Andy Murray (Photo : Getty Images)
Andy Murray will open the Australian Open 2017 against Ukraine's Illya Marchenko as the world No. 1 looks to avenge his near-misses in Melbourne.
Murray admitted he would love to win this year's Australian Open after several shortcomings on winning the first Grand Slam event of the year. Last year's tournament had Murray close to winning his first crown in Melbourne before Novak Djokovic halted the Scot's run in the final round of the event. But Murray believes if he could play his best tennis, he would have a chance at finally capturing his first Australian Open title.
"I love this event. I have been really close a number of times - it has just never happened for me, but I don't think that will change my mindset so much coming into the event this year," Murray said, reports The Guardian.
"If I play my best tennis I'll have a shot of winning. And it's one that I'd love to win because there have been so many near misses."
Murray's ultimate goal at the tournament will be tested when he meets Marchenko in the opening round. Murray last met Marchenko in 2011 at the same tournament, where the former defeated the latter in Round of 64.
While Murray is the heavy favorite to advance into the second round, the three-time Grand Slam winner admitted he would not take the 29-year-old Ukrainian for granted.
"I saw him playing a bit at the US Open. He had a good run there a few months ago. Also had a very tight match with Wawrinka there," Murray said, reports The West Australian.
"He's not easy. He fights very hard. He's got a great attitude. Plays predominantly from the back of the court and moves well. He doesn't give you too many free points."
Whoever wins between Murray and Marchenko will get a chance to face the winner between Russia's Andrey Rublev and Yen-Hsun Lu of Chinese Taipei.
Live streaming info and score updates
Watch Australian Open 2017 Andy Murray vs Illya Marchenko live via AusOpen.com or Watch ESPN. Live scores will be available during game days at the Australian Open's official website.
