Andy Murray Prepares For Clay Court Tennis

Written by: Staff on 3rd April 2013

Andy Murray Prepares For Clay Court Tennis

epa03189581 Andy Murray of UK returns the ball to Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic during his quarter final match at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 20 April 2012. EPA/STEPHANE REIX |

With his Miami hardcourt title already in his rear-view mirror, Andy Murray is set to start worrying about what he admits is “my worst surface” as he remains in Florida to prepare for the transition to clay at the Monte Carlo Masters in a fortnight.

The new world No. 2 is wasting no time in getting back to work, substituting the south Florida clay for the classic European version for at least the next few days before returning to Europe.

The Scot has a goal as he chases Novak Djokovic for the top ATP ranking, hoping to get past the quarter-finals this season on the surface. “I can play some decent tennis on it but I need to work extremely hard on the clay because I haven’t played on it in 10-and-a-half months now, so it always takes me a bit of time to get used to,” Murray told the BBC.

“It’s the most challenging surface for me and with Rafa coming back it’s going to be very tough, but I’ll give it my best shot.”

Murray will limit his training times so as not to get burned out and also to recover after his month of hardcourt matches in the US. “I think being fresh in Miami helped me and hopefully I can keep managing my schedule well throughout the year.”

In Monte Carlo, Murray could come up against Rafael Nadal, who did not play in Miami after winning Indian Wells in order to rest the dodgy knees which have compromised his career recently. The Spaniard will be looking for an unprecedented ninth straight title in the principality.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Andy Murray, British tennis news, clay court tennis, Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal