• Australian Open

Murray reveals Melbourne preparation

ESPN staff
January 11, 2011
Andy Murray beat Marin Cilic in the semi-finals of last year's Australian Open © Getty Images
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Andy Murray has confirmed he will play a warm-up match against Marin Cilic in Melbourne in preparation for the Australian Open.

Murray beat Sam Querrey 6-1 6-4 in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne last season before going on to reach the Australian Open final, and the British No. 1 is hoping the same pre-tournament build-up will pave the way for similar success.

Murray beat Cilic in the semi-finals in Melbourne last year, having seen off an injured Rafael Nadal in the quarter finals, and he will prepare for the first major of the year against the Croat on Thursday, weather permitting.

"He will play a match with Cilic at the end of the draw on Thursday, subject to weather conditions," tournament director Colin Stubs said.

Having kicked off his season at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Murray has opted against playing any ATP Tour events in Australia, a decision which has seen him slip to fifth in the world rankings following Robin Soderling's victory in Brisbane last week.

However, Murray, who was seeded No. 5 in Melbourne last year, is unconcerned by the prospect of a potential quarter-final clash against either Nadal or defending champion Roger Federer.

"I was seeded five for the Australian Open last year and managed to get to the final so I don't think it makes a big difference," Murray said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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