Murray makes his 2011 Japan Open debut on Wednesday

Murray makes his 2011 Japan Open debut on Wednesday Scotland’s Andy Murray will take on Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in an intriguing first round matchup.

Andy Murray vs. Marcos Baghdatis

Andy Murray has a shockingly poor record over world No. 54 Marcos Baghdatis. The Cyrpriot has a 3-1 advantage over Murray, with the latest win going to Baghdatis this year in Rotterdam.

Baghdatis did not have a good showing at the US Open or Metz but he had a fantastic run in Kuala Lumpur, where he made the final, losing to Janko Tipsarevic. His confidence is likely to be sky-high and his winning record over Murray ought to ensure that this will be a great match.

Murray went one better than Baghdatis in Bangkok, taking the title over American Donald Young. The Scot has the added incentive this week of trying to overtake Roger Federer at the No. 3 spot.

David Ferrer vs. Matthew Ebden

David Ferrer’s match against Australia’s Matthew Ebden should prove to be a straightfoward affair for the Spaniard. Ebden is ranked 137th in the world, and he was knocked out of Kuala Lumpur last week in the first round by Belgian David goffin, who sits at 276th in the world.

Ferrer and his world-class return game should make short work of Ebden. Ferrer in straight sets.