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In-form Murray given good draw for Madrid Masters

12/10/2008

Andy Murray has been handed a kind draw in the Madrid Masters which starts tomorrow.

Britain's number one has a first-round bye and will face clay-court specialist Nicolas Almagro or a qualifier in the second round.

The 21-year-old Scot could face 13th seed Fernando Verdasco or big-serving Croat Marin Cilic in the next round before a clash with American Andy Roddick in the quarter-finals.

But then it gets tougher with a possible semi-final match up against Roger Federer, to whom he lost in the US Open final.

Murray, the fourth seed in Madrid, has already booked his place in the season-ending Masters Cup along with Federer, Novac Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.

World number two Federer had been expected to miss the event due to fatigue but revealed he wants to capitalise on his good form after a three-week break.

"After some rest and physical training, I have decided to play in Madrid next week," Federer told his website.

"I am eager and excited to get back on court after winning my fifth consecutive US Open and the Davis Cup tie last month in Switzerland.

"I will take it one week at a time to ensure I am fully prepared for 2009."

Former champion Juan Carlos Ferrero will not play in Madrid after being snubbed for one of the three wildcards, even though another spot has become available due to withdrawals.