Andy Murray says it will be a 'tough ask' to win in Dubai
Murray could face Roger Federer in semi-finals on Saturday
Tuesday 28 February 2017 16:42, UK
Top seed and world No 1 Andy Murray admits it will be "a tough ask" to win the Dubai Tennis Championships after returning from a lengthy layoff.
Murray has not played since a shock fourth-round exit to Mischa Zverev in the fourth round of the Australian Open, and then suffered from a bout of shingles after returning from Melbourne.
Murray has insisted he is fit and raring to go having trained flat-out following his five-week lay-off.
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"Normally the conditions play very quick, but it's been very slow," Murray told Sky Sports News.
"Once the tournament starts, it's going to be a change again, with the weather which might take a little bit of time to get used to. It has been very strange conditions."
Roger Federer eased into the second round with a comfortable victory over Benoit Paire on Monday and the Swiss star could be on a collision course with Murray in the semi-finals on Friday.
"I've played Roger twice here, once in the final [in 2012] when he beat me and then once in the first round a number of years ago, which I managed to win.
"Roger loves the conditions here and I think he's spent a lot of time training here so he feels comfortable.
"It would be nice [to win]. A lot of great players have competed here in the past and it will be a tough ask, but I'm fresh and I'm in a good place right now, so I'm looking forward to it."
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