Indian Wells 2022: Andy Murray vs Alexander Bublik preview, head-to-head and prediction | BNP Paribas Open
Match Details
Fixture: (WC) Andy Murray vs (31) Alexander Bublik
Date: 13 March 2022
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Round: Second round (Round of 64)
Venue: Indian Wells, California, USA
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Prize money: $8,369,455
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Voot
Andy Murray vs Alexander Bublik preview
Andy Murray will take on 31st seed Alexander Bublik in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday.
The former World No. 1 started the year with an opening-round exit at Melbourne Summer Set 1, but followed it up by reaching the final of the Sydney International. He lost to Aslan Karatsev in straight sets in the title clash.
Murray reached the second round of the Australian Open after beating Nikoloz Basilashvili in five sets, before losing to an inspired Taro Daniel in straight sets.
The 34-year-old then suffered second-round exits at the Rotterdam Open, Dubai Tennis Championships and the Qatar Open. The early exits all came against players ranked in the top 20.
Murray received a wildcard for the Indian Wells Masters and drew Daniel in the first round. The Japanese took the opening set 6-1 with some aggressive shot-making. However, the Scot made a fine comeback to take the next two sets 6-2, 6-4 and reach the second round. This was also the 700th victory of Murray's career.
Indian Wells 2022
Queen's 2005 👉 Indian Wells 2022
700 wins later and the @andy_murray
roar hasn't changed 🦁 https://t.co/qL9Ga2gkDx
Bublik, meanwhile, started the year with a first-round exit at the Adelaide International, losing to Aleksandar Vukic. The Kazakh then reached the second round of the Australian Open before losing to Gael Monfils.
The 24-year-old then entered the Open Sud de France as the sixth seed and reached the final after beating Tallon Griekspoor, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Roberto Bautista Agut and Filip Krajinovic. Bublik beat top seed Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win the first ATP title of his career.
Following early exits at the Rotterdam Open, Qatar Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships. Bublik helped Kazakhstan reach the Davis Cup Finals by beating Norway's Viktor Durasovic and Casper Ruud.
Alexander Bublik stuns World No.8 Casper Ruud infront of his hometown crowd 💪
Bublik gave Kazakhstan a place in the Davis Cup finals by beating Ruud 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 and gave his team unassailable 3-1 lead in Oslo 🔥
#DavisCup #AlexanderBublik #CasperRuud #Kazakhstan #Norway https://t.co/rVhOqr56Cx
Andy Murray vs Alexander Bublik head-to-head
Sunday's match at Indian Wells will be the third meeting between Murray and Bublik. The head-to-head is 2-0 in favor of the Scot.
The winner of the match will face either Grigor Dimitrov or Jordan Thompson in the third round.
Andy Murray vs Alexander Bublik prediction
Bublik may be ranked higher than Murray, but the latter's experience and recent performances make him the favorite.
The Scot will rely heavily on his movement and defensive prowess for points. Murray's return game will also be put to the test against the Kazakh's big serve.
Bublik is among the most prolific servers on tour and will look to power his way past Murray. But that is easier said than done. The Scot has an uncanny ability to frustrate his opponents and should come away with his second win over Bublik this year.
Prediction: Murray to win in three sets.