Murray returns to action after Australian lay-up

The British No 1 has taken almost a month off following his exertions in Melbourne, where he lost to Roger Federer in the showpiece.

He opted not to defend his title in Rotterdam – which cost him his world No 3 ranking – and then pulled out of last week's event in Marseille, much to the displeasure of the tournament organisers.

But Murray felt it was important to fully recharge his batteries and is now ready to return to the court.

"This is a tournament where I feel very comfortable and, apart from last year's quarter-final, when I unfortunately got sick and had to pull out, I think I've always played good tennis," he said.

"We are obviously obligated to play the four grand slams and eight Masters 1,000 Series events but, alongside Queen's Club in London, I think Dubai is my favourite event to play where I have the choice.

"Everything seems to suit me here and the way I'm feeling just now, well rested and very relaxed, I'm very confident.

"I have had a lot of time to think since Australia and I've worked a few things out in my mind. I have not really done very much at all on the practice court and I've spent most of my time just relaxing and taking in a few football matches.

"Now I'm raring to go again but, after all the hard physical work I did in December and then playing the Hopman Cup in Perth before preparing for the Australian Open, I think it was important to get good rest."

And Murray should be eased back in gently in the United Arab Emirates against qualifier Kunitsyn.

The pair have never met before but the Russian is ranked a lowly 90th in the world and has only won one main-draw match so far this season.

In the second round Murray would face either Andreas Seppi or Janko Tipsarevic while seventh seed Mikhail Youzhny is his scheduled quarter-final opponent.

The Scot was due to be in the same half of the draw as Roger Federer but the world No 1 withdrew through illness yesterday so instead a semi-final rematch with Croatian Marin Cilic beckons.

It was Cilic who Murray overcame in four memorable sets to reach the Australian Open final.

"I can't play, it's too risky," said Federer. "It's a lung infection. It's the first time I've had it. The breathing was difficult. I'm still very tired and a bit slow with everything.

"Indian Wells, I hope to be back. Right now, there's no guarantee. I will do tests and see what the doctors say."

The other half looks stronger, with second seed Novak Djokovic, Nikolay Davydenko and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga all competing for the final spot.

Murray has reached the quarter-finals on both his previous appearances in Dubai, losing to Davydenko in 2008 and then having to forfeit his match against Richard Gasquet last year because of illness.

The 22-year-old will also be hoping to regain the No 3 ranking this week. He goes into the tournament only 70 points behind Rafael Nadal, who is not competing because of injury.

Top seed Maria Sharapova lost only three games on her way to the WTA Cellular South Cup title in Memphis.

The 22-year-old Russian defeated Swedish qualifier Sofia Arvidsson 6-2 6-1 to secure a 21st Tour crown in impressive style.

Sharapova, competing in her first tournament since losing in the first round of the Australian Open last month, did not drop a set throughout the event.

"I feel great. I came here for matches – I got five and I got the win, so it was a good week," she said.

"I served and returned well – two things that are very important indoors.

"I also did the right things against Sofia. I worked hard after the Australian Open and little by little things are coming along."