The biggest match of the Hopman Cup thus far sees Australia’s Nick Kyrgios square off against world number two Andy Murray. Join The Roar for live scores from 8:30pm AEDT.
An established superstar up against a rising star. That is what awaits tennis fans tonight in Perth as Murray and Kyrgios do battle at the Hopman Cup.
Although tonight’s contest serves as preparation for the Australian Open, both players will be keen to establish some momentum with a good win this evening.
Murray currently has a dominant 4-0 head-to-head record against Kyrgios with three of those victories coming last season at the Australian Open, French Open and US Open.
Despite the lopsided record, Kyrgios has proven a worthy adversary against Murray, taking a set off the Scot at last year’s US Open before succumbing in four sets.
There is no question that Kyrgios has the talent to beat the very best players on tour. His serve, forehand and backhand are all capable of generating easy winners for the young Australian, even against players of Murray’s caliber.
In order to beat the very best players though, Kyrgios has to maintain complete focus and a high level of discipline and quality for a long period of time. That’s easier said than done for most players on tour but it’s the only way forward if Kyrgios hopes to become an elite player.
In the US Open last year, Kyrgios won the third set against Murray only to succumb 6-1 in the fourth set. That scoreline proves that Kyrgios simply ran out of energy against an opponent whose fitness and durability ranks as one of the best on tour.
Indeed only Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (when he is at full fitness) can surpass the high intensity and court coverage that Murray produces on a consistent basis.
On that factor alone, Murray starts a strong favourite against Kyrgios. While the young Australian can certainly cause an upset at his best, Murray’s experience and fitness should get him over the line again in a quality contest.
Murray to win in three sets.
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