"A tactical genius" - Mats Wilander backs Andy Murray to progress at Indian Wells

| by Alex Waite

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander believes Andy Murray has what it takes to reach the latter stages of the 2023 Indian Wells tournament.

Murray came back from a set down to get past Tomas Etcheverry in the first round after an evenly fought three-set match that lasted more than three hours

After Murray's latest victory, Wilander explained in an interview with Eurosport that the Indian Wells format could suit the 35-year-old and his chances of progressing in the competition.

"Indian Wells and Miami are perfect tournaments for Murray because it's not five sets, it's three sets, He's got a day off between most matches. Let's say he gets to his semi-finals and he's going to play the first few matches with a day off in between, that makes a huge difference for Andy.!"

Wilander said to Eurosport 
"The best I’ve felt for a long time" - Murray ready for Indian Wells
"The best I’ve felt for a long time" - Murray ready for Indian Wells

In addition, Wilander said that the desert conditions at Indian Wells could also work in Murray's favour if he comes up against better opponents in the later rounds.

"Indian Wells is very high, bouncy, it's very slow. So there are certain opponents that you're going to have a problem with, and there are certain opponents that you're going to find easier to play on a court like that. And Murray, being a tactical genius, I think he welcomes the challenge of playing in the desert air where it's really cold at night and it's very hot and fast during the daytime."

Murray will face Spanish player Pablo Carreno Busta in the second round on Saturday. The 35-year-old Brit has continued to defy the odds this season after reaching the final of the Qatar Open in February, where he lost the final in straight sets against Daniil Medvedev.

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