• Monte Carlo Masters

Murray admits confidence issues on clay

ESPN staff
April 12, 2011
Andy Murray was embarrassed by Philipp Kohlschreiber at last year's Monte Carlo Masters © Getty Images
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Andy Murray admits he has a tendency to lose his head when matches are getting away from him on clay.

The world No. 4 is looking to get his season back on track at this week's Monte Carlo Masters - where he plays Radek Stepanek on Wednesday - having exited his last three tournaments after just one match. Murray, who is still without a full-time coach, has not tasted victory since January 28, and will be hoping his fortunes improve on the red dirt.

Monte Carlo does not hold fond memories for the Scot, who tumbled out in the second round last year against Philipp Kohlschreiber after producing one of the most lacklustre performances of his career.

Nonetheless, he believes he has absorbed the tough lessons of that defeat, which saw him jeered off the court, and is aiming to show more resilience in 2010.

"I got cuffed [against Kohlschreiber], and it wasn't nice," Murray said. "I didn't even notice the crowd, I was just gutted with the way I played. I need to accept I might go behind in matches on clay and I have to stay calm in that situation. I need to be ready for long games and tough sets."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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