Murray ends losing streak to set up Monte Carlo tie with Simon

With the monkey well and truly off of his back, we’re backing Andy Murray to continue his winning ways when he faces Gilles Simon later today.

Murray dropped just five games on his way to a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Radek Stepanek yesterday, registering his first win since losing the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic.

Murray has seen his Monte Carlo Masters odds cut from 33/1 into 22/1 to win the tournament and while Murray finds himself in Rafael Nadal’s half of the draw, a semi-final spot should be on the Scots radar.

It seems Murray still has a bit to do to win back the punters though as he’s trading at an uneasy 8/15 to beat Simon later today, potentially a huge price considering Murray has won the last four ties between the two in straight sets.

Simon may have been brought up on the French clay courts but his clay court game isn’t brilliant, and while he has beaten Murray on clay before – in Rome in 2007 – the 11/8 for Simon to win seems a little short.

Simon has been in strong form this year climbing up to 24 in the world rankings having started the year outside the top 40, and having won his opening to matches in straight sets it won’t be an easy tie for Murray.

The two players are 1-1 in head-to-head matches on clay with Murray the most recent victor back in 2008.

While Simon’s form is strong, considering Murray is yet to drop a set against the Frenchman in four matches, a 2-0 Murray win looks the best bet at 11/8.

A £10 stake on Murray beating Simon 2-0 would return £23.75. New customers sign up here to take advantage of a free tennis bet worth up to £30.