Andy Murray could be the man to end Novak Djokovic's incredible winning streak when the two meet in Rome this evening
Many people expected Novak Djokovic to struggle against Robin Soderling yesterday but the Serb was imperious, winning 6-3, 6-0 against the Swede and making the world number five look very, very average Today it is the turn of the player ranked one place above Soderling, Andy Murray, to attempt to end Djokovic's unbeaten run in 2011 and the Scot will have his work cut out for him.
'Nole' is simply too good at the moment for the rest of the ATP Tour and his movement, as well as his mental sharpness are currently unparalleled. However, he is human and he has shown signs in recent matches that the physical strain of such a high volume of matches and the emotional pressure of breaking John McEnroe's unbeaten record are beginning to take their toll.
Stanislas Wawrinka should have taken at least the first set from the world number two earlier this week but the Swiss collapsed when in control of the early exchanges, then lost his nerve once Djokovic went ahead. Similarly, Soderling had opportunities yesterday but again seemed to lose confidence in himself.
Murray is a player who can fold very easily when favourite in a match but what he does not do is give up when faced with a challenge. The Scot relishes playing as an underdog and manages to consistently produce high calibre performances when he is not expected to take anything from a match. He has six Masters titles and he has a very good career record against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic, when playing outside of the Grand Slams.
Murray was the first player this year to take a set from Nadal on clay, even although the red dirt is his least favoured surface. He is an incredible 4/1, at
bet365, to be the first man to beat Djokovic in 2011 and that is far too big a price for the world number four against the world number two, particularly given that the Australian Open was the first time in four matches that Djokovic had beaten the British number one.
Recommendation
Win Market - Andy Murray (4/1,
bet365)
