In what will be their first ever meeting, the Brit is ready to take on Spanish #5 Davidovich Fokina in front of a local crowd, well versed in the world of sports.

Former world number one, Andy Murray is coming into the Gijón Open ATP 250 refreshed and raring to go. Despite pulling out of last week’s Astana tournament due to illness, the three-time Grand Slam champion feels well rested, so much so that he came to Gijón a few days early to get in some extra practice and to get used to the conditions. 

Up first for the 35-year-old veteran will be tough test against local Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina. The pair have never faced off, although they know each others’ games quite well having trained together many times. Speaking at a press conference the day before his first scheduled match, Murray noted, “he’s played well this year and he’s had some good results, beating Djokovic in Monte-Carlo and losing a close match to Berrettini in the US Open.”

Murray also weighed in on some other young guns in the draw, touting Sebastian Korda as a player to keep an eye on, as well as remarking how impressed he is with the talent of 16-year-old Spaniard, Martin Landaluce. “I’ve seen him train over the past few days and he has a lot of potential.” 

 With nine Spanish players in the draw, Murray admitted that “it’s always difficult to play against them at home.” The winner of two Olympic gold medals added, “sport is a huge part of the culture in Spain. I’ve been told that the locals in Gijón love their sport, so it’s great to have the tournament here and I’m really looking forward to it.”

 Photo: Gijón Open