Andy Murray ready for Ivo Karlovic test at Wimbledon
Monday 6 July 2015 21:27, UK
Andy Murray will not underestimate the big-serving Ivo Karlovic as he kicks off his second week at Wimbledon on Manic Monday, according to Barry Cowan.
There will be a packed schedule as the fourth round action begins, with spectators on Centre Court being treated to the fifth All-England Club clash between sisters Serena and Venus Williams.
That match will be followed on Centre Court by Murray taking on the 6ft 11in Karlovic, who boasts the second-most aces in tennis history.
At 36, the Croat is the oldest male to reach the second week at Wimbledon since 1976, and he has utilised his greatest weapon to outstanding effect, smashing down 136 aces in the tournament so far.
However, Cowan says Murray must concentrate on his own service game if he is to continue his impressive head-to-head record with Karlovic, which currently stands at five wins and zero losses.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: “The great players over the last few years, Murray, (Rafa) Nadal, (Novak) Djokovic, (Roger) Federer – they don’t underestimate anyone and Andy is not going to underestimate what Karlovic is doing.
“What Karlovic has moved from - a few years ago it was just his serve. He’s always had that phenomenal first and second serve; he’s always had the ability to hit aces. Where Ivo has improved in the last year or so are other areas of his game. His volleys have improved out of sight.
“Also, a word of caution, if Andy doesn’t serve well then he can get punished because Karlovic will look to be aggressive off the return, especially the forehand side.
“Everyone is talking about Andy having to return well, but first of all what you’ve got to do, which is what Federer always does against Karlovic, is serve well. Take care of your service games.
“If Andy can do that I would always back Murray in the tie-break because Andy has been there before and has a great tie-break record. Surprisingly Karlovic is only around 50 per cent of tie-breaks won.”
Day seven of the Championships will see top seed Djokovic in action against Kevin Anderson, while Roger Federer will also face Roberto Bautista-Agut on Centre Court, all part of so-called 'Manic Monday' after a break in play on Sunday.
Cowan also backed Serena to defeat sister Venus in Centre Court’s opening match.
Serena is bidding to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time while Venus’ last Wimbledon triumph came in 2008. She has also been battling Sjogren's syndrome, a debilitating autoimmune disease, after being diagnosed in 2011.
“In the early days it was always incredibly difficult to call,” he said. “It was actually when Venus was playing her best and they were a match for each other, but in recent years Serena has become almost unbeatable.
“She has certainly been unbeatable in the last year in Grand Slams where Venus has had her difficult moments with that illness. But last year I remember Venus played a terrific match early on in the tournament and she was actually playing great tennis.
“But if you look at the respective form of each other, Serena is on the verge of becoming one of the greatest players ever in the women’s game. She’s closing in on Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slams.
“My heart says Serena, my head also says Serena. I think she’ll have a little too much class for her sister.”
