Andy Murray ready to face home favourite Nick Kyrgios

Andy Murray

Melbourne, January 26 (IANS)

Britain's Andy Murray on Monday said he is ready to take on the challenge that will be thrown at him when he faces Nick Kyrgios in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

The two are going to battle it out for a semi-final spot on Tuesday night.

Both have met on tour once with Murray pocketing the encounter in straight sets in Toronto last year, and the Briton also clinched the set they played at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) exhibition in India.

“There were some things that I did in that match (in Toronto) which I believe will work on Tuesday,” Murray was quoted as saying by bbc.com.

“So I've learnt stuff from playing against him there and at the IPTL and watching him a bit, stuff that I feel I can use and exploit in his game,” he added.

Murray also believes he will be battling a partisan crowd too, who will be cheering local talent Kyrgios on.

“Obviously the crowd will be right behind him, understandably so,” said the 27-year-old.

“I've played a lot of matches. I've played in the French Open against French players where the crowd can be very difficult. I've experienced it before, so hopefully I'll deal with it well.”