Next year crucial for Murray – Agassi

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:52

Agassi tipped the current world number three to triumph at Wimbledon and the US Open earlier this year and was surprised the 22-year-old was unable to win his maiden grand slam at SW19 or Flushing Meadows.

“This is going to be a crucial time in his career and I predict the next year will determine his career one way or another,” said Agassi. “He has a lot of reasons, motivations and skills that can help him to accomplish a great deal, but he has to be willing to push to get over the next hump. Do I think he can do it? Absolutely. Do I expect him to do it? I really do.”

He added: “When I look at his game compared to the other players, he has what it takes to win and to win against anybody on any surface.

“(Rafael) Nadal has the advantage on the clay if he is healthy. But Murray, I don’t favour anybody over him on any surface at any time if he brings to the table all he can.”

Agassi was speaking from New York ahead of an exhibition match against Pete Sampras at The Venetian Macao Tennis Showdown on October 25.

It will be the first meeting between the two since the 2002 US Open final, which was won by Sampras in his last ATP Tour singles match.

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