Andy Murray vs Jannik Sinner: 2023 Canadian Open Toronto - Preview & Prediction
ATP
Andy Murray is playing solid tennis and winning matches but he'll need something more if he wants to beat Jannik Sinner in the Canadian Open round three.
Murray has been pretty okay so far in Canada. His level is not one that will leave you amazed but he's doing enough to win matches in conditions that leave him quite vulnerable. He's been more aggressive on his own serve but on return, it's mostly down to getting many balls back and patiently waiting for his own chance.
That approach nearly cost him against Max Purcell who was bombing away winners all match long but couldn't sustain it. He was up a break though, only two games away from winning, but had more unforced errors than winners in the final few games.
Sinner will have an identical approach as he generally likes to finish the rally on his own terms and if Purcell nearly succeeds at beating Murray then Sinner will have more than a solid shot. The Italian can play himself out of matches as well and that's how Murray will try to beat him.
Head-to-head:
That approach worked in Stockholm in 2021 when Murray defeated him in two sets while it didn't work last year in Dubai. Sinner won that one easily so the head-to-head is currently at 1-1.
Prediction:
Sinner is far likelier to win the match and it make it 2-1 because he's just that good. There are not many players that can hit better than the Italian and if he plays anything like he did against Berrettini. He posted 22 winners in that one and only 7 unforced errors.
That sort of level will be trouble for Murray whose movement can only cover so much court. So what I'm saying? I'm saying Sinner in two.
Prediction: Jannin Sinner in straight sets.
