Murray survives Smyczek scare to progress at Farmers Classic
Published:Andy Murray is the 10/11 favourite to win the Farmers Classic after the British number one survived a second-set scare against Tim Smyczek to secure his passage to the quarter-finals.
Murray breezed through the first set, as Smyczek failed to even force a break point against the 23-year-old Scot, who was playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon.
It was also the first match for Murray since splitting from his coach Miles Maclagan, and despite the routine opening set, Smyczek fought back to claim the second.
The third set was an altogether more comfortable affair, with the world number four thrice breaking his opponent’s serve to seal a 6-2 4-6 6-2 victory.
Next up for Murray is Colombian Alejandro Falla, who beat fifth seed and conqueror of Murray at last year’s US Open, Ernest Gulbis, earlier in the day. Falla is an outside 25/1 to win the Farmers Classic.
James Blake saw off Benjamin Becker in straight sets, and the 30-year-old American is priced at 12/1 to win the tournament, which would be his first title since 2007.
Blake’s quarter-final opponent will be Feliciano Lopez, who beat Dudi Sela in the last round and is also available at 12/1 to be crowned Farmers Classic champion.
Who do you think will win the Farmers Classic? Sam Querrey is an 11/4 contender. See the full 2010 Farmers Classic Betting Odds market.
