Andy Murray will kick off his Toronto campaign on Wednesday against Nick Kyrgios. Ernests Gulbis and Julien Benneteau are also bidding for a spot in the third round.
(WC) Nick Kyrgios vs. (8) Andy Murray
Murray will be back in action for the first time since an unceremonious exit in the Wimbledon quarterfinals when he takes the court on Wednesday at the Rogers Cup. The ninth-ranked Scot has been inconsistent upon his return from back surgery, with a 31-12 record on the season and a semifinal showing at the French Open to his credit. Murray is 20-5 lifetime at this event, with titles in 2009 and 2010.
Up first for the No. 8 seed is Kyrgios, who is coming off a run to the Wimbledon quarters than included an upset of Rafael Nadal. The 19-year-old Australian opened in Toronto on Tuesday with a 7-6(3), 7-5 victory over an in-form Santiago Giraldo. Kyrgios has a huge game highlighted by a great serve and big groundstrokes off both wings. Murray may be a bit rusty playing his first hard-court match since Miami, but he generally manages to break down opponents who like to play short points with first-strike tennis.
Pick: Murray in 3
[polldaddy poll=8228978]
Julien Benneteau vs. (11) Ernests Gulbis
Gulbis and Benneteau will be going head-to-head for the third time in their careers and for the second time this season when they collide again on Wednesday. Benneteau has won both of their previous encounters. He was dominating 6-4, 6-2, 1-0 at the 2010 French Open when Gulbis retired and the Frenchman saved a match point a few months ago in Miami before prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.
Both men made impressive starts in Toronto. Benneteau destroyed Lleyton Hewitt 6-1, 6-2 on Monday and Gulbis took care of Joao Sousa 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday. In general, current form favors Gulbis. The 12th-ranked Latvian is 34-13 for the year, which includes his first Grand Slam semifinal appearance at Roland Garros. This is also a surface that is advantageous to Gulbis, who reached the Rogers Cup quarters last summer.
Pick: Gulbis in 3
[polldaddy poll=8228977]
Can’t believe the poll about Murray v Kyrgios! Young Kyrgios hasn’t really proved himself yet – and has a long way to go…..
agreed
Murray will have a really tough time but I “think” he can win in 3…will be fun to watch…and I like Gulbis in straight. Great comeback by Stan last night!
For the most part Giraldo was the better player against Kyrgios but when the Aussie stepped on the throttle he bullied his way through as he did against Rafa. Have a nasty feeling he will do the same against Andy who will be somewhat rusty.
Yay. Go Andy. Up 5-2 in the 1st. Kyrgios already throwing his racquet and showing frustration. Andy might make short work of this match.
Kyrgios 9 winners, 27 errors
The newest hero of the Federazzi was sent packing by Andy Murray. Well done!
^^
*chortles*
Sorry Andy. I did you an injustice. Awesome play. Amazing stats.
#OrderRestored
Anonymous = ed251137
#assumed