• Wimbledon

Murray opponent's motivation "off the charts"

ESPN staff
June 25, 2014
Blaz Rola overcame first-round opponent Pablo Andujar 6-3 6-1 6-4 © Getty Images
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Andy Murray will meet a player whose motivation is "off the charts" when he takes on Blaz Rola in the second round at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

World No.92 Rola is the latest obstacle in Murray's path as he bids to retain his title, with the pair meeting in the first match on Court One this afternoon.

And while Rola admitted it would be a "very, very big shock" if he were to defeat the defending champion, the Slovenian said he was determined to put up a fight.

"When I saw the draw, when I saw that potentially I could play the second round against Andy, my motivation was off the charts," Rola said. "We know that he's probably the greatest sportsman here in the country.

"He's defending the title. He's been in the top four, the 'big four', in the past couple years. His record speaks for itself."

Rola, 23, has suffered poor results against British opposition recently and was knocked out of both French Open qualifying and the first round at Queen's by Britain's James Ward.

He only joined the ATP tour full-time last year after completing his studies at Ohio State University, where he won the American college title, but his appearance at Wimbledon is only his third senior tournament on grass.

Murray, who defeated first-round opponent David Goffin in straight sets, admitted he knew little about Rola.

"I don't know loads about him, but I watched him play at the French Open," said Murray. "I watched some of his match against Ward on the TV there. I think he also played him at Queen's, too. I saw a little bit of that match.

"But he hasn't been on tour too long, so I'll watch a little bit of video of him and get a better idea of his game."

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