Federer v Murray - tomorrow

Sounds terrible but I can't remember ever getting excited about the Dubai Open before. But tomorrow is a different matter as we have Federer v Murray in round one.

Both players had disappointing defeats at the Aussie Open and both will have a point to prove. Should be a fascinating encounter.

Federer hasn't played since losing to Djokovic in the Semi in Melbourne so the question is will he enter the tournament under prepared or in tip top condition after 6 weeks of training?

He'd never admit it - perhaps not event to himself - but Murray in the first round is not how we would have wanted to ease himself in after a 6 week break.

If you had to call it you'd still fancy Federer to win but Murray has nothing to lose and nothing to fear - when they last met in Cincinnati in 2006 Murray caught Federer on a bad day and took full advantage winning 5 & 4. This should hopefully give him the confidence to take the game to Federer tomorrow night.

Looking at the rest of the draw it is a stong field and there are a number of potentially great matches, including a contest between the power of Tursunov and the guile of Gasquet in round 1; Djokovic v Cilic in round 1, with the winner taking on either Youzhny or Santoro in round 2; and Nadal - Roddick in the quarter final.

Should be a good week.