Friday 29 May 2015 16:06, UK
Andy Murray can continue his red-hot form on clay when he faces Nick Kyrgios in the third round of the French Open, says Barry Cowan.
The British No 1 is undefeated on the surface this year and he extended his perfect record with a 6-2 4-6 6-4 6-1 win over Joao Sousa on Thursday.
That latest victory set up a potentially exciting showdown with Kyrgios, in a repeat of their quarter-final encounter at the Australian Open earlier this year.
On that occasion Murray advanced in straight sets, but Sky Sports expert Cowan believes the Australian youngster can be a threat to any of the game’s top players.
“You’ve always got to be wary of these guys, because there’s an unlimited amount of talent and potential and you never know whether today is going to be the day,” said Cowan.
“Certainly the way that Andy is playing, you’ve got to feel that he will have too much class and too much nous against Kyrgios in the next round.”
Murray regained control after a second set wobble against Sousa and Cowan feels Kyrgios is capable of posing a few problems for the world No 3.
But he points to Murray's steely determination and bottomless stamina as two of the reasons why he should prevail in Paris.
“I’ve been impressed with Andy, even when he dropped a set, Sousa was playing at his highest level,” said Cowan.
“Crucially in the third set when Andy had to save some break points, he was able to come up with great tennis.
“That’s the advantage he’s got at the moment - the fact that he’s on this great run. He’s taking his game to opponents. Certainly the return has been key for Murray, but it’s also down to his all-round application and attitude.
“There is a little question mark about Kyrgios at the moment as physically he is still developing, where Murray is at his peak.
“I’m sure mentally, Andy will feel the longer it goes on, the more he becomes the overwhelming favourite.
“The biggest concern is that Kyrgios will just go for it and if it is one of those days, he will feel that he could cause an upset. But the great champions don’t panic and even if Murray does go down a set and a break, at some stage he will get his chance.
"When the tables do turn, I feel that Kyrgios could be chasing the game and that will count against him.”
