Murray to showcase major credentials

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:56

The British number one has won six tournaments this year – more than anyone else on the ATP Tour – but his failure to triumph at one of the four majors continues to hang over him.

And Murray, who will take on Juan Martin del Potro in Sunday’s opener at the O2 Arena in London, said: “This tournament is just behind the grand slams, because you have to win five matches or four matches against the top players in the world.”

He added: “You might even have to beat the number one or number two in the world twice to win the event so it’s not quite the same as a grand slam but it’s a huge, huge tournament.

“Everyone views it a little bit differently but I still believe that I have a few chances, maybe one or two more chances, to win a grand slam.

“For me, the year’s been a successful one. For some people grand slams are the be-all and end-all. I want to win one, I’m trying my best to win one and I’ll work as hard as I can.

“I feel like I’m getting closer than I was a couple of years ago. I feel I’m a better player than last year. I had a few problems at the grand slams this year. The ones I didn’t do so well in, hopefully next year I’ll feel great going into all of them.

“My consistency this year has been superb. Physically I’ve felt like I’ve been a lot better this year.

“I’ve not had any real let-downs in any tournaments except in Rome – I’ve lost one first round the whole year, which is better than previous years.

“I’ve got a better record against all the top players this year so it’s been my best year on tour without question and hopefully next year will be better.”

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