British number one Andy Murray will face Andreas Seppi in his third-round encounter on Saturday. Here’s our seven-point guide to the Italian.
1. He’s got form against the top seeds
Seppi beat world number two Roger Federer in four sets in the Australian Open third round in January. It was his first win over a top-10 ranked player since he beat Rafael Nadal in 2008.
2. Seppi likes playing on grass
Seppi has enjoyed victory in 50 of his 83 matches on grass, which is better than his record on any other surface.
3. He’s Murray’s kind of player
Like Murray, Seppi has won 100% of the points he has served and volleyed at Wimbledon this year. Seppi has the third highest percentage of points won at the net, while Murray is sixth.
4. He beat a Brit last year
Last year, Seppi helped Italy reach the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time in 16 years with a victory over James Ward in a decisive fifth rubber against Great Britain. Italy lost in the semi-finals to Switzerland.
5. Seppi’s idol never won Wimbledon
Seppi’s idol growing up was Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Kafelnikov won two grand slam titles but never made it past the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.
6. Seppi has language skillz
Despite being born and living in Italy, Seppi’s native tongue is German. He also speaks Italian and English.
7. Instead of Judy…
Seppi’s mother Marialuise works in a sports shop and his father Hugo works in transport. He has one younger sister called Maria.
Game on!
Source: SNAPPA
