Preview: Andy Murray vs Viktor Troicki – French Open 2011
Top Brit Andy Murray continues his struggle for his first Grand Slam this week as he plays his fourth round match at the 2011 Roland Garros in Paris, France on Monday, May 30th. Meeting Murray in the fourth round is
the number two Serb, Viktor Troicki.
An almost equally matched pair, this match is going to be the highlight of the day. Although Murray holds an edge being in the top five, Troicki isn’t a pushover either. Ranked 15th in the world, the Serb sports a 22-12
win loss record for the season while Murray sports an acceptable 13-7.
Starting his year at the Australian Open, the Brit fought past all odds to make it to the final of the event. This was his third career Grand Slam final with no fruitful result. Pitted against Troicki’s compatriot, the unstoppable
Novak Djokovic, Murray lost the title match in straight sets.
A disappointed Brit then exited the next three tournaments in his first match. It was only Monte Carlo when the Brit once again made it big making it to the semi-final before losing to eventual champion, Rafael Nadal. Another early
exit in Madrid followed by a semis run at Rome put Murray at a win loss mark of 7-3 on clay for the season.
Playing in only his fifth year here, the Brit has never made it past the quarterfinal. His career best here came in 2009 when he lost to Fernando Gonzalez in four sets. Hoping to go a step further this time around, Murray has been
sailing through the event. Facing an almost easy draw, Murray dismissed local Eric Prodon in the opening round, lucky loser Simone Bolelli in second round and German Michael Berrer in the third. Although he’s been pushed to tiebreakers, the Scot is yet to
drop a set.
Having an almost similar season, Troicki has also found himself exiting events in early rounds. His season best came at Monte Carlo when he made it to the quarterfinals before losing to eventual finalist, David Ferrer.
Also in his fifth year here, Troicki already surpassed his career best when he made it to the fourth round. Perhaps this is a testament to the Serb’s rising form. Maybe it is the Serb’s year this time.
However, Murray holds an ace up his sleeve. In their three past meetings, Murray has always emerged victorious with their last meeting coming at 2009 Wimbledon. Interestingly the pair has never met on a clay court. This may be
the time when the Serb turns the table.
Prediction: Although an upset is possible, it is very unlikely. Troicki may push the set to five matches but Murray will probably emerge as the victor.
Tags: