Murray ready for revenge on Verdasco

BRITAIN'S No.1 Andy Murray insists he has put his Australian Open nightmare behind him as he prepares for a quarter-final clash in Miami with Fernando Verdasco - the man who sent him packing in Melbourne.

MAN ON A MISSION: Andy Murray insists he is ready to take revenge on Fernando Verdasco (Getty Images)

The 21-year-old went into the Australian Open as one of the favourites, having beaten both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in Rafael Nadal in the preceding tournaments.

Verdasco, a 25-year-old left-handed powerhouse from Spain, had other ideas however and eliminated the Scot in the last 16.

But Murray, who was suffering from illness when he crashed 2-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Verdasco, believes his superior record against the Spaniard should speak for itself.  

"I've played him six times, I've won five so what do I have to fear," he said. "The last time he obviously played a very good match.

"Whoever I play against I never really think about the previous matches, on the day it doesn't make a difference.

"That's why tennis is so good - before Australia I'd won five times in a row against him and he beat me there.

"He's playing very well just now. He's a tough player, a lefty and hits the ball big so it will be a tough match."