ANDY Murray is confident an on-court analysis of Karol Beck will be sufficient when they meet today in the first round of the Australian Open.

Murray has never faced the 28-year-old Slovakian on the ATP Tour but dismissed the idea of asking around for advice and will instead work out the best method for victory when the contest gets under way.

‘‘I haven’t spoken to anyone that has played him,’’ he said. ‘‘I haven’t practised with him either.

‘‘It will be one of those matches where you don’t really know your opponent particularly well.

‘‘I will have to work a few things out when I am on court.’’ Beck, banned for two years for taking performanceenhancing drugs five years ago, is unlikely to have the tools to trouble the British number one.

The Zvolen-born righthander reached a career high of 36 in the world in 2005 but is now down at 101.

His grand slam record is equally modest with his best result a run to the last 16 at the 2004 US Open.

It all points to a straightforward opening encounter for Murray but the world No 5 is not expecting an easy ride with the match scheduled for third on the Hisense Arena.

The Scot said: ‘‘He’s been around a long time and I think he plays like a lot of the Slovak, Czech players – he is a very flat hitter of the ball.

‘‘He’s very talented and has been a good player in the past.

“He had some problems off the court a few years ago but he’s obviously got a lot of experience so it will be a tough match.’’