Andy Murray ready to face Fabio Fognini for first time on grass at Wimbledon
"I don't know how well he moves on the grass. I haven't played him on it, but he certainly can play well"
Thursday 6 July 2017 06:09, UK
Andy Murray says he will be wary of highly-talented Fabio Fognini when they meet for a place in the last 16 at Wimbledon on Friday.
Defending champion Murray outclassed German maverick Dustin Brown 6-3 6-2 6-2 in an entertaining match of exhibition-style points, overcoming a potentially tricky opponent with a reputation for giant-killing.
The top seed's win was greeted by huge cheers from the home crowd who are hoping to see the 30-year-old double champion become the first British player to retain a Grand Slam title since Fred Perry in the 1930s.
Murray next plays Italian Fognini, seeded 28th, in round three, in what will be their first meeting on grass.
Fognini swept aside Czech Jiri Vesely in straight sets, and now faces the Scot in a rematch of their Rome Masters encounter from just a couple of month ago, which the 30-year-old won in emphatic fashion.
"I think he's always dangerous," Murray told a press conference. "He's a shot-maker and he's very solid off his forehand and backhand side, but he can also hit winners from both sides.
I expect it to be very tough. When Fabio is switched on, he's really, really tough to beat
"A lot of guys maybe have a big forehand and are maybe more consistent on the opposite wing. Whereas Fabio can hit winners off both sides. He has good hands up at the net.
"I don't think I have ever played against him on grass. He moves extremely well on the other surfaces. I don't know how well he moves on the grass. I haven't played him on it, but he certainly can play well.
"I expect it to be very tough. When Fabio is switched on, he's really, really tough to beat."
Fognini believes it be a "completely different" game from their last encounter in the Italian capital, but insists he has the game in his locker to pull out a shock win on Friday.
"Here, it's completely different. Of course, it's Wimbledon. It's home for him and it's the best-of-five," said Fognini.
"Of course, he's the defending champion. So it's going to be really tough, for sure. He's the favourite. But I think I have the game to play against him.
"Hopefully I can play my best tennis and try to complicate his life on court. If I have the chance, I will try and take it."
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