Murray: I’ve got to improve
BRITISH No1 Andy Murray insists an end to his grand slam drought is in sight despite Saturday’s US Open semi-final defeat at the hands of his nemesis Rafael Nadal.
The Spaniard had already ended Murray’s dreams of glory at the semi-final stage of the French Open and Wimbledon this year and inflicted more misery on the 24-year-old in the shape of his four set victory on Saturday night.
Murray’s consistency at the big four events is worthy of significant praise, but the Scot acknowledged he must improve if his career is not to be ultimately defined by a failure to win one of tennis’ biggest prizes.
“Winning a grand slam is something I want to try and achieve but, if you want to judge someone’s whole career based purely on slams, I would have had a terrible career,” he said.
“But I don’t really feel like I have. There have been other things I’ve done well, and I’ve still got hopefully three or four more years where I’m playing at my peak.
“I need to stay healthy and improve, because if I don’t then it’s going to be difficult to win one. But if I do, then I’m getting a little bit closer each year. This year was the best year for me in the slams.”
Nadal, who faces Novak Djokovic in tonight’s final after the Serb came from two sets down and survived two match points to oust Roger Federer, firmly believes Murray (left) will finish his career with at least one grand slam title.
He said: “I think if one player deserves to win a grand slam, Andy is the one. I seriously believe he’s going to do it, and I really wish him all the best.”
There was some joy for British tennis last night, however, in the form of Oliver Golding’s win the final of the boys singles. The 17-year-old from London came from a set down to triumph 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 against the top seed Jiri Vesely from the Czech Republic.