Murray says he’s too hot to handle in stifling New York
ANDY MURRAY insists the soaring New York heat will not stand in the way of his bid to break his Grand Slam duck at the US?Open.
The British No1 kicks off his Flushing Meadows campaign against Slovakian Lukas Lacko in a match which has now been put back until tomorrow.
Temperatures in New York are currently in the early 90s, while a swirling wind – stemming from Hurricane Earl – is also expected to play havoc on the Arthur Ashe court.
But despite clearly struggling in the intense heat during his quarter-final exit to Mardy Fish in the Cincinatti Masters in his last tournament, Murray says he is comfortable with the conditions.
“The hotter the better!” joked the Scot, who lost to Roger Federer in the 2008 final. “I spend a lot of time training in Miami to get used to the conditions, so I don’t mind what heat it is.”
As for the wind, Murray added: “It’s tough. On Ashe during the day sessions is normally pretty difficult but it’s the same for everyone and I’ve played there enough times.”
Having beaten both Federer and world No1 Rafael Nadal to win the Rogers Cup in Toronto a fortnight ago, Murray believes he is as close as ever to becoming the first British man to win a Grand Slam title in 74 years.
“I feel good,” the fourth seed added. “I’ve had a good few weeks so in terms of match fitness I feel good.
“I always enjoying playing here, New York is obviously a fun city to come to. I’ve been here a week now and I feel good.”