Analysis for Murray-Volandri (ATP Monte Carlo)

Head-to-head record 1:2

Andy Murray edged Lopez but he will face much stronger clay court player in the second round. The Italian is a pure clay courter and achieved all his successes on dirt. Last year, he managed to beaten Federer, Berdych and also other top players and we don´t think he should be such a big underdog today. Italian plays as a defensive baseliner. His groundstrokes, especially on the forehand side, are powerful and usually well placed. His speed and agility allow him to catch the balls practically anywhere in the court. As defensive baseliners are, he used to make a small number of unforced errors and is a consistent player. In addition, he has a wide array of passing shots including the slice backhand passing shot, rarely used in modern tennis. His game is well suited to dirt and we think he has the chance against Scot today. As we said yesterday, Murray is a natural born heavy hitter who adapts serve-and-volley style and prefers as fast surfaces as possible. He won just 2 ATP circuit matches out of 9 he has played on play since 2006. He trained hard in the off-season, working with fitness experts in Miami, leading Murray to say he had never been better prepared for a season. His hard work paid off immediately as he sealed his fourth career title at the Qatar Open. But then he lost in the first round at Australian Open. After his loss in the Australian Open he picked up a knee injury which also ruled him out of the Davis Cup match versus Argentina. He came back in a great style winning the tournament in Marseille. However, at his next tournament in Rotterdam he lost in the 1st round again. This match should be all about surface and we think that Volandri has at least 50% on his side. Odds around 2.5 are worth trying.