Is Murray ready for another title?
Andy Murray looks in good shape to claim the biggest title of his career to date at the Masters Cup in Shanghai over the next week. Murray is highly confident due to his performances in the second half of the season. Fixed odds in the market are 10/3 for Andy Murray to win tournament.
There are plenty of reasons to suggest that Murray can end his highly-impressive season with victory at the ATP’s season-ending event.
First, the Scot is in great form. He has won 25 of his last 28 matches, a run which includes the titles in Madrid and St Petersburg. Both were played on a similar indoor hardcourt to this
Secondly, he has little to fear against his rivals who have gathered here.
Also, Murray’s results against his opponents here are very good.
This tournament opens with a round-robin stage, the players being split into two groups of four with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.
In his group, Murray has been pooled with Roger Federer, Andy Roddick and Gilles Simon.
Murray holds a winning career record against all three. The statistics to matches played only on indoor hardcourts or those having taken place in 2008 also favour the Scot, who has won more ATP titles in 2008 (five) than anyone else in this field. He has won two of his three matches this year against Federer, the latest coming in Madrid just a few weeks ago. He also beat Simon in the Spanish capital (in the final) and leads him 2-0 this season.
He hasn’t met Roddick this year but does lead him 2-1 on indoor hard. Crucially, the American’s big serve has rarely troubled Murray, one of the best returners in the game.
Murray’s toughest group match seems to come against defending champion and tournament favourite Federer.
But the Swiss is not so invincible any more. He has lost 13 matches this year and the first time since 2003 his ‘lost’ column has made it to double digits.
Murray has a 3-2 winning record against Federer.
The Scot is 10/3 second favourite (behind 13/8 Federer) for the title.
Having all that in mind, betting on the Brittish number one to win the Masters Cup might be a good option for a regular punter.
The action gets under way in Shanghai at 0600 GMT on Sunday.