Andy Murray: First Round Win for Next Australian Open Champ

To some, Andy Murray winning a major tournament is a relatively new thought. To some, Andy Murray winning his first major is all about breaking the solid grip of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. But to me, Andy Murray winning this Australian Open would just be showing the world what I have always believed.

Andy Murray is a world beater.

The 21-year-old Scot is Britain’s No. 1 tennis player and is currently ranked the fourth in the world. He goes into the Australian Open undefeated this season and fitter than he has ever been. Despite never having been past the fourth round in Australia, Murray has been installed as bookies' favorite.

A surprise to Federer maybe, but not to me.

The last four times he played Roger Federer, he has beaten him. The last time he played Rafael Nadal, he beat him. Murray is on his “home” hard court, where he has won over 90 percent of his titles.

Yes, last year he flopped in the first round. Yes, he flopped in his first major final at the US Open, but he had just knocked out Rafael Nadal in four very tough sets. The Brit is stronger now, more confident and more experienced.

Romania’s Davis Cup Captain, Andrei Pavel, was Murray’s first-round opponent, but the 34 year old was unable to stand up to the young Scot, losing the first set 6-2 before retiring 3-1 down in the second.

Pavel had hardly played in a year and with the sun shining down at 37 degrees Celsius, it was never going to be a pleasant afternoon for the Romanian.

This time last year Andy was making up the numbers, out in the first round, this year, he is THE man to beat.

Like the immortal words once spoken by the commentator in Cool Runnings…

What the hell, go champ.