Miami Open 2022: 3 things Andy Murray needs to do to stun Daniil Medvedev in their 2nd rd clash

An enticing second-round clash awaits us at the Miami Open as three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray prepares to lock horns with World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev.

In his round-of-128 clash, the 34-year-old Brit edged past Federico Delbonis 7-6(4), 6-1 in one hour and 33 minutes. Medvedev received a bye to the second round on account of his ranking.

Medvedev, who dropped to No. 2 in the rankings following his early exit from Indian Wells, will be seeking redemption in Miami. Since his heart-breaking loss in the Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal, Medvedev has been off-color.

The Indian Wells Masters has always been a difficult tournament for the reigning US Open champion owing to the slow, high bouncing nature of the surface in the Californian desert. However, the fast and lively court conditions in Miami will certainly aid Medvedev’s game.

While Medvedev is seeking a resurgence in Miami, Murray is aiming to find some consistency on his return to one of his favorite hunting grounds. Murray is a two-time Miami Masters champion and would be hoping for a decent run at this year’s tournament as well. On that note, let’s dive deeper into three things Murray needs to do to upset the World No. 2.

1) Andy Murray should return exceptionally well

2022 Miami Open - Andy Murray in action

Andy Murray is one of the best returners the sport has ever witnessed. Against Medvedev, who has a powerful and accurate serve, the Brit will need his return game to fire on all cylinders.

Huge spot serving is one of the integral elements of Medvedev’s game. However, that can change drastically if one manages to put pressure on Medvedev’s service games. Murray needs to take a leaf out of Rafael Nadal’s book and return exceptionally well to curtail Medvedev’s aggression.

With Medvedev not comfortable serving and volleying, Murray can position himself deep behind the baseline to counter the Russian's hostile first serve. However, the Brit should move forward on second serve to try and put pressure on the Russian.

2) Andy Murray should approach the net to finish the points

Andy Murray should play more aggressively by playing at the net more

Medvedev has a water-tight defense from behind the baseline. He efficiently controls the rallies, drawing errors from his opponents’ racquet.

Murray is nine years older than Medvedev and cannot afford to engage in a long, physical battle against the World No. 2, especially since that is the Russian's forte. Given that Medvedev likes to position himself deep behind the baseline, Murray should choose the right moment to step in and finish the points at the net.

In the final of the Paris Masters last year, Djokovic rushed to the net quite often to throw Medvedev off guard, and the move paid huge dividends. Murray should take a leaf out of Djokovic's book and make a conscious effort to move forward at every opportunity.

3) Expose Medvedev’s weakness of not being able to finish off the points

Daniil Medvedev

One of the most glaring weakness in Medvedev’s game that was highlighted in his loss to Nadal in Melbourne was his inability to finish points. While Medvedev is resilient and defiant in rallies, he struggles to hit outright winners, especially off short balls. He is also not comfortable at the net.

Just like Nadal did Down Under, Andy Murray should look to capitalize on Medvedev’s weakness by drawing him forward as often as possible. The former World No. 1 should look to hit drop shots and slice backhands to put Medvedev in an uncomfortable position on the court.

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Also Check Out: Miami Open 2022 Results