Andy:Fernandowon’tgivemeFreehit
ANDY MURRAY admits he is wary of the threat of Dubai Duty Free Championships opponent Fernando Verdasco.
The world No.1, looking to secure his first title of the season, has an excellent record against the Spaniard, winning 12 of their previous 13 meetings.
But despite the head-to-head stats the Scot will not take the threat of the world No.35 lightly in today’s clash.
Murray said: “Obviously this week he’s had some good wins. Where the balls are fairly heavy here on a quick court he can generate a lot of power and can control the ball.
“And when he’s dictating the points he’s one of the best in the world at doing that. He’s had a pretty good start to the year. He had a tough draw in Australia with Djokovic in the first round but played well in Doha.
“He had the match points against Novak but couldn’t quite get that one done although he played well.”
Murray secured his final place with a 7-5 6-1 win over seventh seed Lucas Pouille. He had to fight for the first set against the Frenchman before producing a dominant display in the second.
Murray said: “It was tough. It wasn’t the best match but there was some good stuff in there.
“Sometimes if your legs are a little bit tired the serve is one of the first things that goes. But as the match went on I started serving a bit better.” SCOTT JAMIESON is leading the Tshwane Open. The 33-year-old Glaswegian shot a six-under-par 65 in South Africa to be tied with Sweden’s Alexander Bjork, two shots clear of the field on 10 under.
Jamieson said: “I was solid again from tee to green. Hopefully I can hole more putts over the weekend.”
Sharing 18th place at four under par are Scots Duncan Stewart (72), Richie Ramsay and Marc Warren (both 70).