Andy Murray vs Dominic Thiem: The Austrian clay court specialist will prevail

Former world number 1, Andy Murray faces Austrian Dominic Thiem in the first round at the Masters event in Madrid, Spain. The two players used to dominate the top ranks of men’s tennis but have fallen down the pecking order in the past few years due to, mostly, injury. Andy Murray is making his clay court debut this season at Madrid. Them has played a few rounds in Portugal and Serbia but is yet to get a victory on the surface this year.

The 34 year old former British number one and Wimbledon champion last competed at the hardcourt event in Miami where he lost to Danil Medvedev in straight sets at the round of 64. He originally claimed that he will skip the clay season:

The past couple of years, the clay has made issues worse, last year I had some issues at the beginning of the year, the clay didn't help, so I've spoken to my team about that and this year while I feel good and healthy, I don't want to take that risk.

Andy Murray

But he changed his mind and accepted the wildcard offer to play in Spain. Last year he missed the entire clay season after getting Covid-19 in January. Since his return, Murray has changed coaches three times all in a bid to regain his form. Murray beat Federico Delbonis in straight sets for his last win in March at Miami. Prior to that win, he defeated Taro Daniel in the first round at Indian Wells for his 700th win.

Dominic Thiem is a two-time French Open finalist reaching the 2018 and 2019 finals. He seems comfortable on clay which makes it easier for him to utilize his natural game of trading strokes from the baseline better. He is famous for his one-handed backstroke and his spins. He was also a finalist at the 2011 junior French open. Thiem, who won the US open in 2020 has had a lengthy time-off due to injury and Covid-19 and since his comeback he has not had any wins.

Thiem is the natural clay court specialist. However he has not won any match since his return, losing to players he would usually defeat. Murray on his part has not been good on clay and only chose to play in Madrid to get some action before the grass season. The head to head stands at 2-2 with Thiem winning their last match in China. However, in spite of the rusty nature of Thiem’s game, it is hard to bet against a two-time French open champion on clay. The bookmakers agree with us and have installed him as the favourite.

• Thiem to win for 1.57
• Total Games over 20.5 for 1.53
• Both players to win at least one set for 2.17

TelecomAsia Sport is looking for tipsters for Australian soccer (AFL). Contact jobs@telecomasia.net for more information.