Madrid Open day 2: Veteran Murray meets Thiem, “prodigy” Sinner is easy to breathe

(Sports news – tennis news) Former world No. 1 Andy Murray had a difficult time in the first round at the Madrid Open when his opponent was a star who was hungry for revival.

Andy Murray – Dominic Thiem: 1h, 3/5, Madrid Open 1st round

Former world No. 1 Andy Murray will continue his journey to find form with a clay court event at the Madrid Open. Murray made the decision quite late when many believed that he would not be able to appear in the tournament in Spain.

Murray will face Thiem right in the Madrid Open opening match

However, Murray will soon face a challenge on the opening day when his opponent will be Dominic Thiem. The Austrian star is also struggling to return from injury. Thiem was once considered a potential factor of the next generation, even many people believe that the 28-year-old tennis player will soon challenge the “Big 3” in the future.

However, persistent injuries prevented Thiem from playing last season and the former world number 3 dropped to 91st ATP position. Meeting Murray in the first round will be an opportunity for Thiem to prove his determination to return.

In the past, Murray won the 2015 Madrid Open after defeating Nadal in the final. The 34-year-old went on to reach the final a year later but was defeated by Djokovic. The current situation is very different for Murray and playing experience is probably the only factor that the Scottish player is marginally better than Thiem at the moment.

Tommy Paul – Jannik Sinner: 5:00 p.m., May 2, Madrid Open 1st round

In the previous match, 10th seed Jannik Sinner will face American opponent Tommy Paul on the opening day. Clay courts always bring advantages to Sinner and the Italian “prodigy” understands that he needs to get through the first matches quickly, before giving strength to heavier opponents in the next round.

Sinner “breathable” in round 1

Although he has not really caught up with this season, Sinner is still appreciated much more than Tommy Paul in both class and form. The two have never faced each other in the past, but this will likely be Sinner’s first victory over a player who is four years older than him.

*Note that the calendar is subject to change.