Andy Murray returns to the 2011 ABN AMRO World Tennis Championship
British number 1 and World number 5 returns to the hard court indoor ABN AMRO World Championships to restore his battered pride. After Novak Djokovic brushed him aside in the final of Australian Open 2011, Andy Murray prepares
for his first chance to shine at the ATP 500 series tournament. Action will start on the 9th of February at the Ahoy Rotterdam in Netherlands, with the Australian Open runner-up taking on the World number 20, Marcus Baghdatis.
Baghdatis and Murray have met each other on three previous occasions. In their first clash, Baghdatis defeated Murray at the 2006 Wimbeldon in straights sets with the final score of 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6. At the Cincinnati Open 2007
the might scot was overwhelmed by the superior force of his opponent. However in their last encounter at the French Open 2010, Andy Murray was finally able assert some sort of dominance clinching the four set thriller 6-2, 6-3, 0-6 and 6-2.
The Cypriot started this season with a very strong appearance in the quarter final of Brisbane International, losing narrowly to the eventual runner-up, Andy Roddick. But he could not continue the same run in the Australian Open
as he was thrashed out in the third round.
Turn the coin over now, Andy Murray has displayed in the past that he has the capability and mental strength to surprise his opponents. He has become immensely strong since he turned professional in 2005 however his consistency
has always remained a question mark. He has a decent record against other top players and the only male player to represent Britain in the ATP top ten. However critics have slammed Murray over his inability to win a Major tennis tournament’s final over and
over again. Unfortunate Murray has appeared in the final of a Grand Slam three times, failing to succeed every time.
The scot won the ABN AMRO Rotterdam Tennis Competition in 2009 where he overcame world number one Rafael Nadal in the final contest. He defeated the Spaniard 6-3, 4-6 and 6-0 to win his eleventh career title.
Earlier this year, Murray who started off so brightly at the Australian Open 2011, couldn’t turn the advantage to his side at the biggest stage as he experienced defeat at the hands of roaring Novan Djokovic. Murray left the fans
in agony as he was crushed in his third consecutive Grand Slam final. In a post match interview, disappointed Murray said that he may not return to the tour until March.
With Impressive performances in the running season, the in-form young gun of Britain will be looking to seal a victory in straight sets. Murray faces a huge challenge in the running competition as many of the participating players
in this tournament rank below ATP 20. It will require hard work and courage to beat the likes of Robin Soderling, David Ferrer and others and restore his lost pride.
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