Friday, November 30, 2012

Murray set to Defend Brisbane Title


Murray set to Defend Brisbane Title

Andy Murray has dedicated himself to a tough start-of-season after the Scot confirmed that he would defend his Brisbane International title in the New Year.

Murray will once again use the tournament as preparation for the first Grand Slam of the season – the Australian Open – an event that Betfair Tennis suggests he should win.

Indeed, after claiming his maiden Slam at the US Open in September, Murray is one of the favourites to lift the Australian title.

Before heading to Melbourne, however, the 25-year-old must concentrate on the defence of his Brisbane title, a tricky proposition considering the names also down to play next year.

Home favourite, Lleyton Hewitt, will draw the crowds, while Milos Raonic, Giles Simon, and Alexandr Dolgopolov make up the top seeds.

Yet competition is not the only thing that attracts Murray to Brisbane, with a more relaxed schedule a great incentive to fly to Australia early.

“The Brisbane tournament has been an appealing choice to make this time round because I really enjoy being in Australia,” Murray told reporters. “It makes the travel a lot easier.”

Indeed, Murray is right to stay in Australia and prepare for the Grand Slam down under, rather than start the season jetting across the world like his main rivals in the latest tennis odds.

For neither Novak Djokovic nor Roger Federer will play competitive tennis before the Australian Open, the pair opting to play exhibition tournaments in January. Meanwhile, fellow challenger, Rafael Nadal, is still recovering from knee problems and may not make the Grand Slam at all.

Murray, therefore, has every reason to defend his Brisbane title and pick up court sharpness that will be lacking in his three closest opponents.

Tennis punters will be hoping for another Brisbane crown when Murray heads down under next year, a victory that could spearhead his challenge for Melbourne glory.