Murray gunning for grand slam success

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:10

The 21-year-old world number four enjoyed his most successful season to date this year, winning five ATP titles and reaching the final of the US Open.

The Scot is now determined to become the first British male to land a grand slam singles crown since Fred Perry in 1936, and told BBC Sport: “I feel like I’m much closer to winning a grand slam now than I was. I always dreamt of winning one, but you don’t believe it until you get very close, like I did in the US Open.”

Murray’s maiden grand slam final appearance helped propel him up the rankings, along with ATP Masters victories in Cincinnati and Madrid.

Despite his defeat to Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows, the Dunblane-born player took heart from his performances and is convinced he can go one better next year.

“That gave me the confidence to go on the run that I have,” he said. “It’s made me much more motivated to work hard this off-season to give me the best chance of doing it next year.

“I think it’s do-able, but it’s going to be very hard – there’s no getting away from that – but I think that I’ve got a chance of doing it. I’ll be giving it my best shot.”

Murray credited his most productive year to his controversial change of coaches.

The Scot chose to work with a training team of fitness experts Jez Green and Matt Little and former Davis Cup player Miles Maclagan after parting company with American coach Brad Gilbert in November 2007.

Murray said: “The physical side has been the most important thing and, from that, my serve’s been more consistent, my ground strokes have been a little bit harder and I’ve been able to last longer in matches.”

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