Andy Murray will play Russian Marat Safin in his round-robin opener at the Kooyong Classic.

The Scot has only played the Russian once on tour back in 2005, a match Murray lost 6-4 1-6 6-1. However, times have changed and as of late Safin is getting more headlines for his mountain climbing than his tennis.

Press Conference [doc, 67kb] Murray will be firm favourite going into this match and with Roger Federer's withdrawal, the Scot will have a decent chance at taking his second title of the year.

Murray talks to the press, Yes, I feel good.  Obviously, I played well in Doha last week. I started well last year, as well making the final there, so it has been nice with my new team around me.  I've got a couple of fitness trainers here, a coach and a physio, so I'm looking forward to it.

Physically, I feel much stronger.  I worked - you know, I only had like three weeks off in the off-season last year and I had pretty much five weeks of training, so I feel physically much stronger.  Tennis-wise, I don't feel a whole lot different, but I think obviously being physically stronger helps you mentally as well, so the tennis isn't that much different. But physically much better.

I'm glad exhibition matches are not on H2H, they really are bulls**t.

Safin?....No, Andy in 3

Andy in 2, Safin blows.

Andy in 2, not that it matters - this is paid for warm-up... Next week will be more exciting.