Sampras backs Murray to win a grand slam

 

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

Murray, 22, has been out of action since taking part in Britain’s Davis Cup loss to Poland in Liverpool last month while carrying a wrist injury, and Sampras said: “He plays a game that takes a lot of work on the body and I know he works hard off the court. But I think if he is smart with his injuries and recovers and doesn’t play and make them worse, he will be fine.”

The American, who won his first grand slam at the age of 19 and 14 in all, believes Murray’s first major victory will not be far off, adding: “He is in a fishbowl in the UK with all the expectations and pressure, it is not easy to deal with, but he is a great player and he is on the verge of really being a dominant player. He has many years to improve and learn and he will break through and win a couple of majors.”

Another player looking to get back to his best following injury problems is Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard returned to the circuit in September following a four-month lay-off due to knee and abdominal injuries and was denied his first tournament victory since April when he lost to Nikolay Davydenko in the final of Shanghai Masters on Sunday.

Sampras is confident Nadal’s recent injuries will not affect his place near the top of the rankings.

“He’s going to be around in the top two or three in the world for as long as he wants to be,” he said.

“He’s a great athlete and a great player. He’s going to go through different lulls in his game but when push comes to shove, you’re always going to see Rafa in the last couple of days of the event.”

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