US Open 2014: Andy Murray vs Matthias Bachinger match preview

A look ahead to the second-round match in the men’s singles

Andy Murray in action at the US Open (GETTY IMAGES)

Usually when a player from the top 10 in the world faces someone from outside of the top 100 (let alone top 200) we’re not expecting any surprises.

However, it could be very different when Andy Murray faces Matthias Bachinger on day three at Flushing Meadows.

Bachinger, currently ranked 235 in the world served the biggest shock of the tournament so far eliminating Radek Stepanek on day 1 (6-3 6-2 6-2). The German who had to fight in the qualifiers to join the main draw hasn’t dropped a set yet.

In comparison Murray needed four sets to send home Robin Haase of Netherlands. The Brit has endured a bumpy 2014 season, failing to reach any Grand Slam final and dropping his world ranking to 10 (lowest since 2008), while also not claiming a single ATP title.

Bachinger has nothing to lose, as by reaching the second round he has already recorded the best US Open performance in his career.

With both players aged 27, and turning pro in 2005, it is easy to see why Murray remains the favourite. In the nine years since turning pro Murray has picked up two Grand Slams, an Olympic gold, and a 75% win rate; whereas Bachinger has never progressed past the second round of any Grand Slam and claimed no ATP titles.

The winner will face either Fernando Verdasco or Andrey Kuznetsov.

Start: Friday, 00.00 (UK) , Arthur Ashe Stadium

PAST MEETINGS…

N/A

STATS…

The two players have never faced each other in a senior tournament but played each other regularly as juniors. Bachinger won only once when they were 14.

Bechinger was not ranked high enough to play in the qualifying tournament until 23 other players dropped out.

Murray’s ranking peak came in 2009 when he was ranked 2 while Bachinger reached a career-high 85spot in 2011.

ODDS…

Murray to win 1.09

Bachinger to win 11

TV: Sky Sports 3