Andy Murray returns to his familiar territory! The 37-year-old tennis star is all set to take on Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the first round (R32) of the Queen’s Club Championships. Murray has been struggling with injuries and a lack of form over the last few months and has already revealed that he’d like to retire at the Wimbledon Championships or the Paris Olympics this year. However, before putting an end to his illustrious career, he’d love to grab a few more titles in his bag. This is a big opportunity for him! Can he defeat Popyrin in this exciting first-round faceoff?

Well, Andy Murray is the most successful player in this tournament. He has grabbed five titles in the previous editions of the Queen’s Club Championships. So, despite his horrible form, his records in this tournament will give the British tennis star an extra bit of confidence before this match. Alexei Popyrin needs to be at his best to beat Murray in his territory!

Andy Murray vs Alexei Popyrin: Preview

Murray’s best results this season have been reaching the R16 in his previous three tournaments this year. He has failed to make his presence felt for most of this season so far. Can the grass courts bring back the vintage Andy Murray? He was last seen in action at the Stuttgart Open where he lost his R32 match against America’s Marcos Giron by 3-6,4-6. In that match, Murray hit three aces and committed one double fault. His first-serve win percentage was 68% and his second-serve win percentage was 64%. However, Andy Murray failed to convert his three breakpoints in that match.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has hit a total of 96 aces this season and has committed 27 double faults. He has won 81% of his service games and 13% of his return games. How are his numbers compared to his Australian opponent?

Alexei Popyrin has had a comparatively better season and he reached the SF at the Qatar Open this year. He is entering this match after defeating his previous two opponents in straight sets at the qualifiers of this tournament. Popyrin defeated  America’s Mackenzie McDonald by 6-3,6-4 in his previous match. In that match, he fired eight aces against his opponent and committed just two double faults. He won 69% of his first serve and 61% of his second serve against the American. Alexei Popyrin converted just three out of his seven breakpoints.

Looking at his numbers from this season, the 24-year-old Australian tennis star has hammered 164 aces and committed 50 double faults. He has won 84% of his service games and just 17% of his return games. Although his numbers look quite decent compared to Andy Murray’s, the experience of the British tennis star on this surface may prove to be the deciding factor in this match. Have these players met each other earlier?

Murray vs Popyrin: Head-to-Head

No, Andy Murray and Alexei Popyrin haven’t yet faced each other on the Tour. This will be their first meeting and that’s what makes this contest more exciting. Finding the right weapons & tactics, and then implementing them in the battle will be crucial in this faceoff. The one who figures out his opponent’s weaknesses first will win this match!

Prediction: Murray to win in three sets

Talking about tactics, Andy Murray is a master tactician and he’s one of the most intelligent players on the court. His vast experience accompanied by a defensive baseline game may give a tough challenge to Popyrin. Alexei Popyrin has a dynamic style of play accompanied by powerful serve and incredible agility. He can swiftly turn from defensive to offensive mode and has deep and penetrating groundstrokes in his armory.

Andy Murray on the other hand, is one of the best returners on the Tour and he’s considered having the most consistent two-handed backhands. Murray is often seen hitting winners from defensive positions. However, the only thing that must be worrying all the Murray fans is his win-loss record (5-12). Alexei Popyrin on the other hand, has recorded 10-11 so far this season but if we look at Murray’s records on this surface, fans can surely expect some fireworks from him in this match. So, the ‘Old’ is possibly going to prove that he’s ‘Gold’ in this match!