Andy Murray enters the first Masters 1000 event of 2017 on a five-match winning streak after triumphing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The world No.1 dropped just five games during his 6-3, 6-2, dismissal of Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre on Saturday. Clinching his 45th title on the ATP Tour, the win comes just weeks after he suffered a shock fourth round loss at the Australian Open in what was his worst performance produced at the event since 2009.
Now back to winning ways, the Wimbledon champion is eager to continue his momentum in America, where Murray and his rivals will play back-to-back Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
“I hope this tournament gives me the momentum for the season.” Said Murray after winning in Dubai. “The thing is conditions again are totally different. In Indian Wells, it’s very slow courts with fast balls and the other way around here, fast court with quite slow balls. Obviously I have to get there and adjust to that.”
“And because winning this week is fantastic, obviously winning matches builds confidence,” he added.
Murray will be seeking redemption in Indian Wells following his shock third round loss to Argentina’s Federico Delbonis last year. This time round, the Brit is arriving at the venue earlier in the hope that he will be able to adapt better to the conditions before the start of the tournament.
“Obviously this was a good start to this stretch, and like I said, trying to obviously get to Indian Wells much earlier than I did last year. And even though it’s a long trip, it gives me five or six days to get ready before my first match,” the Brit explained.
A former finalist (2009) at the prestigious desert tournament, Murray is yet to win the event. This month will be his 12th consecutive main draw appearance at Indian Wells, where he reached the semifinals in 2015. Chasing after a title which has eluded him throughout his career, the 29-year-old believes he is in the right shape.
“After the break that I have had to get five matches in, six if you include the doubles, in six days is a really positive thing physically. I feel good.” The world No.1 stated.
“It’s been a great run and I can’t complain too much,” he added.
The men’s draw for the 42nd BNP Paribas Open will take place on Tuesday.
