Indian Wells: Murray Unfazed By Possibility Of Facing Compatriots

Former British number one Andy Murray says he is unfazed about the possibility of facing compatriots Dan Evans or Jack Draper at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters event.

Murray made this known while preparing to play Tomas Etcheverry of Argentina in the first round of the tournament on Thursday.

There is a possibility that if the Scot reaches the third round of the Indian Wells he could face either Evans or Draper who might come up against each other in the second round.

"To be honest, I don't really care that much," said Murray, who wore a big smile on his face.

"Obviously I can see why it's interesting. And if Evo plays against Jack I'll be interested in the match.

"But I'm not particularly bothered by it and for me, it's not going to impact me until the third round. 

"I need to get there and this is not always a tournament where I have played amazing."

The last time Murray went past the third round in the Californian desert was in 2015.

He has had to struggle to get back to his best whilst playing with a metal hip.

His last successful outing came at the European Open in 2019.

The 35-year-old however did reach his first ATP final of the year in Doha 10 days ago, albeit his bid for a first ATP Tour title in more than three years ended in a straight-set defeat by Daniel Medvedev.

While Murray lost 6-4 6-4 to the Russian third seed, he will take pride in overcoming four three-set matches and eight match points en route to the final in Doha.

His semi-final performance against Jiri Lehecka may likely give him the momentum he needs to produce a vintage showing in this week's Indian Wells.