2022 Sydney Tennis Classic – Round of 16 – Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili on and what time does it start? Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will take place on Wednesday 12th January, 2022 – not before 09:15 (UK)
Where is Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili taking place? Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will take place at NSW Tennis Centre in Sydney, Australia
What surface is Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili being played on? Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
What channel is Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili on? Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will be televised live on the Amazon Prime Video app on Smart TVs in the UK
Where can I stream Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili? Subscribers of Amazon Prime can stream the match live on their platform, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili live
THE PREDICTION
After a choppy start to the 2022 season last week in Melbourne, Andy Murray looked altogether more composed in a straight-sets win over Viktor Durasovic on Tuesday here in Sydney. The 34-year-old is gearing up for a symbolic return to the Australian Open next week, two years on from a five-set defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut that saw him consider retirement in a post-match interview – not helped by a now infamous, bizarre video organised by the tournament that seemed to wave him goodbye. Murray worked his way back through several surgeries to become a consistent fixture on the tour towards the end of last season which is a feat in of itself with a metal hip but he is targeting titles this season and a return to the top 10.
Whether or not that will be possible is totally up to fate but he takes on world number 23 Nikoloz Basilashvili at an opportune moment here with the 29-year-old Georgian coming off a disappointing ATP Cup campaign. Basilashvili may be carrying an injury but a bye to the round of 16 will not help him develop any kind of form after two losses last week, including a retirement from the match against Stefanos Tsitsipas at 4-1 down in the first set. The pair shared four sets in the second round of Wimbledon last season before Murray worked out some kinks to come back strong and an outright win for the Brit looks a reasonable outcome here too.
