Federer to face Murray in tough Dubai first round

By Barry Wood

DUBAI (Reuters) - Roger Federer and Andy Murray will both be under pressure when they face each other in the first round of the Dubai Championships on Monday.

Federer has not played since his defeat by eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open more than a month ago and Murray must face the world number one after changing from indoor events in Europe to the outdoor heat of Dubai.

With eight of the top 10 competing, 2007 Dubai runner-up and world number 11 Mikhail Youzhny, and number 12 Murray are both unseeded.

Briton Murray was typically low-key when he learned of his draw.

"I was sleeping when the draw was done and then I got a text message. I looked at the message and went back to sleep," said Murray, who pulled out of last month's Davis Cup first-round tie against Argentina with a knee injury.

"I wasn't panicking or worrying about it. It's a tough draw, but I'm really excited to have a chance to play against Federer. It's not that often you get the chance to play against someone who could possibly be the best tennis player ever.

"In terms of ranking, for both of us we couldn't have had worse draws. For me it's an important match to see where my game's at and to see how my game matches up against the best player in the world.

"It's going to be a really difficult match for me but I need to go on the court believing I can win and we'll see what happens."