Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Andy Murray v Ivan Ljubicic
Wimbledon Championship, Third Round
Start time: 16:00, BBC 1
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
2010 (Beijing) Ljubicic bt Murray 6-3, 6-2
2009 (ATP World Tour Indian Wells) Murray bt Ljubicic 7-4, 7-6 (6)
2009 (Rotterdam) Murray bt Ljubicic 6-3, 6-2
2007 (Doha) Ljubicic bt Murray 6-4, 6-4
2006 (ATP Masters Series Madrid) Murray bt Ljubicic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
2006 (Zagreb) Ljubicic bt Murray 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
PREVIEW
Andy Murray and Ivan Ljubicic meet for the seventh time in their careers this afternoon in the third round at Wimbledon with the head-to-head record tied at three-a-piece. The Croatian won the last encounter in two sets when they last played in Beijing in 2010. Andy Murray has dropped only one set on his way to this match, although his performance against Tobias Kamke was a little inconsistent.
The British number one is the strong favourite on the ‘Daq’ and is fourth favourite for the Wimbledon title following after some excellent performances at Queen’s a little over a week ago.
The pair have never met on grass before or in fact over five sets. Since recovering from a significant dip in form after his straight sets defeat in Melbourne, the Scot looks to be back in good touch. Murray has won 22 times in 2011 and lost eight matches, while his opponent’s record this year stands at won 15 and lost 12.
Ljbicic has a big serve and strikes the ball with power from the baseline, but he is eight years older than Murray. The Croat has enough weapons to make Murray work and this will likely be his toughest contest thus far. However, I expect Murray to progress to the fourth round in four sets.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Murray in four sets at around 3.8: 4 points
Thursday’s Return: -3.00 points
