Eurosport - Fri, 29 Aug 23:56:00 2008
Britain's Andy Murray marched into the second round of the U.S. Open and then said he felt his hard work off the court had made him a genuine threat to win his first grand-slam title.
The Scot, seeded sixth, was in dominant form as he cruised past Argentine Sergio Roitman 6-3 6-4 6-0 to set up a match with Frenchman Michael Llodra.
At the end of last year, Murray went to Florida in the off-season and increased the intensity of his training, working hard in the gym to lift his fitness levels.
The work has already paid off with three titles in 2008, including his first Masters Series crown in Cincinnati last month.
His victory over world number three Novak Djokovic, in the Cincinnati final, was his second over the Serb in successive weeks, having lost the first four matches against him.
"I think a lot of things go into having the ability to win a slam," Murray said.
"Talent gets you to a certain level and then the hard work starts to kick in, and if you're not putting in the hard work, you're not going to get the opportunities to win a grand slam.
"I've really stepped up my work load off the court and started travelling with a fitness trainer. I think that's the big difference in my game and the reason why I have the potential to come through and win a slam."
Roger Federer's relative slump this year - the former world number one has not won a grand-slam title for the first time since 2002 - has left the men's event far more open than in recent years.
Nadal, Djokovic and Murray are the leading challengers to take the U.S. Open crown from Federer and the Scot said more players now believed the Swiss could be beaten.
"I think even though Federer was still the favourite for Wimbledon, there were still guys that had a chance of doing some damage there," Murray said.
"I think it's really exciting for tennis. There's obviously quite a few guys that have the potential to win it.
"I'd still say Federer is one of the favourites but, in terms of being unbeatable, I think that's a mindset that isn't great if you're going on the court believing that you can't win against someone.
"I think it's taken a few of the top guys to see Federer lose to lower-ranked players to start believing they can win against him."
"I still think Federer is playing great tennis, but the mindset of the other players has changed because he's lost more this year than he has in the past."
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murray the british bulldog.
reply for rossi, dont want to start the big scotland v england argument but show a little respect! Chris Hoy was fairly succesful at the recent olympics and in regards to monty although he is now passed his best and never won a major he is the most successful ever ryder cup player where i am sure you supported him. The england football team hardly flies the flag these days! love him or hate him murray can play tennis.
The last point was pretty cool. Not just anybody can do that. Love him, hate him or don't really care, the boy's got a fair bit of tennis to be going on with. CHEERS
Murray will win this years US Open, the premier tennis major of the year. Played in the biggest arena in front of the most knowledgable crowds.
murrays a supperstar he came out of no where when everyone was cheering on tim everyone expects him to win id like to see use out on the court sweating it out rather then sit and watch and critise
He said for one or two months in an interview that the US Open is the Grand Slam Turnament he prefers.
Murray doesnt have enough endurance to resist whole grand slam tournament he'll be out in quarters
This is a Grand Slam that he can win. Go, Andy!
My god your like women arguing over Eastenders and tins of beans in a supermarket lets hope Scotland does get independence so we don't have to support the sponges any more apart from Andy Murray what other truelly recognized Sportsman do they have Monty? what a joke. DC? likewise if it wasn't for money from the LTA murray would be nothing like all the other Scottish(sorry forgot Curling Whoops) i like Andy he has some spirit and hopes he does well just a shame he's a Jock.
I personnaly don't care with nationalities of players. I'm French, and I like Murray - more than Paul-Henri Mathieu for example.
I don't get everyones problem with Murray's Nationality, there is no doubt about he is British, since Scottish, English, Welsh and N.Irish are not Nationalities, you cant be a registered citizen in these "countries". When Scotland decides to break away from the UK then there will be a Scottish nationality.
The other thing that annoys me with the british media, is that when he's playing well he's known as "Britain's Andy Murray" when he loses a game he's "Scotland Andy Murray"
I didn't ever see Murray play. I've heard that the way he plays is quite original, I will try to watche a game of him during this US Open
It would be a Murray Vs roger final with Murray winning in four sets at the maximum.
Murray is almost a complete player but the difference with Nadal, Federer and Djokovic is that they are constant, whereas Murray not. He can play absolutely beautifully and the next day can be a nightmare. So he has to raise the mental side of the game. The physical side will follow.
Andy
That is actually a user name but that aside people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones..."galbraith." HA!
To Mark Bennett: Nothing against the Union Jack in principal, but whether he is funded by the British, Chinese or the Martians he is still Scottish. By this manner perhaps Chzelski should fly the Russian flag! Point taken though. As for Mike Cunn, he should be careful with name calling considering his own unfortunate name!!!!
Galbraith Andy - Agree on the England flag, but your attitude towards the british flag is a bit sad. He's been funded by the LTA (British money) to get where he is today.
Isnt it strange how Murray only puts the effort in when theres a big prize pot full of dollars... he'll lose again anyway!!
unlike you mike.cunn who takes it up the a$$
Good win Murray. Should win Round 2 & 3 now with ease then it will get a little more difficult.
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