Murray reward for beating Edouard Roger-Vasselin is to get another Frenchman, the eccentric Michael Llodra.

Murray has beaten Llodra on both his previous encounters. LLodra is one of a dying breed of tennis player; he is one of the last and surviving serve volleyers, who are ranked in the top 50. LLodra also has some unique shots included the natural one handed backhand which is a delight to see and will undoubtedly give Murray trouble. Andy has already acknowledged Llodra idiosyncrasies saying, He's up there with the most nuts guys on the tour; he's like a younger version of Henri Leconte." Murray recounts the time that Llodra squeezed himself into a locker in the mens locker room in Miami and when Ivan Ljubicic opened it, he sprung out at him butt naked. He's a strange guy but a nice guy. It is no surprise that Llodra has these characteristics as he it is thanks to his coach, Georges Deniau, who has instilled the serve volley tactics which have proved successful. This further backed up as Llodra explains who are idols are and they include Stefan Edberg and Leconte. Llodra offers explanation that he finds it too difficult to play from the baseline and he would find it boring to watch a match that is full of big lusty hitting. He airs a well known thought that the courts have been made for these big hitters as they are slower and so make it more difficult to be a serve volleyed and this also adds to the physical demands of the game as this is tough to do for a five setter. Llodra has had a harder route than Murray through to the 3rd meeting which will take place on Murray favorite court the Hisense Arena. Lodra had a hard fought 4 set match against Alex Bogomolov, whilst Murray was ruthless against Llodra compatriot. Llodra has stated that he has nothing to lose against Murray, as he is the underdog and Murray is the big favorite. This is borne out by all the stats that you can find. Murray has a record against French opponents of 37/38 wins, with Murray only defeat coming against Tsonga in Australian 1st round in 2008. If Murray beats Llodra, next up steps Frenchman Mofils and then Tsonga in the 1/4s. The stats also show that Murray loves playing lefties with his record at 37 wins and 3 losses. This has to be tempered as this discounts Nadal! Murray coaching set up appears to have Andy being far calmer on the court, being able to have clear thoughts in moments of tension. This could be attributed to Murray being more mature, he has been on the tennis circuit long enough now to know what he wants, coupled with his mums new role with the British Women in the Fed Cup, and Lendl being the calmer influence as he will understand Murray frustration at not having won a major in three attempts. Many commentators have been critical of Murray set up, but he still has to get over the psychological hurdle of winning his first major and it is him alone that has to find the consistency of tennis to do this in majors, but it is not as some uneducated people have said, time running out, he is merely moving into the best time for Andy to win his major. Murray is a lot less injury

prone than the likes of Djokovic and Nadal; Federer is coming to the end of his career so Murray will have greater chances as his game put less strain on his body, but it still remains that the Australian or US Open remain his best chances of winning a major. The most important aspect is the fact that Murray know how good he is, as does everyone else on the tour, and Llodra eluded to this as well saying, It's tough to play against him. He plays slow, fast, he can do whatever he wants. I have to play my game and also put a lot of pressure on him. It's his first tournament with Ivan and he wants to do well." Murray match is on Hisense arena and is live on Radio5live Sports Extra from 8am Saturday 21st January.