Andy Murray in the first round of the 2022 Dubai Duty Free Tennis, UAE
Andy Murray in the first round of the 2022 Dubai Duty Free Tennis, UAE | (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Stuttgart 2022 | Murray takes on O’Connell in Stuttgart opener after Surbiton defeat

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Andy Murray v Christopher O’Connell [Q]
  • H2H: Murray leads 1-0
STUTTGART, GERMANY – Andy Murray looks to bounce back from semi-final defeat in Surbiton as he takes on Christopher O’Connell in his opening round match in Stuttgart.

 

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H2H & Match Fundamentals

Andy Murray v Christopher O’Connell [Q] H2H: Murray leads 1-0
ATP Stuttgart Stuttgart, Germany
Grass (O) Prize Money: €7,425
Second on Centre Court, not before 12:30pm (11:30am BST) TennisTV <- Subscription Required

After losing to Denis Kudla in the Surbiton challenger semi-finals, Andy Murray will look to bounce back in Stuttgart where he begins against qualifier Christopher O’Connell.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

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H2H: Andy Murray (WR 68) Christopher O’Connell (WR 116)
Tournament Previous Best N/A QR1 (2021)
1st Serve % 59.4 63.7
Service Games Won % 80.9 81.9
Break Points Saved % 58.1 62.4
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 53.3 51.1
Break Points Converted % 34.2 39.5

Murray will need to step up his game on serve especially as the Australian has been performing well this season even if the results haven’t reflected that.

 

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Playing styles and prediction

O’Connell hasn’t had the best of season but did manage to win a challenger event on his worst surface on clay in Split. Now the Australian enters his favourite surface and will look to continue his great serving stats as well as his effectiveness on break point opportunities.

Murray will need to serve to a high level in this match and try to mix up his tactics on return as the qualifier will take up a variety of positions on the court. In their meeting in Dubai, Murray was very inconsistent and just managed to pick up the victory in a three hour battle. The Brit cant’s play any worse than he did then so he should start his Stuttgart campaign with a victory but will be aware of O’Connell’s imposing game on grass.

Prediction: Murray in three sets.

 

 

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