Murray fired up for Nadal test
Andy Murray is hoping for a rematch with Rafael Nadal
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Wednesday, 17, Oct 2007 03:38
British number one Andy Murray is targeting a showdown against the world number two Rafael Nadal in the third round of the Madrid Masters this week.
The 20-year-old Scot, who is a sometime practice partner of the Spaniard, believes he has a chance to beat him if the two meet in the next round of the competition.
Nadal and Murray are on a collision course and should the big-hitting Mallorcan get past Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in the second round later tonight, the pair will line up for their second professional meeting.
Murray lost to Nadal in the last 16 of the Australian Open in Melbourne earlier this year in what was a five-set thriller that finished 6-7 6-4 4-6 6-3 6-1.
And the world number 17 believes he can spring a surprise now that he is getting back to full fitness following his three-month lay-off with a wrist injury.
"That was one of the best matches I've played on the tour against him (Nadal) in Australia, probably in a grand slam the best match I've played," Murray said.
"I was a little bit unlucky in part of the fifth set - I had a lot of chances but I didn't take them. But indoors, if I serve like I have been, I have a good chance against him."
He added: "I will not be the favourite going into the match, but I feel if I play like I have done in the last couple of matches it's going to be tough to beat me."
Murray has recorded two impressive wins in the Madrid Masters so far, beating world number 30 Radek Stepanek and world number 15 Juan Ignacio Chela in straight sets.
He also reached the final of the Moselle Open earlier this month, where he lost in three sets to Tommy Robredo.