Andy Murray narrowly defeated Fernando Verdasco 6-3 3-6 7-6 in his second round match at Dubai on Wednesday.

Murray looked flat from the outset with the atmosphere and situation very different to that he experienced against Federer on Monday. This was the first match of the day and the people on court almost outnumbered those in the crowd. However, those who had made it were securely behind the Brit and a single break in the sixth game had Murray take the first set 6-3.

Murray struggled to serve in the second set as his first serve percentage in the windy conditions dropped below 40%. Therefore, despite clawing a break back at 4-2, Andy failed to consolodate and a suddenly improved Verdasco served it out 6-3.

The Scot tentatively claimed the initial break in the third set but Verdasco broke back forcing the deciding set to a tie-break. Murray raced ahead to 6-2 but it was on his 4th match point that Murray eventually won, moving him into the quarter-finals. Murray will meet Davydenko tomorrow afternoon.

Murray's analysis of the matchI was struggling to find the right shots and was mis-hitting a lot of balls - I'm just glad to get through in the end.

To play a match after winning against Federer was always going to be difficult mentally. It was really tough because there was no pressure against Federer and today I was expected to win.

Davydenko is a tough match, he's been in the top 10 for the past few years but I've got a good record against him.

Wow I completely missed it  Glad he won though

No?

 

PHEW. I honestly left the house thinking he was gunna lose, shows my optimism.

It was expected imo... he never plays well after a great win.

He won ugly. A win's a win, etc. If the only thing he learnt from Brad was that, he was worth every penny.