Murray is dropping all the way down to the Challenger degree this week in a bid to get some victories on the clay. The world No 52 took a wildcard into the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole following first-round exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid.

But the extent of his opponents gained’t get any simpler because the fifth seed will face fellow wildcard Monfils on Wednesday. The former world No 6 is constant his comeback from an harm, which has seen his rating tumble outdoors of the highest 300.

As properly as being a prime participant in his prime, Monfils can be one in all Murray’s associates on the tour. And days earlier than they have been drawn to face one another in Aix-en-Provence, the Brit confirmed off their friendship by selecting the 36-year-old throughout a Q&A.

Murray appeared on the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast over the weekend the place he answered some fan questions, together with one asking which fellow professional he would wish to be a part of him on a abandoned island. “I’d need someone resourceful to get me off the island but also I’d want someone to keep me entertained as well so I’m going to go with Gael Monfils,” he responded.

“He’s a fun guy to be around. Always entertaining, so I’ll take him.” The pair should put their friendship to at least one aspect after they face off on the Challenger occasion, in what will likely be their first assembly since 2014.