Wimbledon 2014: Andy Murray v Kevin Anderson match preview

A look ahead to the fourth-round match in the men’s singles

Andy Murray in action during his victory over Roberto Bautista (GETTY IMAGES)

Britain’s pride and hope, Andy Murray, remains a major contender for the title as he enters the second week of the competition facing Kevin Anderson of South Africa.

LIVE: The latest news from Murray vs Anderson

Coming into the tournament on the back of a lacklustre Queen’s title defence, falling at the second hurdle to Radek Stepanek, Murray may have been expected to bow out early; however, that is not the case. The Brit, who is seeded third in the tournament, has raced through his first three round encounters without dropping a set. Placing him in an excellent place to defend his Wimbledon crown.

Anderson, the 6ft 8in South African giant, has recently been in the best form of his career, leaping up the table to reach his highest ranking of 18 in March 2014. After suffering a back problem due to nervousness in his third round encounter with Fabio Fognini, it looks like Anderson will have a tough struggle to keep Murray at bay.

What could also work against Anderson is his gruelling five set encounter with Fognini, with Murray racing through his matches, fatigue may play an important factor in deciding who progresses to the next round.

If Murray wins against Anderson he will extend his winning run to 17 at the All England Club, and take one step closer to becoming the first Brit to successfully defend a Wimbledon Championship since Fred Perry in 1936.

For Anderson a win would mean a quarter-final debut at any major tournament.

Start: Monday, Centre Court, second match of the day

PAST MEETINGS:

2011- Montreal Masters (Hard), Anderson won 6-3, 6-1

2010- Australian Open (Hard) Murray won 6-1, 6-1, 6-2

STATS:

Murray is 6’3” (190cm) tall, Anderson 6’8” (203cm)

Murray has dropped only 19 games in his first three matches, while his next opponent 48.

Anderson will advance to his first Grand Slam quarter-final if he wins. For Murray it would be his 20.

ODDS:

Murray to win 1.06

Anderson to win 17

TV: BBC ONE