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Andy Murray takes on Michael Llodra of France

20th January 2012

Andy Murray is expecting an unusual challenge when he takes on Michael Llodra of France in the Australian Open third round at 0800 GMT on Saturday.

Murray won their two previous matches but Llodra always poses a different test as one of the leading doubles players and a serve-volley expert.

"He makes it difficult because of the way he plays," said fourth seed Murray.

"You don't see guys playing like him much nowadays and it normally takes a little while to adjust."

Murray and Llodra will contest the evening match on Hisense Arena, where the Scot also faced Ryan Harrison and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

He was taken to four sets in an unconvincing victory over Harrison but swept past Roger-Vasselin 6-1 6-4 6-4 - Murray's seventh straight win against a French opponent and a 37th in 38 encounters.

The British number one will hope to extend that record when he takes on Llodra, who is ranked 46th in singles and fifth in doubles.

"He's been a great doubles player and very good at singles for a long time," said the Scot, who beat Llodra in Metz in 2007 and at the 2008 US Open.

"He's got a lot of experience. It's going to be tough but I have always enjoyed playing guys that come forward."

Llodra is one of the few leading players who still adopt a net-rushing style but he feels all-out attack provides him with the best chance of victory.

The 31-year-old, who beat 32nd seed Alex Bogomolov Jr on Thursday, said: "It's great - I have nothing to lose.

"Everyone thinks he [Murray] is going to destroy me but we will see on the court. Nothing has changed for me; I'm going to play my game. It's always fun to play a top-four guy in the world.

"It will be on a big court and I have to enjoy it. It's tough to play against him. He plays slow then fast and can do whatever he wants."

Llodra believes Murray's tendency to play defensively could present him with a chance, adding: "Sometimes he waits too much and simply tries to move the other guy.

"So I have to attack - that's my only chance to win. He's good from the baseline and good at the net. I have to put pressure on him."

Guy Forget, France's Davis Cup captain and a former world number four, told BBC Radio 5 live: "Andy is the favourite. He has a lot of experience and is a very complete player.

"Michael is a flamboyant player and against Murray we're going to see sparkles on court. It will be very difficult [for Llodra] but anything is possible and he'll give everything he has."

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