Andy Murray unveils bold new approach as he beats Dan Evans in Abu Dhabi

It was only an exhibition match against his compatriot and friend Dan Evans, but we saw a clear of tactics from Andy Murray in his opening match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Murray looked sharp and moved well in a 6-3 6-2 victory, with his eagerness to come forward and into the net at every opportunity a clear change of approach from the former world No.1.
Murray split from long-time coach Jamie Delgado last week and is having a trial period with German Jan De Witt, with his eagerness to finish points quickly using his exemplary net game working well.
At the age of 34, Murray will need to avoid long and draining matches if is to enjoy lengthy runs in major events and coming to the net and finishing points more swiftly may be a plan he can look to develop.
This was just a snapshot of what is possible from Murray heading into 2022 and he was satisfied with his performance against a misfiring Evans.
“We practise a lot together so we know each other’s games well. We always play a lot of long points, long rallies,” stated Murray. “Dan’s got skills that very few players on the tour have. It’s a good start.”
The Scot will now provide the first opponent for Rafael Nadal when he makes his comeback from a lengthy lay-off with a foot injury on Friday.
“I didn’t know whether I was going to get the opportunity to play matches like that again,” said Murray. “Rafa’s someone that I’ve had some great battles with at some of the biggest tournaments in the world. It’ll be great. Hopefully we can put on a great performance.”
.@Andy_Murray wins the 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀.
His next opponent? @RafaelNadal 🍿#MWTC #MakeWayForTheBest pic.twitter.com/aNtRDO75gy
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 16, 2021
Evans was a late replacement and that perhaps explains why he was some way below his best, with the 31-year-old midway through his preparations for the start of the new season next month.
“He played well,” said Evans. “It wasn’t much fun for me. I did some things well. Not enough. But it was really good to get the chance to be out here in front of a great crowd.”
Latest
-
News
Heather Watson reaping the benefits of hard work at last
The 30-year-old says the paradise location of Hua Hin is helping her find her best tennis.
-
ATP Tour
Boris Becker sends Alexander Zverev stark warning
Alexander Zverev has been given a warning by Boris Becker.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray weighs in on disappointing Australian Open TV numbers
Andy Murray pointed to the rise in streaming and the opening of new markets as big positives for the game.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
Rafael Nadal’s confirmed and unconfirmed events for the 2023 tennis season.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
When and where will world No 1 Novak Djokovic play his next tournament?
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: ‘Fans have it good on the women’s side’
The WTA Tour promises an incredible ride in 2023.
-
News
ATP confirms it will take no action against Alexander Zverev after domestic abuse investigation
The German was accused of domestic abuse by his former girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, in 2020.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic accused of being a ‘turn-off’ as poor Australian Open viewing figures revealed
Novak Djokovic has been accused of being a turn-off for TV viewers at the Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Tennis stars of tomorrow: Featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu
Annabelle Spiers looks at the new cast of tennis characters for fans to get behind.
-
Tennis News
Top 10 men’s Grand Slam match wins: Novak Djokovic edges closer to Roger Federer
Some of the all-time greats feature on list.