Mixed emotions for Murray

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:14

While the 21-year-old was pleased to get out of the stiflingly hot conditions in the Rod Laver Arena, he admitted he would have preferred his match against Pavel to have lasted longer than 45 minutes.

“I would have liked to have been on court a bit longer,” admitted the fourth seed, who was a set and 3-1 up when the 34-year-old Romanian retired with a back injury. “But, I guess if you want to do well in the tournament, it’s good to conserve some energy as well. Hopefully that was a good thing.”

Pavel sees no reason why Murray cannot earn his maiden grand slam title in Melbourne given his recent wins in Abu Dhabi and Doha where he toppled Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer (twice) and Andy Roddick.

The 34-year-old first played against Murray in the 2005 US Open, which the Scot won in five sets.

“I think this year might be his year,” said Pavel. “He’s already started well in Doha beating Federer and Roddick. So why not go all the way here? You never know.”

Murray will face Spaniard Marcel Granollers in the second round.

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