British doubles player Ross Hutchins has warned friend Andy Murray that facing Fernando Verdasco will not be easy.
The players meet in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon on Wednesday with the Scot holding an 8-1 victory record over the Spaniard, but SW19 marks the first occasion in which they clash on grass.
While he still backs Murray for the win, Hutchins admits that the world number two must be wary of a rejuvenated Verdasco.
"Verdasco changed coaches earlier this year - he's now working with Richie Sanchez, who is very experienced - and that seems to have not only brought the fire back but a clear plan as well," Hutchins told BBC Sport. "He also changed racquets last week and he's hitting the ball well.
"It won't be easy but Andy has a very good record against Verdasco and he normally enjoys facing left-handers. He's playing fantastic tennis and goes in as the favourite. I think he'll move Verdasco around too much, exploit his backhand and come out on top.
"A lot will depend on how Verdasco serves because he'll need to get free points if he wants to mount a serious challenge. He went through a phase of taking a lot of pace off his delivery and trying to use more spin, but he's starting to hit it big again."
Murray will attempt to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for a fifth consecutive year going into the match.
Matt Cotton
