Robshaw excited at England’s youngsters
ANDREY KUZNETSOV expects to have “good chances” to beat Andy Murray in the opening round of the French Open today.
The Russian world No 73 will provide the first test of Murray’s fragile confidence at Roland Garros after a season of struggle for the world No 1.
Murray arrived in Paris having lost back-to-back matches to Borna Coric and Fabio Fognini and looking a shadow of the player who reached his first final here 12 months ago.
Kuznetsov, meanwhile, has had a good clay season and made the semi-finals of the Geneva Open last week before pushing Stan Wawrinka.
The former Wimbledon junior champion said: “I’ve had a pretty successful last week and I’ve won a few good matches. I played a tough, tough match against Stan Wawrinka, who is also a very top player.
“I understand, of course, that Andy is the favourite of this match but I think I will have chances tomorrow, good chances. I think I prepared pretty good for this tournament and I think I’m ready to play good.
“For me it’s a good experience to play against a world No 1. If I win, I will be a hero. If I lose, nobody will be surprised. Nothing to lose for me.”
Murray and Kuznetsov have met twice before, with the Scot winning on both occasions.
Aljaz Bedene is considering switching his allegiance back to Slovenia to try to compete in the Olympics.
The 27-year-old became a British citizen in 2015, just after rules came in barring players from representing two different nations.
Bedene and the Lawn Tennis Association have fought a twoyear battle to try to overturn the ban but so far without success.
Speaking after a 6-4 6-0 3-6 6-1 victory over Ryan Harrison in the first round of the French Open, Bedene said: “At the moment I’m representing Great Britain, but I do want to play Olympic Games.
“That’s, I think, a dream for every athlete. I’ll have to see on that what can be done. I don’t know what the rules are.”
Novak Djokovic’s partnership with Andre Agassi got off to a winning start with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over Spain’s Marcel Granollers.
Rafael Nadal began his quest for a 10th French Open title with a straightforward 6-1 6-4 6-1 victory over Benoit Paire. CHRIS ROBSHAW has hailed the impact made by England’s young generation as preparations continue for a two-Test Argentina tour.
Former England captain Robshaw will be among the senior campaigners heading to South America next weekend, with the Pumas awaiting in San Juan and Santa Fe.
Despte losing a number of players to British and Irish Lions business in New Zealand this summer, England head coach Eddie Jones can still summon experienced figures like Robshaw, Dylan Hartley, Joe Launchbury, Mike Brown, Danny Care and George Ford.
But there will also be a sprinkling of youth, including twins Tom and Ben Curry, in addition to their fellow teenagers Joe Cokanasiga and Nick Isiekwe.
And another newcomer, Saracens wing Nathan Earle, underlined his talent by scoring a brilliant try during England’s 28-14 victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday.
“I have been really impressed with everyone, whether they have been 18 or 32 or something like that,” Harlequins star Robshaw said.
“It was a first hit-out for a lot of guys in an England shirt, and sometimes that can be a bit overwhelming, especially being at Twickenham in front of a good crowd against a star-studded team.
“But it was perfect preparation for us going to Argentina.”