Andy Murray in the second round of the 2022 US Open, New York
Andy Murray in the second round of the 2022 US Open, New York | (Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty Images)

Tennis | Australian Open 2023 | Murray faces Berrettini showdown in Melbourne opener

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Andy Murray v Matteo Berrettini [13]
  • H2H: Berrettini leads 3-1
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Andy Murray will continue his rivalry with Matteo Berrettini at the Australian Open as they clash in the first round.

 

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H2H & Match Fundamentals

Andy Murray v Matteo Berrettini [13] H2H: Berrettini leads 3-1
Australian Open 2023 Melbourne, Australia
Hard (O) Prize Money: $106,250
Third on Rod Laver Arena (03:00 GMT) Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime     Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7 day free trial of Discovery+ Player

Andy Murray will continue his rivalry with Matteo Berrettini at the Australian Open after meeting on two occasions last year.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

Embed from Getty Images

H2H: Andy Murray (WR 49) Matteo Berrettini (WR 14)
Tournament Previous Best Final (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016) SF (2022)
1st Serve % 59.6 63.7
Service Games Won % 79.5 87.7
Break Points Saved % 58.5 69.4
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 54.4 45
Break Points Converted % 39.1 37.2

Murray will need to return consistently well in this match given the Italian’s serving statistics.

 

 

Playing styles and prediction

Wins over Casper Ruud and Hubert Hurkacz gives Berrettini some confidence heading into the first Grand Slam of the year. The Italian will be hoping that his injury concerns are behind him and he can make a big run in a Grand Slam this year. Berrettini’s run to the semi-finals last year will give him encouragement that he can challenge for the title this year.

Murray will look to be intelligent with his play and use a lot of block returns and slices to neutralise Berrettini’s power. Meanwhile the Italian will look to make a high percentage of first serves and use his power to dominate most of the baseline rallies. In their match at the US Open, Murray made a poor start to the match and the Brit cannot afford to that again otherwise this match could be over rather quickly. However if Murray can keep a consistent base level throughout the match then he always has a chance of winning the match.

Prediction: Berrettini in five sets.

 

 

How to Watch/Follow Australian Open 2023

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