• Australian Open

Serra targets Murray upset

ESPN staff
January 21, 2010
World No. 64 Florent Serra has never played Andy Murray © Getty Images
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Andy Murray's third-round opponent Florent Serra believes the British No.1 is as tough an opponent as Roger Federer. The pair have never met, but Serra, who was forced to save two match points as he came through a five-set battle with Finland's Jarkko Nieminen, has likened Murray's playing style to that of the world No.1.

"This will be the first time I have played Murray," said Serra. "Like Roger Federer, he doesn't give you the same ball twice. Murray runs really well and is a good returner but the ball that comes back is never the same as the previous shot and he also likes to slow things down."

Murray is yet to drop a set in Melbourne, and is on course to win his first Grand Slam after cruising past Frenchman Marc Gicquel in the second round. And Serra admits he will be asking his compatriot for advice.

"I will speak to Marc about the two matches he has now lost to Murray to try and get an idea of what to expect. I know he will say that Murray doesn't play very fast in matches but can then change up and so I need to get as much information as I can."

Although Murray will be expected to cruise through the match in a similar vein to his previous two rounds, he refuses to get carried away and anticipates a tough test from the French No.10, ranked seven places below his second-round opponent.

"He's been around the 50 [ranking] mark for quite a long time," Murray said. "He's a solid player. He's had two very long matches so far and he has saved a couple of match points. So he's going to go for it. I'll have to make sure I'm on my game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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