Andy Murray is set to take on Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round of ATP 250 Qatar Open. Having faced early round exits in their respective previous tournaments, both players are seeking a comeback in Qatar.

Being the 2nd seed, World No. 16 Bautista Agut received a first-round bye and will be starting his tournament campaign from the second round. On the other hand, former World No. 1 Andy Murray beat the Japanese star Taro Daniel in straight sets to reach the second round. 

Murray vs Agut: Match preview

Struggling to regain his vintage form, Andy Murray ended his 2021 season with a quarter-final loss in the ATP 250 Stockholm Open. Hoping for a strong comeback, the British started his 2022 season at the ATP 250 Melbourne. However, he experienced a first-round exit from the tournament. 

Not losing hope, Murray entered the ATP 250 Sydney, where he reached the final. However, he failed to withstand the aggressive game of Russian Aslan Karatsev and lost the game in straight sets.

Furthermore, Andy’s Australian Open campaign was also a short one, as he was ousted in the second round by his previous opponent, Taro Daniel. He has now entered Qatar, hoping to repeat history by winning his 3rd title here. 

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Agut, on the other hand, ended his 2021 season with a first round exit at the ATP Masters 1000 Paris. He kick-started his 2022 season at the ATP Cup, reaching the finals to face Felix Auger-Aliassme. However, failing to match the young Canadian’s energy, Agut lost in straight sets. 

The Australian Open also did not prove to be fruitful for the Spaniard as he suffered a 3rd round loss to American Taylor Fritz. Following his Melbourne Park loss, Roberto entered the ATP 250 Montpellier Open. After seeing multiple early round losses, Roberto is looking forward to win his second title in Qatar after 2019.

Andy Murray vs Roberto Bautista Agut: Head to Head

Andy Murray and Roberto Bautista Agut have faced each other 4 times in their careers. Twice on hard courts, once on clay, and once on grass.

The two first met in the 3rd round of 2014 Wimbledon with Andy Murray cruising past easily with a straight-set win.

The two next met in the very next year at the ATP 250 Munich Open. Andy Murray once again won in straight sets. The victory was followed by another straight-set win at 2016 ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai by Murray. 

Their 4th clash was the iconic first round tie at the 2019 Australian Open, after which Andy announced that he will require hip surgery and won’t be returning to the tour for a while. The Spaniard beat Murray in 5 sets.

Murray leads 3-1 in head to head.

Prediction: Bautista Agut in straight sets

Even though the world would pray for the 2-time champion Andy Murray to win, it is more likely that Agut will prevail. However, as they say, a wounded lion can be more dangerous. Andy Murray might raise his form and surpass the Spaniard’s test.