• Wimbledon, Day Four

Computer game wars with Nadal sharpen Murray

Andy Murray is second up on Centre Court on Thursday © Getty Images

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Andy Murray has shed light on his private computer game battles with Rafael Nadal, insisting it helps him keep his reactions sharp for such tests as Thursday's Wimbledon battle with the big-serving Ivo Karlovic.

Murray enters the second round of his home grand slam faced with the task of nullifying the 6ft 10in Karlovic. The Croat slams down an almighty serve and hits a booming forehand, weapons that could ruin Murray's dream if he cannot get a read on his rival's serve.

However, the British No. 1 is one of the best returners in the game and regularly copes well with the sport's big-servers. The key? Murray hones his reactions by duelling with Nadal over the internet.

"The anticipation comes from playing a lot of different sports and getting that co-ordination from a young age," Murray said in the Sun. "I played a load of racket sports from table tennis to squash to badminton and, obviously, tennis. That probably helped.

"I still play video games quite a lot, I'm certainly quicker than the friends I play against. Most of the tennis players are going to be very good because it's a co-ordination thing.

"I play football online against Rafa and Juan Monaco. David Ferrer plays a lot and I have watched him but I have not played against him. GoldenEye is also pretty addictive."

As for the test of Karlovic, Murray has warned his fans not to expect a classic when they arrive at Centre Court. The world No. 4 is braced for few rallies, knowing he has to capitalise on any opportunity.

"It's a tough match," Murray said. "It's very hard to get into a rhythm against someone like that. He's made it very difficult for a lot of players over the last five or six years because he serves so well and makes you feel pretty uncomfortable on the court.

"There's going to be games where you might not even touch the ball where he's serving, so you need to try to stay in the zone and not lose focus on your service games. I'll need to serve well against him.

"A lot depends on the day when you're playing a guy that's 6ft 10in, because a lot of it is just reaction. Sometimes you'll see it, sometimes you might pick a couple serves in a row, sometimes you won't."

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