2H & Match Fundamentals
|
Andy Murray [WC] v Casper Ruud [2] |
H2H: First Meeting |
|
ATP San Diego |
San Diego, USA |
|
Hard (O) |
Prize Money: $10,595 |
|
Third on Barnes Stadium (01:30 BST) |
Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Murray now test himself against top 10 player Casper Ruud who has had a stellar 2021 season.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2021 – Hard)
|
H2H: |
Andy Murray (WR 113) |
Casper Ruud (WR 10) |
|
Tournament Previous Best |
N/A |
N/A |
|
1st Serve % |
57.6 |
65 |
|
Service Games Won % |
88.6 |
86.9 |
|
Break Points Saved % |
74.2 |
64.9 |
|
2nd Serve Return Points Won % |
46.6 |
47.3 |
|
Break Points Converted % |
41.5 |
40.2 |
Murray slightly leads all areas in the stats but will need to reflect that in his aggressive intent in the match against a very consistent player like Ruud.
Playing styles and prediction
Ruud has had a breakthrough season in 2021 with titles in Geneva, Bastad, Gstaad and Kitzbuhel on the clay headlining his season. However the Norwegian has also had good results this season on other surfaces as his consistent baseline play from the back of the court has frustrated his opponents and makes it challenging for whoever he faces.
Murray will need to be aggressive and be consistent on serve as well as return against Ruud. This will be a test of the Brit’s consistency, stamina and ability to win the big points in pressure moments against a top 10 player who continues to improve on a weekly basis. This should be a long, gruelling and entertaining clash with Murray just about edging the tactical battle.
Prediction: Murray in three sets.
 |
How to Watch/Follow ATP San Diego
|
Live Stream |
Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial 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 | |