Andy Murray is in pragmatic mood ahead of US Open first round
Published:It will be a case of substance over style for Andy Murray when his US Open campaign finally gets under way at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.
Murray will have been in New York for 11 days by the time he steps on court to take on world number 71 Lukas Lacko, 16/1 to beat Murray, as the first round is being uniquely stretched over three days in the year’s final Grand Slam.
Much has been made about Murray’s tactics on the big occasion, with many pundits feeling the world number four needs to be more aggressive and end points quicker to have consistent success against the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
That style of play certainly worked against the world’s top two players when Murray beat them in back-to-back matches to defend his Masters title in Toronto recently but Murray insists he will play whatever style he feels necessary to get the job done in New York.
“I just need to play the game style that wins me the matches here,” Murray said.”If I have to play ultra-defensive in any of my matches, I’ll play that way, it’s just about winning.”
Murray will not be taking opening opponent Lacko for granted, the 22-year-old Slovakian making his US Open debut this year but with impressive wins over Marcos Baghdatis and Lleyton Hewitt under his belt in 2010.
The Scot is 1/100 to defeat Lacko with 1/6 available for Murray to progress in straight sets.
Murray will have to much class for Lacko. See the full Andy Murray vs Lukas Lacko betting market here.
